Sandbagging and Loving It!                                                                                             Story and Photos by Sgt. Kimberly Calkins, Indiana Army National Guard                      Posted:  June 12, 2008

VINCENNES, Ind.— As the water rises across the Wabash Valley, the 138th Quartermaster Company of Brazil, Ind., rises to the challenge. 

Soldiers from the unit arrived at the Brazil Armory on Saturday morning in the pouring rain for what they thought would be a normal drill weekend, but as the rain continued, the weekend changed.

The unit was placed on State Active Duty, and the missions began to roll out. Even with the short notice, and large task ahead, morale and enthusiasm remain high. The Soldiers and Airmen all seem proud to be able to help and work as a team.

“We are just here to help and be flexible,” said Air Guardsman Tech Sgt. Wanita Samm.

Previously known as a transportation unit, the 138th is currently being transformed into a quartermaster company. The new mission is providing supplies and transporting those supplies to any location when needed; a mission the unit is getting plenty of firsthand experience in, in southern Indiana.

Collaborative efforts are taking place at the Vincennes Indiana Department of Transportation, where Soldiers from a variety of units are preparing sandbags.  During the mission, Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels paid a visit to the Soldiers and spent time filling sandbags. 

Indiana National Guard Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger also paid a visit to the Vincennes INDOT to check on the status of the troops. 

Sgt. Sue Piper of the 138th QM said, “Considering the rain, sun, and lack of sleep, the morale is good.”

Accommodations have been provided by Lincoln High School in Vincennes, and supply sergeant Staff Sgt. Mike Ames has provided meals for both the 138th QM and the Airmen of the 181st Intelligence Wing.

“The Indiana National Guard is taking care of us and the food is great!” said Senior Airman Shannon Brown.

Sandbagging efforts are expected to continue throughout the week in anticipation of rain on Friday.  As levees break, missions continue down the river in hopes of saving communities across the Wabash Valley.