Indiana National Guard Soldiers from the 1638th Transportation Company from Remington and Detachment 1, from Gary assist local first responders from the Monon and other Volunteer Fire Departments in a sandbagging mission at Lake Shafer in nearby Monticello February 13. The White County Emergency Management Agency called upon the Indiana National Guard for assistance as they lacked manpower to complete the mission. (Photo by: Spc. William E. Henry, Indiana National Guard)

Soldiers from 1638th Transportation Company from Remington and Detachment 1, from Gary along with the 1538th Transportation Company from Elkhart all came to assist in the efforts and filled about 9,000 sandbags by the end of the operation.

The sandbags will be used to help prevent further damage to homes in the area due to an ice blockage on a bridge causing water to continue to rise in the lake.

The White County Emergency Management Agency Deputy Director, Rose Brady, said they called on the Indiana National Guard for additional help.

“The only thing we can do is sandbag, that’s why the state activated the National Guard because we didn’t have the manpower to do it.”

She added that there are not enough words for people who volunteer their time to help prevent further damage to the homes in the communities across the state.

Resident Tim Dwier echoed Brady’s sentiments referring to the Indiana National Guard as an asset to Hoosiers.”

“I think its great the National Guard came to help. It’s a natural disaster and this area has been considered a disaster area.”

Corporal Duane Noe of the 1638th Transportation Company in Remington said he was happy to assist, despite the adverse weather conditions.

“It’s cold, but I enjoy helping the community, it’s good to give back. It’s nice to see everybody out here trying to give something back and do their part.”

Specialist Andre Dawson, of the Detachment 1, 1638th Transportation Company in Gary, had similar thoughts.

“I think it’s going to help the community whereas they are going to say that the National Guard, the town’s people and everybody came together. It will help to know that at least somebody came to their rescue.”