25 Years Later - Remembering Hurricane Andrew

In the early morning hours of Monday, August 24, 1992, Hurricane Andrew roared ashore 25 miles south of Miami, Florida, hitting Homestead and other south Dade County communities. The hurricane cut a broad path of destruction 22-miles wide. 24th Infantry Division troops were part of hurricane recovery and clean up efforts.

Andrew caused major damage in the Bahamas and Louisiana, but the greatest impact was felt in South Florida, with sustained wind speeds as high as 165 mph. Passing directly through the city of Homestead in Dade County, it stripped many homes of all but their concrete foundations.

HELP NOW - Looking back at our past is always interesting, but we can't overlook the current disaster affecting the Gulf coast right now. The American Red Cross is helping the people affected by Hurricane Harvey in Texas and all across the Gulf coast. Shelters are open, truck loads of supplies are being distributed and volunteers are in place. If you can, please donate to the Red Cross and help the victims  of Hurricane Harvey.
CLICK HERE TO HELP.

​Hurricane Andrew was one of the worst natural disasters of the century, killing 65 people and leaving a quarter of a million people homeless. It was also the costliest hurricane to make landfall anywhere in the United States until it was surpassed by Katrina in 2005.  In total, Andrew destroyed more than 63,500 houses, damaged more than 124,000 others, and caused $26.5 billion in damages.

24th ID troops helped in recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew.

​On August 27, 1992, the 18h Airborne Corps deployed more than 22,000 troops to aid in recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew. It was one of the largest military rescue operation in U.S. history. The 24th ID sent units from Fort Stewart to help aid in the recovery efforts. 24th ID units involved included, the 724th Main Support Battalion, 24th Signal, 91st Chemical Company, and Headquarters and Headquarters ​Company, 24th ID.

The military’s mission was to provide immediate emergency relief including food, water, shelter and medical aid.  During subsequent phases, the Corps conducted debris removal operations, repaired schools, established relief supply distribution centers and assisted the local government in establishing sustained recovery operations. 

READ MORE ABOUT IT - HURRICANE ANDREW
Troops Arrive With Food for Florida's Storm Victims
Originally published August 29, 1992 in the New York Times.
http://www.nytimes.com/1992/08/29/us/hurricane-andrew-troops-arrive-with-food-for-florida-s-storm-victims.html?pagewanted=all&mcubz=1

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