It was a cause for celebration today in Virginia Beach. Eighty members of Virginia Task Force 2 returned home today from their successful Hurricane Milton relief mission. Task Force Leader Michael Brashear told us he couldn't have been happier about this homecoming.
"It feels great to be home. We were gone for 19 days and I know that everyone on the team is excited to see their families again," said Brashear. "They can hold their heads high. Job well done."
The search and rescue team left their staging area in Savannah, Georgia Saturday morning at 7 a.m. and arrived back at the Harry E. Diezel fire training center in Virginia Beach on Saturday afternoon. Families and loved ones were eager to welcome their heroes back with open arms.
"It's always nice to have them return home safe. We know that when we send them out, anything can happen, but it's nice that they are returning home safe," said spouse Lauren Kudley.
On top of providing care for Hurricane Milton victims, returning home to their loved ones was the motivation for Task Force 2 members.
"Your loved ones are on your mind the whole time you're there and doing good work while we were down there helping people, but it's always nice to be back home with family," said Dillon Dextradeur.
"Obviously missed them a lot. Very happy to be back with them. Fortunately I had a rockstar at home that took care of them while I was gone, so I couldn't be more thankful, but definitely a good feeling to be home," said task force member Michael Sacksteder.
Those who had to evacuate their homes in Florida before Hurricane Milton made landfall were also able to return home today.
"We're thankful for those who didn't sustain damage, but we know at the same time there were houses and property and lives affected by both hurricanes...Helene and Milton...and for that our thoughts and prayers go out to them," said Brashear.
Task Force Leader Brashear told us that no Task Force 2 members were seriously injured during their missions in Florida.