During the first week of June, SDIA deployed three Disaster Response Teams (DRTs) to the Wimberley, Texas, area to assist with recovery efforts for those affected by flooding.

“It was a privilege and honor to help the people of Wimberley,” said SgtMaj Lance Nutt. “We met so many gracious people, all of whom touched our members’ lives as they worked hard to help these families recover from the devastating flood waters.”

The 14 SDIA members traveled from Arkansas, Kansas, Kentucky, and around Texas to lend a hand; it was the first disaster response deployment for many. On Days 1 & 2, the DRTs worked to clear trees and debris from 7 homes, using chainsaws and manpower. Day 3 focused on muck-out work, clearing three homes of water, mud, debris, and stripping water soaked sheetrock and insulation. In addition to the work completed, the DRTs distributed 35 cases of water to those in need.

For Sheep Dogs, assisting people and communities in such tangible ways is humbling and rewarding in ways unattainable by other methods. For Dave Jardon, new SDIA Greater Cincinnati Team Leader, the experience on this deployment surpassed all expectations.

“With over seven years of Active Duty service in the Air Force and 30 years experience as a Firefighter,” said Jardon, “I have had the opportunity to serve on many deployments for many different reasons. I can say without a doubt that this, my first Sheep Dog Impact Assistance deployment, ranks as one of the best – if not the overall best – of my career. SgtMaj Nutt is a true leader and leads from the front. PERIOD. The members of this team were equally impressive. Every one of them, to a man, worked harder than any group I have ever served with. Despite harsh conditions, they worked, never complaining, just happy to be helping complete strangers who were in need. To say that I am impressed with these men is an understatement.”

With storms continuing to roll across the country, we will monitor the weather and impact of storms for other possible disaster response missions. But we will not forget those we helped in Wimberley. Please join with us in keeping this community, and others throughout the country affected by floods, in your thoughts and prayers in the weeks to come.

To everyone that helped make this mission possible through donations of time, effort, supplies and money, thank you for your generous donations and support! None of our missions or programs are possible without YOU.

To view more photos of Operation Texas Mud Bug, visit our Facebook Photo Album,