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Missouri National Guardsmen rescue family from flooding home
Members of the Missouri Army National Guard use a modified cargo truck, known as the load handling system vehicle, to drive up to Ben Gibson's home July 11 after the Wakenda Levee breached. Shanna Carson escorted the guardsmen to the home. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Robert Haaf.)
By Capt. Michelle Matthews
Ngmo.pao@us.army.mil
CARROLL COUNTY, Mo. - It was 3 a.m. and the sound of the bubbling water echoed throughout the house. Within an hour an inch of water had filled the basement. In the next couple of hours that small amount of water had risen to 15 inches, the homeowner recounted.
In a hurry, the homeowner grabbed the keys to his truck and ran out the door. As he attempted to move his truck and trailer to higher ground, he realized he was stuck, surrounded by mud and water, and in desperate need of help.
This is what Ben Gibson and his son Thomas experienced July 11 after the Wakenda Levee broke.
"I woke up in a panic and did not know what to do first," said Gibson.
In quick need of assistance Gibson called Carroll County Sheriff, Troy Hofstetter.
After receiving the call, Hofstetter contacted the Missouri Army National Guard 311th Brigade Support Battalion and within minutes help was on the way.
Sgt. 1st Class Robert Haaf, 548th Transportation Company, and Sgt. 1st Class Kennett Zeller, Company B, 311th Brigade Support Battalion, responded to the call without hesitation. As they drove up in their Humvee they noticed the unsafe water level and immediately realized they would need a bigger vehicle.
"I was anxious because I did not think we could get through, but once we got the right vehicle we were able to rescue the Family," explained Zeller.
The unit brought in a modified cargo truck, known as the load handling system vehicle, to battle the waters.
Those rescued from the home were Gibson, and his son Thomas, their pet goat "Cygoat," the truck and the trailer. All were brought to a much safer and drier place.
"I am so thankful for the Missouri Army National Guard," Gibson said. "It would have been a disaster if they didn't. No one else could get there and the National Guard came and rescued us."
Missouri National Guardsmen rescue family from flooding home pictures:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/missouriguard/5929768757/in/set-72157626943574236/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/missouriguard/5929768847/in/set-72157626943574236/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/missouriguard/5929768909/in/set-72157626943574236/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/missouriguard/5929768957/in/set-72157626943574236/
Flood Photos:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/missouriguard/sets/72157626943574236/
For more information about the Missouri National Guard, please visit www.moguard.com and our social media sites: www.facebook.com/Missouri.National.Guard; www.twitter.com/Missouri_NG; www.youtube.com/MoNationalGuard; www.myspace.com/missouri_ng; www.flickr.com/photos/missouriguard; www.blog.moguard.com
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