101st Airborne Division
Fort Campbell, KY – Nearly 200 Soldiers consisting primarily of the 74th Composite Truck Company, 101st Sustainment Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, departed Fort Campbell Friday, September 14th, 2018 en route to North Carolina to assist in Hurricane Florence response and recovery efforts.
The “Screaming Eagle” Soldiers departed with almost 100 vehicles, consisting of heavy transport trucks and associated equipment, en route to Fort Bragg, NC. There, they will assist in DOD efforts supporting FEMA and other relief agencies. The 74 CTC’s current mission task is to provide sustainment and container movement, personnel movement, and any additional transportation tasking.
For some of the Soldiers, the mission has a personal meaning beyond just helping the American people. Pvt. Robert Demons, motor transport operator with 74th CTC, grew up in Charleston, South Carolina. His mother and extended family still live in the area.
“It feels great going back home to help the people,” said Demons. “I’m excited to go back as an Army Soldier and show my family what I’m doing for my country.”
Col. Joel Soenksen, 101st Sustainment Brigade rear-detachment commander explained that the needs of the mission were a perfect match for the 101st Sustainment Soldiers.
The mission of the 101st Airborne is to be ready to deploy at a moment’s notice, and be ready whenever and wherever the United States needs forces.
“I think it’s a great thing for us to be doing, we are the right people at the right time to do the right job,” said Soenksen. “I look forward to seeing the effects of [the Soldiers’] efforts.”
“These Soldiers are trained and ready, and I’m proud of their dedication toward this mission,” said Cooper. “It feels good to know we will be helping out people in need, especially as part of our Army mission.”
