Citizen Airman responds to disaster relief efforts following Hurricane Helene Published Nov. 25, 2024 By James Bowman 624th Regional Support Group JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, HAWAII -- Senior Airman Christopher Sibert, an engineering journeyman with the 624th Civil Engineer Squadron, responded to Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina. As an engineering journeyman, his role involved overseeing projects from technical planning to execution, ensuring everything is going according to plan. His job required frequent site assessments and adapting plans to ensure the proper functioning of critical infrastructure. This training and experience prepared him to respond effectively during natural disasters like hurricanes. Sibert emphasized the importance of self-sufficiency and resilience, which he honed through his military training. “Because of the training I received in the military, I know how to take care of myself, which allows me to take care of others," he explained. Staying physically fit, hydrated, and mentally strong was crucial to maintaining focus during intense disaster response efforts. Sibert described the emotional challenges of seeing those affected by the disaster and the satisfaction of helping them rebuild, reinforcing his commitment to his work. One key aspect of his role in disaster response was working in a multi-agency environment. Sibert worked alongside the Army Corps of Engineers, National Guard, and contractors, building camaraderie and trust across different teams. "We’re all in this fight together," he said, noting the importance of team spirit during such stressful operations. The collaborative efforts allowed for sharing best practices and work more efficiently. Sibert’s primary responsibilities included providing power to critical infrastructure like water treatment plants and temporary shelters. He was involved in site assessments, overseeing the installation of generators, and ensuring quality control throughout the process, which included checking that the generators function correctly and managing maintenance operations to provide continuous power. Sibert’s role also extended to being a point of contact for communities needing assistance, such as coordinating the delivery of generators to areas without power. His previous experience in the Maui wildfires helped prepare him for responding to Hurricane Helene, teaching him how to engage with survivors, respect boundaries, and maintain clear communication. Sibert plans to bring back the lessons from his deployment to his unit, including the importance of flexibility and adaptability in disaster response. He aims to prepare his fellow engineers for similar situations, emphasizing the need to think on the fly and focus on the mission—providing essential services to those in need. Sibert concluded with advice for others considering similar roles: “Always volunteer. These experiences, while tragic, offer unique learning opportunities you’ll never forget.”