Weakley County Guardsman Helps with Recent Flooding

MARTIN, Tenn. – Volunteering to help those in need and to serve our state and nation is what Tennessee and Tennesseans are known for. And one Soldier from Weakley County, Spc. Dylan Wade, is living up to the state’s nickname.

On April 5, Wade, a 21-year-old from Martin and graduate of Dresden High School, volunteered with his National Guard unit to help communities affected by the recent flooding due to the severe storms that tore through Tennessee. A trained construction engineer with the 913th Engineer Company in Union City, he is responsible for operating and maintaining heavy construction equipment, but his help was needed elsewhere.

The 913th was one of the initial units deployed to support Middle and West Tennessee. At first, the Guardsmen used Light Medium Tactical Vehicles, often referred to as LMTVs, to assist stranded citizens due to flooding. LMTVs are excellent vehicles for driving into flooded areas. Then, the 913th transported supplies into the affected areas and filled sandbags to defend against water damage to homes and property.

“I was proud to be able to help when the severe weather came through Middle Tennessee,” said Wade. “It’s the reason I joined the National Guard and love serving.”

Wade took part in numerous missions to help during the seven days he was working with his unit. Some of the missions included transporting hundreds of cases of essential supplies in Obion County, and hand-filling sandbags in Bogota.

“It’s great when you see everyone pitching-in and helping others when things are hard,” said Wade. “Really reminds me about what is important in life and the real goodness in people.”

But this was not the only time he volunteered to help others. This past October, Wade volunteered for relief efforts in East Tennessee following the severe flooding caused by Hurricane Helene. He spent weeks clearing debris left by the receding flood waters with a 10-ton dump truck. He also reopened roads and helped emergency workers gain access to critical infrastructure.

“I strive to be like my grandfather, he is my role model,” said Wade. “Watching how he carried himself, served with honor, and put others before himself inspired me to follow in his footsteps.”

Wade’s grandfather was a part of the U.S. Naval Construction Battalions, also known as Seabees, under the U.S. Navy Construction Force. And following in his grandfather’s footsteps as an engineer who is always ready to lend a helping hand, Wade serves with eagerness and is prepared for the next mission.

Author: Spc. Landon Evans
Last Updated: April 21, 2025
Category: Disaster Recovery