E/82 Cavalry at workby 1LT Bailey on September 19, 2005 at 10:21 AMThe CAV is alive and well E/82 Cavalry in New OrleansThe members of E Troop, 82nd Cavalry are currently deployed in support of Joint Task Force Pontchartain in New Orleans, to deal with the aftermath of Katrina. The unit is also comprised of eleven members of F Troop. Morale is high, and the operation tempo is busy. E Troop has been assigned Ward 9 of New Orleans, which sustained some of the heaviest damage to be found throughout the city. This area is bordered by a shipping canal to the west, and the Mississippi River to the south. The cause for such extreme destruction is due to a levee wall along the canal that broke, filling most of the ward with twelve feet of water within a matter of minutes. The amount of rushing water was sufficient enough to float an enormous barge full of cargo out of the shipping canal and into the neighborhood. The flow of water was so extreme, it hurled cars end over end for several blocks, and leveled multi-story buildings. In many areas, the only remains of the buildings are the cement blocks they once stood on. One such residence was that of the legendary Fats Domino. Throughout the area, a thick, foul smelling sludge coats the roads and buildings. Numerous dogs and cats roamed the area until a few days ago, when animal shelter organizations began collecting and caring for the animals. The area has been searched for survivors, and constant patrols are tasked with preventing any further looting. To date, the task force has rescued 769 people in Katrina’s wake. The area is still without power or water, and it will take some time before these services are restored and the displaced persons can return. The scene here was incredible when E Troop first arrived. We were shocked by the complete devastation and destructive power of Katrina. Approximately 90 percent of the E Troop soldiers are combat veterans, having returned recently from a year of combat missions in Baghdad, Iraq. Even with that experience and exposure to destruction, what Katrina did to this area and its residents is overwhelming to many of the troopers. Many soldiers commented how much worse New Orleans looked than down-town Baghdad when we first rolled in. Amidst all of the destruction, there are still many positives the soldiers are experiencing. The troops are helping rescue orphaned animals, helping rescue the final holdouts in neighborhoods, and establishing security from looters. Power has been supplied to our living area with a generator, we recently received cots, and have hot meals available now. The troops are still eager to get out in the field and complete their daily missions, and comment on how much improvement they see from day to day. The few citizens we have come in contact with have really shown their appreciation, and you can tell it is definitely a heart-felt thank you. The way Katrina has affected New Orleans, as well as the soldiers here to help, will be long lasting. As one Trooper expressed: “This is a life changing experience. I am so grateful for what I have and my loved ones at home. I have seen a lot, done a lot of things, and been around the world……and then, there was Kate. I definitely have a deeper understanding and appreciation for what I have in life.” | 1LT BaileyTop Stories
By Andy Sullivan
NEW ORLEANS (Reuters) - Fast-rising water brought by the outer edge of Hurricane Rita spilled over a freshly patched levee in New Orleans on Friday and flooded a deserted neighborhood of the already devastated city.
Pack it up, move it out...Go, Go, Go!
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