FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. — Hurricane Helene stormed through the southeast in late September, destroying many homes and causing hundreds of deaths. 

Weeks of recovery continue, and more help is on the way, as Fort Campbell sent 500 soldiers to eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina.

“When we saw Hurricane Helene forming, we did prudent planning to assure our air crews and planners were ready to respond if called upon," said Col. Tyler Partridge, the 101st Combat Aviation commander. 

An Oct. 4 phone call let the soldiers know that Carolinians and Tennesseans needed their help.

“Twelve hours later, we had our air crews and planners here on this air field linking up with members of the second mobile brigade combat team in preparation of their movement to eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina," Partridge said. 

Crews landed and went to help immediately.

“They’ve been engaged in fulfilling all of the requests from debris cleanup to delivery of supplies," Partridge said. "Any way or any task that comes our way from (Federal Emergency Management Agency) or North Carolina National Guard, the team is leading into.”

Fort Campbell has also sent more than 55 infantry squad vehicles to pick up debris of destroyed houses and buildings, as well as deliver supplies to people in need, in addition to more than 15 utility and cargo helicopters. They will be working with FEMA while they're deployed. 

The Department of Defense will remain engaged with federal, state and local partners to coordinate recovery efforts.