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But in that lies the pride and strength to help heal their hometowns.
Task Force All-American Lift and Task Force Victory spent the day checking equipment, setting up networks for the command staff and loading supplies onto the convoy.
From here, they'll head south where shelters are overflowing with storm victims.
Sgt. Vincent Dupree is a Miami native. He is checking his refueling tanker as he's a part of the 110-vehicle convoy responding to Irma.
For Dupree, it brings back memories of Hurricane Andrew, but it is also an opportunity to encourage his own family, which is still struggling in Irma's aftermath.
"They're making it," Dupree said. "They're still without power. Day to day, they're looking to see what they can find as far as food, supplies. But I can assure them that help is on the way."