North Dakota floods tested Air Force EPLOs

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TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFNS) --  When Col. Stacy Collins became an Air Force emergency preparedness liaison officer last November, she couldn't have predicted that in less than five months, she'd be assisting in one of the worst natural disasters to hit North Dakota in years: the flooding of several rivers including the Red and Missouri rivers.

But, having lived in the Wyoming-North Dakota area most of her life, she was aware that the Red River, which forms the border between North Dakota and Minnesota, had been prone to flooding for centuries. The last major flood, dubbed the "Flood of the Century," had occurred in 1997 in Grand Forks, N.D.  Similar floods have crippled the flat river region throughout the 20th Century, the late 1800s and earlier.

Although much of the national media coverage focused on the city of Fargo and nearby Moorhead, Minn., the March flooding affected virtually every county and resident of North Dakota. It has proven to be one of the worst in history and the fight against it is ongoing several weeks later.

Colonel Collins is an Air Force reservist assigned to the North Dakota Air National Guard, and works as an EPLO for 1st Air Force's National Security Emergency Preparedness Agency at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. The EPLO program is part of the Defense Support to Civil Authorities mission under U.S. Northern Command.  Air Forces Northern is the Air Force component of U.S. Northern Command. 

Colonel Collins knew when she applied for the job that at some point she would be called, perhaps suddenly, to duty.

She knew she would have to temporarily leave her civilian obligations as a gymnastics coach, tutor, substitute teacher and newspaper typesetter. She also would have to say a short goodbye to her husband, Mike, and children, Dustin, 18, and Michelle, 16, to take part in whatever disaster might pop up.

Throughout her three-week flood experience, the newly-assigned EPLO learned quickly that although fully trained, assisting in an actual disaster is filled with uncertainty and high drama. 

"I was the first EPLO on duty in the state and things moved very fast," Colonel Collins said of that frantic first week of rising river levels, widespread flooding, freezing rain, blizzards and ice jams. "In the first eight days I was one of many people who worked 120-plus hours; after that, we eventually regained some balance."

Even before she arrived at the state emergency operations center in Bismarck, N.D., she coordinated with the New Orleans-based Coast Guard EPLO responsible for North Dakota for the movement of boats and aircraft that would be needed for rescues, and for other onsite needs.

Once in Bismarck, she found herself quickly answering phone calls and e-mail from people and organizations needing immediate awareness of the
deteriorating situation. 

"There was a definite sense of urgency," she said. "For almost 48 hours there was a frenzy of activity as we prepared for the possibility that the entire city of Fargo might be evacuated."

She also attended decision-making meetings with high level officials, including North Dakota Gov. John Hoeven, North Dakota Adjutant General David Sprynczynatyk, North Dakota Homeland Security Division Director Greg Wilz, Bismarck Mayor John Warford, Federal Emergency Management Agency representatives, the American Red Cross and other involved local, state and federal organizations. She soon learned that complete consensus about the appropriate course of action was not always possible with so many stakeholders.

She observed the aftermath of one particularly controversial point of contention that was widely reported in the media. Although both FEMA and the
governor advised Fargo Mayor Dennis Walaker to declare a mandatory evacuation of the entire city, the city head did not agree. He was convinced the best way to save Fargo was for its determined residents, except for the elderly and sick, who had already been evacuated, to stay and help fill sandbags to fortify the dikes and levees.

"He proved to be right and is regarded as a local hero," Colonel Collins noted.

At the peak of the operation, about 2,400 Guard members, mostly from North Dakota but also from other states, were in Fargo or other flood-affected areas assisting with the disaster, including filling sandbags, helping with evacuations, building dikes and rescuing people.

The Red River crested at Fargo-Moorhead just short of 41 feet, more than 22 feet above flood stage. That broke a 112-year record.

Miraculously, only two people in the state died during the flood, both individuals suffering heart attacks while helping fill sandbags. However, many farmers statewide suffered the loss of about 100,000 cattle and other farm animals that were swept away in the high waters.  Heavy property damage also took its toll across the state.

"The area residents were very aware that the National Guard was on the front line helping save their homes and communities," Colonel Collins emphasized. "For me, it was very satisfying to help people who were living the worst days of their lives."

Colonel Deacon Winters, Region VIII director for the 1st Air Force NSEP EPLO program is, like Colonel Collins, a member of the U.S. Air Force
Reserve. Also closely involved in all aspects of the emergency, he has only good things to say about his colleague's response to the flood. 

"Despite being a relatively new EPLO, Colonel Collins' assessments and coordination were right on the mark," he said proudly.

Among the many things she accomplished with skill, speed and professionalism, he said, were daily or as-needed reporting of the evolving situation, close involvement in planning efforts and fostering good relationships with other stakeholders. 

"All of these things were key to her effectiveness," he said. "She quickly became a relevant player and did an overall outstanding job."

But Colonel Collins is not the only EPLO deserving of praise, Colonel Winters pointed out, explaining that EPLOs from the Air Force and other branches of service also performed admirably during the disaster. Among them were Col. Todd McCubbin, Col. Jean Combs, Navy Capt. Tim Bohan and Army Col. Ron Slaathaug.

"Our EPLOs always provide the 'boots on the ground' to facilitate the Department of Defense's support at the right place at the right time," Colonel Winters said. "All made a great team."

Colonel Winters said too few citizens in his region, which includes Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota, know much about the EPLO program. He would like everyone to become more aware that EPLOs assist ― usually voluntarily unless the president declares an emergency when they are called to federal duty ― during all major natural disasters such as wildfires, major winter storms, hurricanes and more. They even help at major national special events, such as political conventions and sports venues, where extra security is required.

"EPLOs are the behind-the-scenes players who provide continuity, establish relationships, solve problems and coordinate and facilitate Department of Defense support during an emergency," he said. "The result is that, in time of need, the average citizen has the best capability our nation has to offer to prevent loss of life, personal suffering and property damage."