Coming straight from the trenches of devastation of Western North Carolina, Charlie Keebaugh and Jonathan Howard teamed up again to appear on The Shawn Ryan Show to shine a light on the tragedy unfolding in the Appalachia area as they begin to recovery from unprecedented effects of Hurricane Helene on the mountainous region. The #2 podcast in the world, hosted by retired Navy SEAL and CIA operator, Shawn Ryan, highlighted the non-profit team and their lifesaving efforts in Western North Carolina after the hurricane leveled the area.
With first-hand knowledge and experience in working with local governments, other charity groups, and the citizens of the hardest hit area, Keebaugh and Howard brought a realistic view of what was happening in the region and the lack of a coordinated government response.
They were able to highlight the great work of the Aerial Recovery team in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina. They shared stories of determination, resilience, and innovation that the team of former special operators brought to the search and recovery efforts. Bringing military experience, years of leadership, and shear determination, Keebaugh’s team was able to accomplish life-saving missions from helicopters and on the ground where the state and federal governments were castrated.
A Heroic Rescue: Saving an 11-Day-Old Baby
One of the most heart-stopping moments Keebaugh shared on the Shawn Ryan Podcast was the story of rescuing an 11-day-old baby. In the chaos following the hurricane, the infant and its family were stranded in a remote area with limited access to food, water, and medical care. Once the team pinpointed their exact location, they used the helicopter for the rescue, Keebaugh and his team flew directly to the hospital for a rooftop landing, tirelessly to bring the baby and its family to safety.
This incredible act of courage epitomizes the dedication and skill Aerial Recovery brings to every mission. Their work goes beyond logistics—it’s about preserving lives and offering hope to those in despair.
Collaboration and Community Support
Keebaugh also emphasized the importance of collaboration in disaster response. The team attempted to work with local governments and emergency management personnel. In many cases, they were handcuffed by government bureaucracy and inaction. Keebaugh and his team assisted local community leaders and other organizations to streamline rescue and recovery efforts and maximize their effect not waiting for the state and federal responders to catch up. Their ability to integrate seamlessly into larger operations is a testament to their professionalism and dedication. Beyond saving lives, the organization is committed to helping communities rebuild. Their work includes providing essential resources, assisting with infrastructure repair, and supporting long-term recovery plans.