Morning Wire Podcast Summary Episode: Operation Helo: How Civilians Led Relief After Hurricane Helene | 12.26.24
Host Information
- Title: Morning Wire
- Host/Author: The Daily Wire
- Hosts: John Bickley (Editor-in-Chief) and Georgia Howe (Co-Host)
- Release Date: December 26, 2024
Introduction to Operation Helo
After Hurricane Helene devastated North Carolina, a civilian-led initiative named Operation Helo emerged as a beacon of hope. Co-founder Eric Robertson shared insights into how this mission not only matched but exceeded government efforts in the region.
Key Quote:
"We had over 100 helicopters. We started running missions Monday morning, getting food and medicine, doing well checks and even exfiltrations."
— Eric Robertson [00:03]
Formation and Execution of the Mission
Operation Helo was rapidly assembled in response to the urgent needs following Hurricane Helene. Eric Robertson and Georgia Howe delved into the logistics and coordination that made the mission possible.
-
Helicopter Deployment:
- Initial Expectations: 5-15 helicopters.
- Actual Deployment: Over 100 helicopters.
- Quote:
"We thought that we would have maybe 10 helicopters, 15 helicopters. When it was all said and done, we had 100 helicopters running missions for two weeks."
— Eric Robertson [01:42]
-
Mission Activities:
- Aid delivery (food, medicine).
- Search and Rescue operations.
- Wellness checks on affected individuals.
Collaboration with National Guard: Operation Helo was the largest aid provider in the region, eventually attracting support from the National Guard, FEMA, state authorities, and the FAA.
Key Quote:
"The National Guard actually came to us and started flying missions for us... When it was all said and done, the National Guard came in, FEMA came in, the state came in, and the FAA came in, and every single one of them gave us their blessing."
— Eric Robertson [03:17]
Diverse Group of Volunteers
The operation was marked by its diverse array of volunteers, including private aviators from across the country with varied backgrounds.
- Volunteer Composition:
- Private aviators from states like Oregon, Wyoming, Montana, Maryland, etc.
- Mix of former military personnel, ranchers, and hobbyist pilots.
- Emphasis on safety with over 4,000 missions and no safety incidents.
Key Quote:
"We did not have a single safety incident at all with over 4,000 missions that we ran. So they were great aviators that answered the call."
— Eric Robertson [04:27]
Rescue Operations and Personal Stories
Operation Helo executed numerous rescues, showcasing both the efficiency and emotional toll of disaster relief work.
- Notable Rescue:
- Burnsville Incident: An elderly couple refused evacuation due to the loss of their grandson, highlighting the emotional complexities in rescue missions.
Key Quote:
"They said that their grandson was still stuck in the rafters...they were standing guard. They said that we're not leaving until he leaves."
— Eric Robertson [05:53]
- Major Undertakings:
- Evacuation of 159 elderly individuals from a nursing home.
- Total Rescues: 439 people over the course of the mission.
Key Quote:
"We evacuated a nursing home and it had 159 elderly people in it...we ended up rescuing or exfiltrating 439 people."
— Eric Robertson [07:00]
Post-Rescue Efforts: Providing Temporary Shelter
As immediate rescue operations wound down, Operation Helo pivoted to address the ongoing needs of displaced families by providing temporary shelter through campers.
- Deployment of Campers:
- Total Campers Delivered: 162 to 162 families, with more planned.
- Purpose: Provide warmth, sanitation, and a semblance of normalcy.
Key Quote:
"We have delivered 162 campers to 162 families... we're just putting the word out that we're going to start buying and distributing campers to the people as temporary shelter."
— Eric Robertson [09:54]
- Sustainability Efforts:
- Partnership with Blossomons for free propane to ensure warmth.
- Commitment to funding and supporting the ongoing needs of recipients.
Key Quote:
"We made a deal locally with Blossomons, a propane distributor in the area, to where they can go to Blossom and get propane for their camper at no cost to them."
— Eric Robertson [11:15]
Future Plans and Long-Term Rebuilding
Operation Helo is not resting on its laurels; plans are underway to contribute to the long-term rebuilding efforts.
- Building Materials Supply:
- Transitioning to provide building materials for permanent reconstruction.
- Continued focus on nimbleness and responsiveness to community needs.
Key Quote:
"Our next evolution is to now start supplying building materials to where we can be a part of the long-term permanent build back effort."
— Eric Robertson [12:14]
- Organizational Structure:
- Operation Helo is an official 501(c)(3) organization.
- Donations are collected through operationhelo.org.
Conclusion and Impact
Operation Helo's civilian-led efforts have significantly impacted the relief operations post-Hurricane Helene, showcasing the power of community mobilization and effective coordination in disaster response.
Key Quote:
"Anytime we can buy local or put money back into the area, we've done."
— Eric Robertson [11:15]
The episode highlighted the resilience and dedication of volunteers, the strategic adaptability of Operation Helo, and the profound difference such initiatives can make in the wake of natural disasters.
Note: This summary excludes advertisements, introductory remarks, and other non-content sections to focus solely on the substantive discussion of Operation Helo's relief efforts.