A volunteer group known as Savage Freedom Ops, who’ve adopted the nickname the "Redneck Air Force," has been helping victims of Hurricane Helene in Buncombe County, North Carolina. The organization began when pilot Aaron Rudolf responded to a post on social media asking for help, and the operation quickly expanded. Volunteers, including civilian and ex-military pilots, have been flying multiple supply trips daily to deliver essentials to people in remote areas. Rudolf says that their efforts are long-term and may continue for months or even years.
In the early days of the crisis, Rudolf says FEMA wasn’t providing the help people desperately needed. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell later addressed the situation saying that nearly 3,400 federal responders have been deployed to the state. She also pushed back on misinformation circulating about the $750 immediate assistance being provided, clarifying that the money is just a first step meant for victims’ immediate needs. She says accepting the payments won’t affect people’s property and more assistance is coming.
The "Redneck Air Force" has made a significant impact in the area by providing not only physical supplies but also critical communication services through donated satellite internet systems. Rudolf describes the joy and relief on people’s faces when they receive necessities and are able to reconnect with their loved ones. He says he’s proud of what they've been able to do, including relocating search-and-rescue teams, flying search dogs, and performing wellness checks in areas cut off from the outside world.
Source: WLOS