Governor Greg Abbott and General Steven Nordhaus, Chief of the National Guard Bureau, visited Kerr County to assess damage from recent severe flooding. The briefing took place at the Hill Country Youth Event Center, where Governor Abbott commended the Trump Administration for its prompt response in providing resources for search and rescue operations. General Nordhaus discussed the nationwide support deployed to aid Texas in locating missing individuals.
Local first responders and volunteers shared their needs and experiences following the deadly floods. Governor Abbott expressed gratitude to volunteers for their efforts during this challenging time.
The briefing included various officials such as Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd, Major General Thomas Suelzer, Senior Enlisted Advisor John T. Raines III, Command Sergeant Major Frederick Heard, Texas A&M Chancellor Glenn Hegar, Executive Vice Chancellor Susan Ballabina, Board of Regents Chair Robert Albritton, Engineering Extension Service Director David Coatney, Forest Service Director Al Davis, AgriLife Director Rick Avery, among others.
Governor Abbott and General Nordhaus then conducted an aerial tour to survey flood damage over the July 4th weekend. The Governor described the severity of the floodwaters and emphasized ongoing coordinated efforts by responders to rebuild affected communities.
Post-tour acknowledgments were given to five groups involved in heroic search and rescue operations: two UH-60 Black Hawk assault crews, Ground Transportation Platoons 2 and 3, a Czech Republic Search and Rescue team, and Q3x UH-60 Black Hawk Medevac crews.
