By ADAM P. BARR

Staff Writer

The 527th Engineering Battalion was called to duty once again this past week for a humanitarian mission to Florida for hurricane relief.

A 46-vehicle convoy left Ruston Sept. 27 and arrived late in the evening Sept. 30 to Vero Beach, Fla., Lt. Col. Ron McGee, 527th Engineering Battalion commander, said.

Tech Chief of Police Stephen Quinnelly was one of the 24 soldiers called to duty this past week in an effort to rebuild the hurricane-pummeled East coast of Florida.

Detective Lt. Tommy Craig of Tech police said the police department appreciates Quinnelly's service in Florida but are anxiously waiting for his return.

"[Quinnelly's] hard work in the 527th only reflects his hard work here at the department," Craig said.

McGee said Task Force Bayou Hammer was called to duty due to the bombardment by the four hurricanes.

"With demands on soldiers for 'Operation Iraqi Freedom' and 'Operation Enduring Freedom,' Florida's National Guard was stretched to meet the mission of hurricane relief," McGee said.

Winston Matejowsky, operations noncommissioned officer on location, said a four-day trek to the disaster relief operation ended with clearing debris off roadways at Vero Beach, Fla.

McGee said the 527th is also doing road repair along with repair to the barrier-island and reefs damaged by the strong winds."I reminded them before leaving that they were ambassadors of Louisiana and should present themselves that way," McGee said.

McGee also said the mission-essential personnel sent to the disaster site are the best available that the battalion has to offer and should represent the group well.

The 527th equipment includes five-ton dump trucks, front-end loaders and 18-wheeler trucks.

"Their equipment will be used to pick up and haul off debris," Knight said.

Clint Davis, specialist in the 527th and a junior psychology major, said he was in Afghanistan with Quinnelly, and his logistical work is pertinent to the operation.

Davis said, "Quinnelly does good work, and he's a skilled soldier and I know the Tech [Police Department] will greet him warmly on his return."