The Louisiana Army National Guard’s 199th Brigade Support Battalion (BSB), 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team delivered 4,000 gallons of water to the Olive Branch Senior Care Center in Tallulah on Jan. 24 at the request of the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.
The senior care center, which is home to 91 residents, lost water pressure due to the freezing temperatures in mid-January that caused a critical system malfunction at the local water plant.
“Members of the 199th BSB are not strangers to supporting our communities and responding to emergency operations, whether it’s a hurricane, flood or water delivery mission,” said LTC Marc Prymek, commander of the 199th. “We are a community-based organization. Our Soldiers live and work in areas that our units serve.”
The water provided by the Louisiana Army National Guard allowed residents to stay at the center instead of being relocated until repairs were completed.
Paige Grady, administrator of Olive Branch Senior Care Center, said the water was used for both cooking and drinking purposes.
“The town is under a boil advisory, and when we saw that our water pressure was going in and out, we put in the request for the water,” Grady said. “We are extremely grateful for the timeliness of the Guard bringing the water to us and for the amount they brought.”
For the Soldiers, it was a rewarding experience to help the center and its residents.
“We join the Guard to help people,” said SSG Casey Zahn, supply sergeant for the 199th. “That’s our job, and there’s nothing more rewarding than being able to help our communities when they are in need.”
By Sgt. Noshoba Davis, Louisiana National Guard
