Greenwood County Bounces Back Strongly Following Hurricane Helene

Greenwood County Rides the Waves of Recovery After Hurricane Helene

Good morning, Greenwood County! If you’ve peeked outside today, you’ll notice the abundant sunshine lighting up our beautiful town. It’s a very warm day with temperatures soaring to a high of 82°F and a gentle breeze blowing from the west-southwest at 5 to 10 mph. Who could have guessed that after the stormy chaos, we’d have such a peaceful and sun-filled sky, with a clear night forecasted to drop to a cool 61°F?

Braving the Storm for the Community

As you feel the warmth on your skin, let’s take a moment to reflect on the incredibly brave hearts among us—the members of the South Carolina National Guard who heroically stepped up following Hurricane Helene’s tumultuous arrival two weeks ago. Remember, our county was in a state of emergency, as declared on September 27, with thousands facing power outages, blocked roads, and essential supplies running thin.

Aiding in Times of Need

The storm had barely settled when 20 soldiers from Alpha Company, 151st Expeditionary Signal Battalion, 228th Signal Brigade of the South Carolina National Guard rushed to Greenwood County on October 3. Directed by the exceptional team leader Master Sgt. Ashley Hartin from the Greenwood County Courthouse, these dedicated soldiers distributed vital resources to those affected by the hurricane’s wrath.

With their presence in the community, our diligent servicemen tactfully engaged in various tasks—fielding calls from those seeking temporary housing, clearing blocked roads, directing traffic, and providing much-needed showers and water for livestock. The joy and relief they brought to the community showed through their substantial efforts.

Nourishing the Community’s Spirit

Amid their numerous tasks, these selfless soldiers handed out over 24,556 Meals Ready to Eat (MREs), 59,124 bottles of water, 10,100 bagged lunches, 50 boxes of groceries, and more—including comfort food like 500 hot meals and 350 sub sandwiches! These were distributed to energize not only the relief crews but also our residents.

A Heartwarming Community Moment

In Promise Land, a poignant moment unfolded when a local family arrived with puppies to express heartfelt thanks. This touching gesture boosted spirits and signified the community’s resilience and hope, affirming the belief that even in tough times, life, like those precious puppies, brings joy and healing.

Onwards After Hurricane Helene

Yesterday, with an inspiring update, Derek Oliver, Greenwood County director of emergency services, informed our close-knit community of a return to normal daily operations. Major roads have been cleared, and teams have removed over 150 roadblocks and 50 miles of obstructed roads. Thanks to this rapid recovery, the state of emergency has now been lifted.

The Journey Forward

Although the “Mission in Greenwood” wrapped up on Thursday, the efforts of Alpha Company and their local partners were pivotal in putting our cherished county back on its feet. The work is ongoing, but this collaboration marks a promising step in Greenwood County’s recovery journey.

It’s indeed a fortunate turn from the stormy nights to picturesque, clear days! Keep on shining, Greenwood County, and let’s continue supporting each other like only our community knows how.