Crews from the Alaska Organized Militia and Division of Forestry & Fire Protection work on critical repairs to make Kotzebue homes safer and warmer on Oct. 27, 2024, following a powerful fall storm that flooded the town, displaced over 80 residents, and damaged dozens of homes. The AKOM team, including Alaska National Guard and Alaska State Defense Force members from Kotzebue, Anchorage, Fairbanks, Ninilchik, Palmer, and Wasilla, joined local responders and other agencies to assist residents in critical need by fixing broken pipes, reconstructing and reinforcing entryways, securing shifted fuel tanks, and clearing debris. (Alaska National Guard video by Balinda O’Neal)
