By Catherine M. Welch
Wilmington, NC – Thousands of Marines and Soldiers are leaving North Carolina and heading to Haiti to help with the rescue effort.
Some 2,200 Marines and sailors from Camp Lejeune along with three amphibious ships and a helicopter squadron are heading to Haiti. They'll provide medical support and help with water purification.
The Army is sending 3,500 soldiers out of Ft. Bragg. Maj. Angela Funaro is with the 18th Airborne. She says it's a humanitarian mission that could also include security.
"If there is criminal activity that hampers the recovery effort, they could assist with that."
The soldiers should reach Haiti by Monday. The military effort is part of President Obama's pledge for humanitarian aid.
Do you have insight or expertise on this topic? Please email us, we'd like to hear from you. news@whqr.org.