In the wake of Hurricane Helene, which has left a devastating impact on North Carolina, Army veteran Keith Holland is spearheading a mission to locate missing individuals. His nonprofit, Joint Task Force K9s, is deploying trained service dogs to assist in search and rescue operations, aiming to bring closure to families affected by the disaster.
Key Takeaways
- Mission Objective: Locate missing persons and provide closure to families.
- Location: Mars Hill, North Carolina, near Asheville.
- Team Composition: Joint Task Force K9s partnered with Heroes for Humanity and special operation veterans.
- Search Area: A seven-mile stretch along the South Toe River.
- Estimated Missing: Between 40 to 100 individuals.
The Impact of Hurricane Helene
Hurricane Helene has wreaked havoc across North Carolina, with rising death tolls and numerous individuals reported missing. The destruction is extensive, with entire homes washed away and landscapes transformed into scenes of chaos. Keith Holland, the CEO and founder of Joint Task Force K9s, described the situation as catastrophic, stating, "There is death and destruction everywhere. Everywhere you turn, trees are blown over, mud can be up to six feet to seven deep, and houses are totally washed away."
The Search Efforts
On Tuesday, Holland and his team mobilized to the western part of the state, specifically in Mars Hill, approximately 15 miles north of Asheville. Their mission involves:
- Utilizing Trained K9s: The dogs are specially trained for search and rescue operations, enhancing the team’s ability to locate missing persons.
- Covering a Seven-Mile Stretch: The team plans to search a designated area along the South Toe River, which has been heavily impacted by the flooding.
- Three-Day Mission: The team intends to work through the night for three consecutive days, maximizing their chances of finding survivors or remains.
Collaboration and Community Support
Holland emphasized that they are not alone in this effort. They have partnered with another nonprofit, Heroes for Humanity, and are joined by veterans from special operations backgrounds. This collaboration aims to leverage diverse skills and experiences to enhance the search efforts.
Holland noted, "We are actually searching for 40 to 100 bodies on this stretch of the water that are missing." This grim estimate underscores the urgency and importance of their mission.
A Personal Commitment
Despite the challenges, Holland remains committed to the cause. He mentioned that he would return home briefly for a visit but plans to return to the field to continue the search. His dedication reflects a broader commitment to serving the community and helping those in need during this tragic time.
How to Help
For those looking to support the mission, donations can be made through the Joint Task Force K9s website. Contributions will aid in the ongoing search efforts and help provide resources for the families affected by the hurricane’s devastation.
Sources
- Army veteran, non-profit founder leads mission to find Helene victims , WCIV.
- Army veteran, non-profit founder leads mission to find Helene victims , WPDE.
- Army veteran, non-profit founder leads mission to find Helene victims , WCIV.
- Army veteran, non-profit founder leads mission to find Helene victims , WPDE.
