News>Cadets perform flood relief work in South Dakota
Photos
Cadet 2nd Class Zach Mattee hands a leaking sandbag to Cadet 3rd Class Steve Kearney Sept. 30, 2011, in Pierre, S.D., as the cadets removed sandbags from levees as part of flood relief and cleanup efforts. About 150 Air Force Academy cadets took part in the cleanup effort. (U.S. Air Force photo/John Van Winkle)
Cadets remove sandbags from a levee around a Girl Scout cabin Sept. 30, 2011, Sept. 30, 2011, in Pierre, S.D., along the Missouri River. About 150 Air Force Academy cadets took part in the cleanup effort. (U.S. Air Force photo/John Van Winkle)
by John Van Winkle
Air Force Academy Public Affairs
10/4/2011 - PIERRE, S.D. (AFNS) -- Approximately 150 Air Force Academy cadets removed sandbags and cleared flood debris Sept. 29-Oct. 2 here.
The cadets travelled to South Dakota to spend the weekend participating in a flood cleanup as part of the Academy's Cadet Service Learning program. The Cadet Wing performs approximately 40,000 hours of community service each academic year around the Pikes Peak Region and the nation.
Two years of heavy precipitation, followed by greater-than-average runoff from the Montana snowpack into Missouri River tributaries set the conditions this summer for flooding along the Missouri River, officials said. Among the communities affected were Fort Pierre and Pierre. The two communities border opposite sides of the Missouri River, just five miles downstream from the Ohae Dam.
"This flood is an unusual type of flood," said South Dakota governor Dennis Daugaard. "Normally, we get 65 cubic feet per second of water being released by the dam. At its peak this summer, we had 110 cubic feet per second. Normally, you have this onslaught of tremendous water, for which you have little or no preparation time. Then after a few days, maybe a week, the water's gone."
Instead, the water remained high for weeks.
"In the beginning, volunteerism was high, but so was the job ahead of us," Daugaard said. "We really couldn't take down all the sandbags, and then school began, so a lot of that young, strong labor force wasn't available."
The need became known to the command section of the Academy's Cadet Squadron 38, who organized the journey and solicited volunteers from the entire Cadet Wing.
"It honestly sounded like an adventure," said Cadet 1st Class Amanda Bolton, the Cadet Squadron 36 commander. "It sounded like something different from the normal community service that we do, which is local cleanup, and we get to travel a little bit and get the squadron together."
When the cadets arrived to help, they were split into small groups at 20 different worksites in the two cities, officials said. In Fort Pierre, cadets removed the debris left behind by long-standing flood waters from around the homes of elderly citizens in the Dunes and Frontier Road area and also cleaned flood-damaged basements. In Pierre, cadets removed thousands of sandbags that formed primary and secondary berms and makeshift levees around city and historic buildings along the riverfront.
"It's outside doing something, but it's also getting the chance to talk to people in the (squadron)," Bolton said. "During the school year, we're just so busy with academics and sports and so many other things that you really don't get the chance to hang out with your (squadron) mates."
The concept of "Service Learning" is to offer cadets character development programs that emphasize one of the Air Force's core values, "Service Before Self," officials said. The cadet Service Learning program attempts to take this core value from the theoretical concepts of the classroom to actual experiences with the goal of a lifelong internalized volunteer ethic and understanding of the value of serving others, particularly in the area of community service, like the flood relief work in South Dakota.
"It's been a really long, hard summer for people here, and they're tired and worn out," Daugaard said. "And yet to have all these Air Force Academy cadets here, at the peak of their physical ability, means a lot to us. We are so grateful to have them here."
Comments
10/6/2011 7:21:08 PM ET We appreciated the willingness of the cadets to help us remove our sandbags. They were focused energetic and friendly. Their spirit invigorated the entire community. Their efforts were successful and their 'can do' attitude was non exhaustible. They confirmed our belief that the young people in our country are compassionate and dedicated to any mission they undertake. Thank you again Bob and Carolyn Riter
Bob and Carolyn Riter, Fort Pierre SD
10/6/2011 12:33:50 PM ET Thank you is not enough to these Air Force Academy cadets. We appreciate so much all of the work and help these air men and women contributed. Monica and I are thankful for their help to us and their service to our country. Thank you for helping our communities We are proud of you all
Steve and Monica Harding, Pierre SD
10/5/2011 7:01:52 PM ET A heartfelt THANK YOU from another family on Fairway Drive. The cadets moved the remaining 2000 sandbags from around our home. The cadets were a breath of fresh air with their willingness to help and positive attitudes. After such a challenging summer you did more for us than just moving sandbags. You lifted our spirits Thank you so very much for your service to Pierre and to the United States
Russ and Nancy Lampy, Pierre SD
10/5/2011 6:59:35 PM ET I had a great time working with the cadets and they were an unmatched help to the people of Pierre. Thank you so much for giving up a free weekend to work so hard
Jon Schaack, Rapid City SD
10/5/2011 5:46:03 PM ET I am one of the homeowners that is very appreciative of all the hard work the cadets did to rid our home of the sandbags we have had surrounding our home for the last 3 12 months. All of the cadets we worked with were wonderful hard working polite and genuine in their efforts to help us. My husband and I are very grateful and say many times Thank You for giving up your time to help us Peggy and Steve Stout
Peggy Stout, Fort Pierre SD
10/5/2011 5:33:05 PM ET USAFA cadets brought my belongings back into my home from the garages they have been stored in all summer--a great recovery step They also removed Missouri River mud with shovels and wheelbarrows. I'll NEVER forget how they helped me. A special thanks goes toMaj Kevin HornburgCS-38 Air Officer CommandingAlmighty All Stars
Karon Schaack, Pierre SD
10/5/2011 2:46:47 PM ET I am one of the homeowners in Pierre South Dakota that the cadets helped. My family and I cannot thank them enough. No one wants to be in a position of needing help but we were and the cadets were there. They worked hard were engaging and funny and were the most polite people I've ever been around. Thank you to America's finest
