Delaware National Guard soldiers return from Sandy-stricken NYC
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<p>Kathy Ott Lovell, Executive Director of the Fairmount Park Conservancy, cuts the ribbon on the Gingerbread House Display at the Rotunda of the Shops at Liberty Place in center city. (Kimberly Paynter/for NewsWorks)</p>
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Tim Kiser and Gil Hahn stopped by the display before a doctor's appointment and were impressed by The Strawberry Mansion gingerbread replica created by Angela Tustin of Plate Restaurant & Bar. (Kimberly Paynter/for NewsWorks)
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A gingerbread replica of Laurel Hill Cemetery created by John Gallagher of the Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College. (Kimberly Paynter/for NewsWorks)
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A tasty snowman with chewable arms made by Michelle Lee of R2L Restaurant. (Kimberly Paynter/for NewsWorks)
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James Rodenbaugh of Br?l?e Catering created this gingerbread replica of the Please Touch Museum including the building's iron and glass dome. (Kimberly Paynter/for NewsWorks)
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James Rodenbaugh of Br?l?e Catering next to his gingerbread creation of the Please Touch Museum. (Kimberly Paynter/for NewsWorks)
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A gingerbread replica of Mt. Pleasant by Frederic Larre of STARR Events. (Kimberly Paynter/for NewsWorks)
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<p>The 2nd annual Fairmount Park Holiday Gingerbread House Display is a preview for the annual Historic Houses of Fairmount Park Holiday Tours. (Kimberly Paynter/for NewsWorks)</p>
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The Gingerbread House Display at the Rotunda features replicas of historic sites of Fairmount Park available to tour during the holiday season. The Water Works gingerbread structure includes a wedding scene. (Kimberly Paynter/for NewsWorks)
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<p>A gingerbread replica of Laurel Hill Mansion, created by Karen Boyd of Bredenbeck's Bakery. (Kimberly Paynter/for NewsWorks)</p>
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R2L Restaurant created this gingerbread replica of Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse and features 15lbs of icing. (Kimberly Paynter/for NewsWorks)
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<p>(US Army Photo by SFC William Gates, courtesy DEARNG)</p>
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<p>(US Army Photo by SFC William Gates, courtesy DEARNG)</p>
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<p>Help arrives in New York City via the Brooklyn Bridge. The Freedom Tower currently under construction can be seen in the background. (US Army photo by Sgt 1st Class William Gates, courtesy DEARNG)</p>
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<p>(US Army photo by Sgt 1st Class William Gates, courtesy DEARNG)</p>
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<p>Sgt Mark Mitchell unloads supplies at Midland Beach disaster relief distribution point. (US Army photo by Sergeant 1st Class William Gates, courtesy 101st Public Affairs Detachment)</p>
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<p>Sgt. 1st Class William Gates takes a break on a section of boardwalk now located over 300 feet from it's original mountings. (US Army Photo by Sgt. John Ewasko, courtesy DEARNG)</p>
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<p>Sgt. Karl Reddick and Pfc. Joseph Castrogriovanni unload supplies at the Hammel Houses Community Center in Rockaway, New York. (US Army photo by Sgt 1st Class William Gates, courtesy DEARNG)</p>
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<p>(Shana O'Malley/for NewsWorks)</p>
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<p>A soldier with the 1049th Transportation Company refuels a vehicle that was taken to NYC. (Shana O'Malley/for NewsWorks)</p>
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<p>(Shana O'Malley/for NewsWorks)</p>
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<p>National Guard members welcome home more than 100 troops who were aiding victims in hurricane-stricken NYC. (Shana O'Malley/for NewsWorks)</p>
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<p>Major General Frank Vavala gives returning soldiers a "thumbs up" for their efforts in NYC. (Shana O'Malley/for NewsWorks)</p>
More than 100 Delaware National Guard members from the 1049th Transportation Company returned to the state today after delivering supplies and helping residents in parts of hurricane-stricken New York City.
The guards were deployed to New York City in coordination with the Emergency Management Assistance Compact following Hurricane Sandy.
As some of the 45 FMTV (Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles) and Humvees pulled in to the River Road Training Site in New Castle, Major General Frank Vavala, Adjutant General for the Delaware National Guard, and other guard members saluted the retuning soldiers and thanked them for their work.
“We’re elated and very jubilant to have our 1049th back,” said Gen. Vavala. “They did spectacular work up there, aiding the citizens of New York in this catastrophic disaster, and we’re real proud of the great job that they have done. I got around and talked to them. They we’re very enthusiastic. They have a great sense of self satisfaction because they know they helped Americans in need.”
The soldiers were set up at various bases around New York City including Brooklyn, Coney Island and Breezy Point. Many of the soldiers noted that the most devastated area seemed to be Breezy Point.
“It’s our understanding that 111 homes were lost there and the whole island area around Breezy Point,” said Captain Mark Evans, commander of the 1049th Transportation Company. “Flood waters at spots got about 10 feet above normal so it’s amazing to see how it affected that area, knowing that we have areas similar to that in Delaware.”
According to the National Guard, the mess left by Hurricane Sandy is still prevalent weeks after the storm made landfall. Although the soldiers were able to provide some relief such as food and water, there’s no telling how long it will take for some areas to be back to normal.
“We saw part of the boardwalk, literally shifted off the planks and everything that it stood on,” said Sgt. Karl Reddick, a 21-year veteran of the National Guard. “We saw sand dunes that were six feet tall, cars that were turned over. Some of the houses in the area that we walked down, all of everyone’s belongings, living rooms, furniture, drywall, we’re all lined up on the sidewalk.”
Despite the lack of food and water and no heat or electricity, soldiers said residents we’re in a hopeful spirit.
“We were briefed on what to expect from New Yorkers in general from the New York Guard, but the actual attitude was overwhelming support for us and thankfulness,” said Capt. Evans.
After refueling the vehicles in New Castle, the 1049th Transportation Company headed to their headquarters in Seaford.