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Commander: Georgia Guard personnel likely saved storm victim

  • Published
  • By Maj. William Carraway
  • Georgia National Guard

DONALSONVILLE, Ga. - Georgia National Guard Soldiers and Airmen rendered emergency assistance to an elderly man in Seminole County who has been without food, water and medicine since the impact of Hurricane Michael nearly one week ago.

First Lt. Christopher Long of the Augusta-based 877th Engineer Company and Tech Sgt. Eric Glass, Tech Sgt. Lauren Swanson and Tech Sgt. Anthony McDonnell of the Warner Robins-based 116th Air Control Wing were delivering relief supplies in Seminole County when Swanson spotted the man waving from his heavily damaged house. The Soldiers and Airmen responded, providing water, food and ice. Upon further evaluation, the team determined that the man required medical attention and called 911. A medical team responded.

Brig. Gen. Randall Simmons, commander of the Georgia National Guard who was traveling forward with Soldiers and Airmen surveying the damage, commended the team's life-saving actions.

"Their quick action likely saved his life as I'm not sure how much longer he could have survived without food, water and medication."

More than 900 Georgia Guard Soldiers and Airmen from nearly 40 units are conducting missions in response to Hurricane Michael.