SD Wing Assists Huron Residents Following Devastating Storm

Civil Air Patrol's Sioux Falls Composite Squadron deployed to Huron, South Dakota, on July 3 to assist residents recovering from the devastating storms that struck the city the previous day. The response team consisted of two senior members and five cadets, united by a shared commitment to serve their community.

Straight-line winds exceeding 100 mph, along with a confirmed small tornado, caused extensive damage throughout Huron on July 2. Downed power lines, uprooted trees, and structural damage affected much of the city, with the most severe destruction concentrated on the northeast side.

"The worst damage was not widespread, but in the areas that were hit, the damage was really extensive," said Cadet Tech. Sgt. Joseph Carlson, one of the cadets on the disaster relief team.

Upon arriving in Huron, the team encountered an elderly woman attempting to clear a large corner lot covered with fallen branches and debris. When she learned the team was there to help, she became overwhelmed with emotion. Working alone to clear her property, she expressed heartfelt gratitude for the assistance.

"As adults, we model servant leadership for our cadets," said Lt. Col. Tom Anez, squadron commander and disaster response activity coordinator. "Today gave them the opportunity to experience community service at its most meaningful. Most of the residents we assisted were elderly or dealing with physical hardships, such as recovering from a stroke or heart condition. Our efforts helped ease the burden of recovering from this devastating storm."

Throughout the day, the team traveled across Huron, navigating neighborhoods where many streets remained blocked by fallen trees, downed power lines, or active cleanup operations.

After seeing the Huron Police Department's Facebook announcement that the city would collect storm debris placed along boulevards, the team focused on helping residents move branches and brush to the curb. While many homeowners had already begun cleanup, others were unable to complete the work on their own.

The team also monitored the "Huron To Go" Facebook page, where community members posted addresses of residents in need of assistance. Over the course of the day, the volunteers visited approximately 17 homes, successfully clearing debris from 11 properties. The remaining locations had either already been cleaned or were deemed unsafe because of live power lines or other hazardous conditions.

The team's final stop was at the home of a resident who was out of town and uncertain about the condition of his property. Volunteers removed significant amounts of debris, photographed the property, and reassured the homeowner that no structural damage or downed power lines were present.

"Our community is really something special," said Cadet 1st Lt. Naarah Fick. "It's an honor to serve when disaster strikes, but it's even more meaningful to witness an entire community come together to help one another."

That spirit of service was evident throughout Huron. Neighbors worked side by side to clear streets and yards, residents directed volunteers to elderly neighbors who needed extra assistance, and organizations from across the region joined the recovery effort. Alongside the Civil Air Patrol, responders included the Salvation Army, local law enforcement, fire and emergency services, county agencies, and numerous local businesses.

The resilience and generosity of the Huron community played a significant role in the city's rapid recovery efforts. The Civil Air Patrol members were honored to stand alongside local residents and partner agencies in helping the community begin the process of rebuilding after the storm.