INDIANAPOLIS — It was a heartwarming homecoming.
"It's great. I've been looking forward to it," said Michel Parker with Indiana Task Force 1.
Over the last few weeks, 80 Hoosiers with Task Force 1 deployed from the Heartland to the hardest hit areas in the Southeast. They went to places like Florida and North Carolina to help clean up after Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton ripped through parts of those states.
"First experience was great. Great people to work with. Seen a lot of things and it's all just getting processed right now," said Parker.
The TF-1 crew helped alongside FEMA and other rescue crews, evacuating more than 300 residents in Florida. While they were met with high winds, heavy rain and flooding during their mission, they were met back home Tuesday with welcome signs and appreciation for all they've done.
Indiana Task Force 1 was established more than 30 years ago. It has responded to tornado events throughout Indiana and assisted in the clean-up after the 9/11 attacks.
So far, the response team has deployed 56 times to disaster events throughout the United States.
How you can help
- You can donate to the American Red Cross. You can donate money to help pay for supplies, but there is also a critical need for blood products. You can give $10 to the Red Cross by texting HELENE to 90999.
- The United Way has also created a special Helene Recovery donation page you can find here.
- Midwest Foodbank is encouraging donations to help provide supplies to people suffering across the southeastern United States.
FEMA has a list of the relief agencies working in all the affected states: