Soldiers of the Louisiana National Guard head to Florida following Hurricane Ian
Soldiers with the Louisiana National Guard are joining the list of people offering help to areas hit hard by Ian.
A team of guardsmen and women left their camp in Slidell on Thursday afternoon, heading for Florida.
"We've been through several storms here in Louisiana, just a couple months ago. The same type of feeling that I have about my own family is the same way I feel about other people's families, especially in Florida. When it comes down to it, anybody going through a storm already knows the needs and the help that they're going to need," said Sgt. Eric Mitchell.
The team of nearly 60 men and women is traveling in about 30 tactical, high-water vehicles.
The convoy is heading first just south of Gainesville, where troops will find out exactly where they're needed most.
"Everything from rescuing, to delivering, hauling water to places, going from place to place," Mitchell said.
The national guardsmen and women aren't the only crews on the way to areas slammed by Ian. A team of fire marshal employees also left Slidell for Florida. They'll serve a more administrative role, helping manage activity.
For some, the mission is personal and a way to pay it forward — because they know just how much the help can be needed.
"I signed up right after Katrina, just because of Katrina, for the Louisiana National Guard is the reason why I signed up. Helping our neighbors in need in Florida is what we're here for," Mitchell said.