Hundreds of soldiers from the Tennessee National Guard departed for a deployment to the Middle East while the state battled catastrophic flooding from Hurricane Helene.
“More than 700 Soldiers from the Tennessee Army National Guard’s 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment are departing Saturday, September 28, on the first leg of a year-long deployment to the Middle East,” the Tennessee Department of Military stated.
“A third of the state is currently underwater. Why are they being shipped overseas instead of being deployed to help their own people?” Sean Davis, CEO of The Federalist, wrote.
A third of the state is currently underwater. Why are they being shipped overseas instead of being deployed to help their own people? https://t.co/d0IfpRCjZN
— Sean Davis (@seanmdav) September 29, 2024
From the Tennessee Department of Military:
The Task Force, comprised primarily of Soldiers from the 278th’s 2nd Squadron, will initially deploy to Fort Bliss, Texas, for a few weeks of additional deployment training before flying to Kuwait.
“Our servicemembers have spent the last year conducting rigorous training and preparing to deploy in support of Operation Spartan Shield,” said Lt. Col. Jason Tomberlin, commander of the Task Force. “As an extremely formidable force of deterrence in the Middle East, we will accomplish our mission with dignity and honor, and look forward to returning home when our job is complete.”
Operation Spartan Shield builds partnerships in the Middle East to promote regional self-reliance and increase security. As a part of U.S. Central Command, the Tennessee Soldiers will assist maintaining a military posture in the region, help strengthen defense relationships, and serve as an enhanced force throughout the area.
ADVERTISEMENTPrior to departing Tennessee, Task Force units in Cookeville, Crossville, Gordonsville, and Morrison will hold departure ceremonies for the Soldiers where families and friends can honor them for their service.
Just in case anyone was wondering what the Tennessee National Guard is doing during Helene’s destruction — over 700 soldiers are being deployed to the Middle East while people drown and their homes are swept away: pic.twitter.com/qAQ1wjlBac
— Olivia Rondeau
(@rondeaulivia) September 29, 2024
Does this bother anyone else?
700 members of the Tennessee National guard were deployed yesterday to the Middle East!
I know this has been planned, but for mercy sakes, has our US/Tennessee government noticed that Tennessee is in crisis?
Postpone their deployment until our… pic.twitter.com/PC7gnHPAu5
— Jennifer Coffindaffer (@CoffindafferFBI) September 29, 2024
WATCH:
Per WSMV 4:
A team of Middle Tennessee first responders are headed to Erwin, Tennessee in Unicoi County to assist in search efforts after Helene caused catastrophic flooding in East Tennessee.
More than 30 people are missing and a total of four deaths have been reported in East Tennessee.
The Tennessee Department of Health confirmed that two weather-related deaths were out of Johnson and Unicoi Counties.
A search and rescue team consisting of Maury County, Columbia, Spring Hill, Mt. Pleasant, and Lawrence County first responders left Sunday night.
ADVERTISEMENTThe Maury County Fire Department said due to the amount of infrastructure damage in Unicoi County, food is being airdropped to flooding victims that are stranded in the region.
14 state bridges are closed, with five being gone.
27 sections of TDOT roadways are closed.
09/29 5pm (EDT)/ 4pm (CDT) Update:
– TDOT has inspected over 100 bridges in the last 36 hours, with hundreds more to go.
-27 sections of TDOT roadways are closed
-14 state bridges are closed, 5 are gone
-Debris clearing and removal is ongoing pic.twitter.com/GfDQR3Nx7C— myTDOT (@myTDOT) September 29, 2024
“Watch a road bridge in East Tennessee collapse into a river. Known as Kisner Bridge on Highway 107 in the town of Afton, the bridge was no match for the powerful waters of the flooded Nolichucky River,” FOX Weather wrote.
WATCH:
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