When a pair of hikers ran out of food, water and the strength to continue their trek on Oct. 9, the Idaho Army National Guard answered the call. The National Guard’s Army Aviation Support Facility in Boise dispatched a helicopter equipped for hoist operations after Custer County Search and Rescue requested assistance through the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center.
Rapid response saves lives
The crew arrived on the mountainside near Stanley in Custer County within minutes. From an elevation of roughly 9,000 feet, the pilots and crew located the stranded hikers, who were too exhausted to walk out, and safely hoisted them into the aircraft.
Captain Kate Smith, pilot in command, said the mission underscored the Guard’s commitment to serving both inter‑agency partners and the local community. “Many of us joined the organization to help people, and this allows us to leverage our military skill set to do just that,” she explained.
Coordinated effort with local partners
After the lift, the helicopter flew the hikers to Stanley Airport, where an ambulance and members of the Custer County Sheriff’s Department were waiting. The coordinated effort demonstrated the seamless partnership between the Guard, local law‑enforcement, and emergency‑medical services.
The operation marked the first live search‑and‑rescue mission for Chief Warrant Officer 2 Logan Lusk, Staff Sergeant Justin Rhodes, and Boise Fire Department Senior Firefighter Kevin O’Donnell. Staff Sergeant Brad Stock also contributed to the successful rescue.
Training pays off
Guard members train for years without knowing when they will be needed. “We train for years not knowing if or when we’ll be needed, but Friday was the day for our team,” Smith said. Their preparation paid off, ensuring a swift and safe outcome for the hikers.
Local residents expressed gratitude for the Guard’s dedication. The rescue serves as a reminder of the vital role that Idaho’s National Guard plays in safeguarding the state’s rugged terrain and supporting citizens in emergency situations.
Original reporting: KIVI Idaho News 6 Boise metro (local) — read the source article.
