Oklahoma National Guard Helping With Recovery Efforts In Louisiana

Many in Louisiana are still without power and working to repair widespread damage after Hurricane Ida.

The Oklahoma National Guard has deployed nearly 500 members to help.

"I joined the guard to help out the community, and serve our people, this is not Oklahoma, but these are our people, Louisiana just right around the corner," said Chief Warren Higginbotham.

The National Guard members arrived just outside Baton Rouge on Friday.

Major Montana Dugger says many members had less than 48 hours notice before being deployed, but they are glad to be there helping.

"It just means a lot to be asked to be down here, being a part of the guard, that's our main mission, to help others," he said.

They will be setting up PODS, or points of distribution, throughout southern Louisiana.

They will be passing out things like food, water, and tools to those who need them.

Dugger says a deployment like this is hard work.

"Generators, or haul assets to move water or food it's just a really large muscle to move, and it takes detailed planning to make sure we get the right things here on time," he said.

Major General Mike Thompson says members from Louisiana have been to help when Oklahoma needed it, and they are glad to return the favor.

"When we were in need in Oklahoma, people came to our aide, and when people need us and need help in Louisiana, we wanted to be there for our neighbors as well," he said.

Oklahoma is one of 11 states who has sent National Guard members to Louisiana.