As an approaching flood threatens to wash out the area the Louisiana Army National Guard has teamed together with various civilian agencies in the flood fight, starting with these hescos

“It’s a great feeling. You’re out here helping communities, you’re helping people from losing any land, farm land. They’re are able to go to work in the morning. Just keeping their flow of life going.” said Sgt William Jones

The 256 Infantry Brigade Combat Team based out of Lafayette is building more than two miles of levees with Hesco barriers on Avoca Island to prevent back water from reaching Morgan City and other South Louisiana towns.

“They’re are kind of heavy. You have to come in, stretch them out. Pull out some visquine so it will keep the water from getting into the sand.” said Sgt Jones

While the soldiers work in muddy, cold conditions from sun up until sun down.

The mission doesn’t stop come night fall.

Guided by the spot light of a tug boat.

The 2225th Multi-Bridge Company created a ferry using the improved ribbon bridge system.

“It gives us an extra magnitude in being able to get heavier equipment that a civilian ferry will not be able to handle.” said MSG Walter Owens

Upon completion the hesco barrier wall will be nearly 18-hundred feet.

“We have approximately a hundred and twenty soldier on the ground right now that are working towards getting this project completed.

The work that we are doing there is going to help tie into the existing terrain and be able to better help protect the citizens.” said Major Jim Williams

“Without the National Guard we couldn’t even get this project going. They’re across the state where they’re needed they show up and put their work in so we can’t say thank you enough.” said Morgan City Mayor Frank Grizzaffi