A volunteer group known as Savage Freedom Ops, who’ve adopted the nickname the "Redneck Air Force," has been helping victims of Hurricane Helene in Buncombe County, North Carolina. WLOS-TV reports that pilot Aaron Rudolf responded to a post on social media asking for help, and then began asking friends to help him. Those including civilian and ex-military pilots, who have been flying multiple supply trips daily to deliver essentials to people in remote areas. Rudolf says that their efforts are long-term and may continue for months or even years.
Aaron says as bad as it is up in the mountains a lot more people would have died if it wasn't for the Redneck Air Force. "The first seven days we were here, I didn’t see anyone from FEMA or anyone who was in a position to help the injured or get water to the people. But we're starting to see them around now,” FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell later addressed the situation saying that nearly 34-hundred federal responders have been deployed to the state.
The "Redneck Air Force" has made a significant impact in the area by providing not only physical supplies but also critical communication services, "We have now delivered 1200 donated starlink systems so people can connect with family". Rudolf describes the joy and relief on people’s faces when they receive necessities and are able to reconnect with their loved ones. He says he’s proud of what they've been able to do, including relocating search-and-rescue teams, flying search dogs, and performing wellness checks in areas cut off from the outside world.