Soldiers from the Louisiana National Guard’s 2nd Battalion, 156th Infantry Regiment laid Tiger Dam flood-control tubing near an elementary school in Houma to help protect homes and schools from possible backwater flooding due to the opening of the Morganza Spillway, May 17.

“We’re laying down approximately two miles of Tiger Dam,” said Capt. Nicholas S. Acosta, company commander with the 2-156th. “We’ve laid a protective barrier around two schools as well.”

The Soldiers, in support of local parish and city official, surrounded Bayou Black Elementary School and Greenwood Middle School with the water-diversion system, totaling 2,650 feet.

“Both the [Bayou Black] fire department and the parish have helped tremendously,” said Staff Sgt. Louis E. Domangue, noncommissioned officer in charge of operations. “Everybody knows what our cause is, and I think it’s great that we all can come together for a common goal.”

With fire engines partially blocking the streets and Soldiers feverishly at work, residents could be seen standing on porches watching and taking photos.

“It’s very rewarding to know that I can give back to the community where I live,” said Pvt. Joshua P. Hawkins of Gray, La. “After all, isn’t this what I signed up for?”