The Colorado National Guard mobilized more than 700 soldiers and airmen to assist in relief efforts brought on by extensive flooding that ravaged the state last week. The troops manned helicopters and high-mobility vehicles, combing the area for stranded citizens, provided traffic control, delivered supplies, and performed search-and-rescue missions throughout the area, particularly near hard-hit areas in and around Boulder. Missions were staged from the Colorado Guard’s Windsor Readiness Center, armories in Boulder, Denver and Fort Collins, and Buckley Air Force Base. State Guard units were joined in their efforts by units from the Wyoming National Guard and the Fort Carson, Colo.-based 4th Combat Aviation Brigade. By Sept. 16, the troops had rescued more than 2,400 people and hundreds of pets. At times, units were hindered – but not stopped – from performing their mission by the heavy rains and floodwaters. On Sept. 15, 16 Guard members in Centennial, Colo., found themselves stranded because of high water. Rather than wait and ride the storm out, they instead knocked on doors in the area in search of persons who might have needed their assistance. In time, they joined forces with state and local transportation officials to build a bridge and leave the area – after ensuring that the citizens they left behind were safe.
