Arkansas – As the aftermath of the devastating July 4 floods continues to unfold in South Texas, teams from Arkansas have mobilized to assist with critical recovery efforts. The region remains reeling from widespread destruction, but help is on the way, with Arkansans playing a significant role in the relief operations on the ground.
Lieutenant Kyle Cloutier of the Arkansas National Guard was one of the first to arrive in Kerrville, Texas, on the very day the floods struck. His team has since been involved in a variety of critical tasks aimed at helping the local community recover. From clearing debris to delivering essential meals and assisting with evacuations, the National Guard’s presence has been vital to ensuring the safety and well-being of affected residents.
“We’re here in relief and support of the Texas Guard and anything that they need from us,” Lieutenant Cloutier said. His words echo the sentiment of teamwork and mutual aid that has guided these recovery operations. The damage in the region is still extensive, and Cloutier described the devastation as “quite a scene.” The floodwaters have submerged areas that shouldn’t have been flooded, displacing families and disrupting lives. “A bunch of places where water shouldn’t be… when it should be in the river, it’s been in other places,” Cloutier observed.
Beyond the Arkansas National Guard, another key player in the recovery process is Rogers-based nonprofit Sheep Dog Impact Assistance. This dedicated organization has dispatched trailers filled with supplies to Liberty Hill, Texas, where volunteers from across the United States have converged to help clear debris and assist families in salvaging irreplaceable items. With more than 90 volunteers from 17 states, Sheep Dog Impact Assistance’s efforts are making a tangible difference on the ground.
Giovanni Palavicini, Disaster Response Ambassador for the nonprofit, shared heartwarming stories of their work. “We’re finding Bibles. We’re finding jewelry, old coins. We found a Marine’s ring yesterday,” Palavicini said. These personal mementos, lost in the chaos of the flood, are being returned to families, offering them a sense of comfort and hope. “They’re able to have a little bit of that past and hold onto a little bit of the hope of the future,” Palavicini noted.
The passion to serve drives the efforts of both Cloutier and Palavicini, whose teams work tirelessly to assist their fellow Americans. “We have a passion for people, and so we’re able to come alongside our brothers and sisters that are military and first responders to help out,” Palavicini explained. This collective spirit of service has made the recovery process more bearable for many families affected by the floodwaters.
Palavicini and Cloutier both emphasized the importance of financial donations as a critical way for the public to help the recovery efforts. Many residents are left without flood insurance, leaving them with significant financial burdens as they attempt to rebuild their lives. “These people are going to have a need financially to rebuild… any amount counts that you can help out with,” Palavicini urged.
Additionally, both men encouraged those in the affected areas to accept the support being offered. Cloutier acknowledged the long-term nature of the recovery process, urging families to allow aid workers to bridge the gap. “This is a long recovery process, allow for us to step in and bridge the gap,” he said.
The flood recovery in South Texas is far from over, but thanks to the efforts of teams like the Arkansas National Guard and Sheep Dog Impact Assistance, there is hope for the future. These dedicated individuals are doing more than just providing immediate relief; they are offering a sense of community and solidarity that will help Texas rebuild in the wake of one of its most devastating natural disasters.
