Nebraska National Guard Soldiers also provided traffic control security support in eight counties during the month-long flood response and relief efforts. Soldiers were tasked to police closed roads, provide security checkpoints to evacuated areas and control traffic around construction zones, allowing local authorities to focus on other critical tasks. Monitoring and securing residential areas was a main concern for safety and security.
“We are here to help support the police,” said Spc. Dylan Stolzer, a mechanic with the 267th Small Maintenance Company, during an interview at a mobile home park, March 19, in Fremont. “The police have worked to get people out of the area and they do not want them coming back in for safety reasons.”
Soldiers with the 267th Small Maintenance Company, Nebraska Army National Guard, provide checkpoint security, March 19, 2019, near a mobile park in Fremont, Nebraska. (Nebraska National Guard photos by Staff Sgt. Natasha Hilsgen)
The checkpoints play an important role in providing safety and security for area residents and their belongings, after the mobile park had reported issues with looting and fires.
“I just want everyone to be safe in the community,” Stolzer said. “Since we have been down here the community has treated us like family.”
The additional security provided by the Soldiers to the community allowed local authorities to concentrate on areas that still needed assistance.
Some of the Soldiers supporting the traffic control mission near Columbus, Nebraska, were treated delicious food and drinks thanks to the generosity of Bonnie Nekl, co-owner of Reg’s 7 Mile Steakhouse.
On March 22, 2019, Command Sgt. Maj. Dean Reicks, the senior non-commissioned officer for the 67th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, toured all the locations where Nebraska National Guard Soldiers were tasked to man traffic control points throughout the state.
During his visits, he spoke with local community members who had come together to support others following the flood, including Nekl. Reicks recognized Nekl with a brigade coin for the restaurant’s gracious support of the Soldiers during flood relief operations. He also recognized Soldiers who had performed above and beyond regular mission duties while helping out during the flood response.
Command Sgt. Maj. Dean Reicks, the senior non-commissioned officer for the 67th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, tours the traffic control points where Nebraska National Guard Soldiers assisted law enforcement, March 22, 2019, following historic widespread flooding. During the visits, he spoke with and recognized Soldiers and local community members who had come together to support others following the flood, including Bonnie Nekl, co-owner of Reg’s 7 Mile Steakhouse. (Nebraska National Guard photos by Pfc. Gauret Stearns)
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