Neighbors helping neighbors
Local citizens warm Soldiers hearts, stomachs
By Spc. Tarell J. Bilbo
241st Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
NEW ORLEANS Louisiana National Guardsmen have been operating across the state, in support of state and local agencies, to protect homes, schools, and businesses from possible flooding due to record-high water levels in the Mississippi River.
In Krotz Springs, a group of citizens have banded together and found a way to express their appreciation for what the LANG is doing to protect their community.
Were a small town, and we all stick together, said Lester L. Reed Sr., a resident of Krotz Springs. Were all one big family, and were blessed to have the Louisiana National Guard here to help us.
Reed and other residents prepared meals and drinks for the Guardsmen working in the area, fortifying levees and building HESCO barriers. The meals, which consisted of Jambalaya, beans and cake were delivered to the Soldiers work sites.
We want to help out in any way that we can, said Reed. My son serves in the Guard, so I feel a connection with the Soldiers here.
The excitement could be seen on the Soldiers faces as they lined up to receive their plates of food.
Any meal we get thats hot is a blessing, said Cpt. John A. Carmouche, logistics officer with the 139th Regional Support Group. The Soldiers are greatly appreciative of it.
Seeing those smiles on the [Guardsmens] faces is very comforting, said Reed.
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Cutlines:
110518-A-2398B-028, 034
KROTZ SPRINGS, La. Lester L. Reed Sr., resident of Krotz Springs, La., fixes a plate of jambalaya to be distributed as part of a meal for the Louisiana National Guardsmen working in the community, May 19. Residents of Krotz Springs prepared meals for the Soldiers as a token of appreciation for their efforts in fortifying the towns levees. (U.S. Army Photo by Spc. Tarell J. Bilbo, 241st Mobile Public Affairs Detachment / Released)
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KROTZ SPRINGS, La. Residents of Krotz Springs, La., distribute plates of food, drinks and dessert to the Guardsmen working in the community, May 19. Residents prepared meals for the Soldiers as a token of appreciation for their efforts in fortifying the towns levees. (U.S. Army Photo by Spc. Tarell J. Bilbo, 241st Mobile Public Affairs Detachment / Released)
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KROTZ SPRINGS, La. Lester L. Reed Sr., resident of Krotz Springs, La., shakes hands with members of the Louisiana National Guard as meals are being handed to them, May 19. The residents of Krotz Springs prepared meals for the Soldiers as a token of appreciation for their efforts in fortifying the towns levees. (U.S. Army Photo by Spc. Tarell J. Bilbo, 241st Mobile Public Affairs Detachment / Released)
