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Helping Hands

More than just a fighting force, the Defense Department delivers health care, disaster relief and other support to people around the world in humanitarian missions every day.

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The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is using drone and LiDAR technology to support debris removal efforts following Hurricane Helene, Asheville, North Carolina, June 23, 2025. These innovative tools help crews locate debris, verify truck loads, and accelerate recovery while ensuring safety and accountability (U.S. Army video by Kaylee Wendt). Play
How Drones and LiDAR Are Reshaping Debris Removal
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How Drones and LiDAR Are Reshaping Debris Removal
Nicholas Chambers stands at the site where his childhood home once stood before it was destroyed by the Eaton Fire. While assisting with debris removal, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers contractors recovered his late father’s military medals from the ashes. Chambers, whose father was a Vietnam War Army veteran, was moved beyond words by the unexpected discovery. (Video & Photography by Marti Allen, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) USACE is actively working in partnership with Los Angeles County, CalOES, FEMA and other partners to support the Southern California wildfire recovery efforts. USACE currently has more than 450 personnel on site and around 3,000 contractors actively supporting our local, state and FEMA partners to support survivors impacted by the Palisades and Eaton fires Jan. 7. This includes engineers, debris removal crews, safety officers, quality assurance specialists and more from across the nation. Additionally, there are more than 200 crews working 12-hour days, seven days a week for the express purpose of removing debris to mitigate risk to public health, protecting the environment and speeding community recovery. Play
A Son's Silent Gratitude: Veteran's Medals Recovered After Fire
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A Son's Silent Gratitude: Veteran's Medals Recovered After Fire
Tina Segel, a Malibu, California, resident who lost her home in the Southern California wildfires, reflects on the strength and hope she’s found through the recovery process. Working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers during debris removal, Segel described the experience as a meaningful step forward. “Beauty from ashes,” she said during an interview conducted April 4, 2025. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers continues working with local, state and federal partners to include FEMA, as we support survivors impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires. (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers video by Christopher Rosario) Play
Finding Beauty From the Ashes
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Finding Beauty From the Ashes
In response to historic flooding from Hurricane Helene, both Airmen and Soldiers are commuting to surrounding areas daily to help clear debris and give assistance to local residents. Kingsport, Tennessee native Senior Airman Katie Williams of the 134th Medical Group is back in northeast Tennessee, as she helps Airmen and Soldiers stay safe as they continue to provide aid to the region. Play
Tennessee Airman Returns Home to Help
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Tennessee Airman Returns Home to Help
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District has deployed two survey vessels to survey the waterways in support of the Hurricane Milan Response to Tampa and St. Petersburg, Florida. USACE is working in partnership with the local, state, and federal response to Hurricane Milan. Play
Army Corps of Engineers Surveys Waterways
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Army Corps of Engineers Surveys Waterways
Florida National Guardsmen provide humanitarian relief in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, providing search and rescue, route clearance, points of distribution and more all across Florida. The Florida National Guard's commitment to preparedness ensures they are ready to support the community when needed most. (U.S. Air National Guard video by Senior Airman Brooke Keisler) Play
Florida Army and Air National Guard in Action
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Florida Army and Air National Guard in Action
Florida Army National Guard Chief Warrant Officer 4 Jason Beihl, FMS6 superintendent, Staff Sgt. Juan Romanortiz, master mechanic, and Spc. Adam Cason, wheeled vehicle mechanic with Field Maintenance Shop 6, explain why mechanic shops are important to hurricane response efforts in Haines City, Florida, on Oct. 13, 2024. Play
How Mechanic Shops Aid Response Efforts
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How Mechanic Shops Aid Response Efforts
1st Sgt. Jonathan Watson, Crew Chief, 77th TAB, explains the capabilities of the new medical rescue Black Hawk helicopter. The Arkansas National Guard sent a five-Soldier HH-60M Black Hawk crew to Florida Oct. 8, 2024, to augment the Florida National Guard and provide hoist and airlift support after Hurricane Milton passes. The 11-day mission will provide direct hoist and airlift support to ground-based search-and-rescue teams. The support is provided through an Emergency Management Assistance Compact between Florida and Arkansas. “This is our first operational state active-duty mission for our newest model Black Hawk, the HH-60M,” said Brig. Gen Chad Bridges, Arkansas’ adjutant general. “It’s also the first time we’re going to operate outside the state with the Arkansas Urban Search and Rescue Task Force-1 team from central Arkansas who is sending four personnel. Our crews have trained rigorously with their civilian counterparts, and they’re well prepared to take on this vital mission once the hurricane has passed.” The five-Soldier crew includes two pilots, two crew chiefs and a medic. They are expected to stage overnight in the Florida panhandle before proceeding where directed by the Florida National Guard in the wake of Hurricane Milton. The HH-60M is a modernized version of the “legacy Black Hawk helicopter designed to be joint forces capable and execute missions 24 hours a day under all-weather conditions,” according to an Army fact sheet. “The M model Black Hawk has multiple upgrades over its predecessors including multi-mission capabilities and features a new airframe, advanced digital avionics and a powerful propulsion system that can be used to perform tactical transport, utility, search and rescue, airborne assault, command and control, medical evacuation, aerial sustainment, disaster relief and firefighting missions.” The HH-60M crew took a water rescue basket along with a variety of devices to help them safely rescue people of all age Play
Arkansas National Guardsmen Deploy to Florida to Lend Aid
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Arkansas National Guardsmen Deploy to Florida to Lend Aid