Authorities in Oregon and Washington called hundreds of Guardsmen early last month after winter storms dropped as much as 10 inches of rain in the border region that connects the two states.

In all, about 800 Guard soldiers and airmen rushed to the area when rain, high winds and melting snow from the mountains teamed to cause flooding and topple trees, knocking out power lines and leaving much of the region underwater and/or without electricity.

Drill weekend had just been completed in Washington when a storm rolled through Dec. 3, causing many troops who had just returned home to turn around and leave home once again.

In some areas, roads were covered with water. In other areas, they were covered with downed trees and branches. Local emergency responders had to get through the destruction before they could start providing help and repairing the damage.

That's where the National Guard came in.

Washington mobilized nearly 500 Guardsmen and about 75 vehicles capable of getting through many of the flooded areas that regular vehicles could not.

They directed traffic away from damaged or impassable roads, delivered emergency supplies such as water, food and blankets and delivered generators to enable water districts and emergency shelters to continue to operate.

Guardsmen also checked on residents stranded by flood waters or downed trees.

"We were transported by boat from Hood Canal Marina [southeast of Seatde]. We launched across the canal then made our way to the roads and went door to door," said Pfc. Johnadian A. Olander of Washington's 1st Squadron, 303rd Cavalry. "We had five teams and each team had several miles to cover."

In Oregon, flood waters inundated the small town of Vernonia, about 40 miles northwest of Portland. Using Zodiac boats and special trucks, airmen from the 125th Special Tactics Squadron and soldiers from the 141st Brigade Support Battalion were able to evacuate several hundred people.

Five teachers and 10 students were rescued after fast-flowing water napped them at their high school.

On the way to Vernonia, Guardsmen found a car stranded on a washed out road. Inside were members of two families.

"They were just illuminated when they saw the National Guard coming through the dark of night to rescue them," said Maj. Michael Braibish, an Oregon Guard spokesman.

The Oregon Guard distributed 60 generators. When a radio station in Astoria was threatened with a power outage, the Guard delivered a generator so it could remain on the air with storm updates for people in the area.

They also transported supplies, potable water and sandbags. At Camp Rilea Military Reservation on Oregon's Pacific coast, the Guard fed 1,169 people and lodged 74.

Toward the end of the week, water levels began to drop along with the temperature.

"First we gave directions, then [Meals Ready to Eat]. Now water and blankets are the priority," said Spc. John P Myracle, a member of Washington's 1st Squadron, 303rd Cavalry.

Those helped were outwardly thankful.

"They were bringing us coffee and hot chocolate to show their appreciation," Myracle said.

Many of the Guardsmen called in Washington were veterans of the 2005 Hurricane Katrina response.

"In Katrina, we were there a month after it happened, so we were doing cleanup," said Spc. William W Almond, also with 1st Squadron, 303rd Cavalry. "Here we got there right at the beginning, so we were part of the initial response."

Nevertheless, troops entered communities already coming together.

"When we got there we found out a lot of the people had already taken care of themselves and were helping each other," said Sgt. Edgar A. Gonzalez, a cavalry medic. "They checked on each other and told us what roads were passable and which were closed. They were really helpful to us as well as each other."

Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski said a recent exercise that integrated Guard, federal and civilian responders played a role in the successful effort to limit the damage to property and human life in his state.

"Oregon had a head start in dealing with this disaster," he said.

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