Shawn Ryan Show – Episode #138: Aerial Recovery - The Hurricane Helene Disaster
Hosts:
- Shawn Ryan: Former U.S. Navy SEAL, CIA Contractor, Founder of Vigilance Elite
- Guests:
- Charlie Kebaugh: Chief Development Officer at Aerial Recovery
- Jonathan Howard: Master Sergeant, Florida State Guard Special Missions Unit, Impact Operations Lead at Aerial Recovery
Release Date: October 10, 2024
1. Introduction and Guest Background
Shawn Ryan welcomes Charlie Kebaugh and Jonathan Howard to discuss their pivotal roles in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina. Charlie, with a decade-long Air Force Special Warfare background and founder of the Vidar Group, leads Aerial Recovery’s mission to aid veterans and combat human trafficking. Jonathan, a seasoned combat controller and successful businessman, spearheads impact operations, leveraging his extensive military and entrepreneurial experience.
2. Initial Response to Hurricane Helene
[00:10] Shawn Ryan outlines the dire situation following Hurricane Helene, expressing skepticism toward mainstream media reports and highlighting the guests' firsthand experiences on the ground.
[03:23] Charlie Kebaugh explains their initial positioning in Tallahassee, Florida, and rapid deployment to Perry and Steenhatchie to ride out the storm:
"We pre-positioned in Tallahassee... worked hand in hand with local law enforcement and firefighters."
[03:43] The team overcame infrastructural challenges in Steenhatchie, collaborating seamlessly with local officials without bureaucratic hindrances:
"Everyone worked very well together. Information was shared, resources were shared."
3. Establishing Command and Overcoming Obstacles
[06:10] Jonathan highlights the inadequacies of the National Guard, emphasizing their team's self-sufficiency:
"They weren't trained or equipped. We had to pull one of their LMTVs out of the floodwaters."
[07:23] The newly formed Florida State Guard Special Missions Unit's first mission involved clearing 46 miles of road within five hours, demonstrating their operational efficiency.
4. Escalation to North Carolina and Critical Rescues
[08:11] Charlie details their swift move to North Carolina upon learning of the escalating disaster:
"Moved up to Rutherford County Airport and started knocking on helicopter doors for rescue opportunities."
[10:17] The guests recount the viral video showcasing their rescue of an 11-day-old premature baby, Mason, underscoring the lack of official aid:
"Without that civilian, that baby would be dead." [11:10]
[21:29] Jonathan shares the emotional impact of saving Mason and an elderly lady, reinforcing the necessity of their independent operations:
"If it wasn't for that civilian... that baby was dead."
5. Confrontation with Authorities and Bureaucratic Hurdles
[31:37] The guests describe their frustration with government inaction and interference, citing the temporary flight restriction (TFR) imposed during President Biden's visit:
"You can't get authorization. It's just the most disgusting thing." [16:00]
[64:51] Charlie and Jonathan detail their encounters with local law enforcement attempting to block their aid efforts, illustrating the chaotic and uncoordinated response:
"Fifteen deputies sitting on their ass at a single lane road... they're killing these people." [64:08]
6. Impact of Misinformation and Media Suppression
[59:15] Jonathan discusses efforts to counter misinformation, asserting the reality of their rescue missions despite media claims to the contrary:
"There are a lot of misinformation, but keep spreading it. My own video got fact-checked as false." [59:15]
[60:05] The suppression of media coverage by authorities further complicates rescue operations:
"They wouldn't let CNN videotape the disaster areas. They only allowed filming less affected zones." [60:05]
7. Current Needs and How to Help
[52:18] The guests highlight urgent needs, emphasizing that financial donations are less impactful than direct aid:
"Money doesn't help... what they need is food, medicine, cold weather gear." [53:35]
[56:15] Charlie mentions ongoing fundraising efforts to support disaster response, encouraging listeners to donate or conduct local supply drives:
"We have fundraisers for Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. You can donate or run your own supply drive." [57:59]
[58:34] They stress the importance of spreading awareness and combating misinformation to ensure effective aid distribution.
8. Conclusion and Call to Action
Shawn Ryan commends Charlie and Jonathan for their unwavering dedication and invites listeners to support Aerial Recovery through donations or supplies. The episode concludes with heartfelt exchanges, highlighting the critical role of independent organizations in disaster response amidst governmental shortcomings.
Notable Quotes:
- Charlie Kebaugh: "A logical thinker would see that scenario and go, we need helicopters or pack mules." [39:13]
- Jonathan Howard: "These people are trapped. They're dying up there." [71:21]
- Charlie Kebaugh: "We should all have contingency plans. The government's bad at business." [46:54]
Key Takeaways:
- Aerial Recovery's Mission: Providing critical rescue operations, medical aid, and supplies in disaster-stricken areas where official response is inadequate.
- Challenges Faced: Bureaucratic red tape, misinformation, lack of government support, and logistical hurdles hinder effective disaster relief.
- How to Help: Donations, supply drives, volunteering, and spreading accurate information are essential to support affected communities.
Support Aerial Recovery:
- Fundraisers and Donations: Visit Aerial Recovery’s Instagram page for links to current fundraisers for Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton.
- Supply Drives: Organize or contribute to care packages containing food, medicine, cold weather gear, and essential supplies.
Final Thoughts:
Charlie Kebaugh and Jonathan Howard exemplify resilience and commitment, providing a lifeline to those in desperate need during Hurricane Helene. Their experience underscores the necessity of preparedness, independent action, and community support in the face of natural disasters and governmental inefficiencies.
Connect with Aerial Recovery:
- Instagram: AerialRecovery
- Website: Aerial Recovery
- Contact: email@aerialrecovery.org
Follow the Shawn Ryan Show:
- iTunes: Shawn Ryan Show
- Reviews and Support: Leave a review on iTunes to support the show and stay updated on future episodes.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this summary are based on the podcast transcript provided and do not reflect the assistant’s personal opinions.