Michigan Army National Guard soldiers deploy to South Carolina to aid hurricane victims

LANSING — About 40 soldiers assigned to the Michigan Army National Guard's 1436th Engineer Company, 507th Engineer Battalion, based out of Montague, will mobilize to South Carolina to help impacted communities in the wake of Hurricane Helene, it was announced Friday.

As part of the ongoing emergency response mission to support areas impacted by severe flooding, the Michigan Army National Guard Soldiers will assist federal and local authorities with debris removal and road clearing.

"Michiganders are tough and we always help those in need," said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. "Members of our Michigan National Guard and Michigan Task Force 1 Swiftwater Team are risking their own lives to save others, honoring their duty and living up to the values that best define who we are. I hope they carry out the mission successfully and get home safe as soon as possible. Let's keep helping each other."

"Part of our mission is disaster response and we train to be ready to support our communities across Michigan during times of need and to answer the call from other communities when facing natural disasters," said First Lieutenant Brock Cristal, executive officer for the 1436th Engineer Company. "Our focus in South Carolina will be to help clear roadways and areas overcome by debris so that members of these communities can more readily receive the support they desperately need."