The Bermuda Regiment embodied 212 soldiers to help Bermuda through Hurricane Igor.

Throughout the course of the weekend the soldiers helped clear debris and assess structures across the Island. They also ensured paralysed Wolde Bartle, a former Regiment soldier, was safely taken to the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital after the generator to his life support equipment failed in his Paget home.

Commanding Officer of the Regiment Lt Col Brian Gonsalves said hurricane relief is one of the primary roles of the Regiment.

The Regiment's website stated five teams were mobilised, including one team pre-positioned at the Airport Fire Station to ride out the storm on the eastern side of the Causeway, in case the bridge experienced similar damage to what took place during Hurricane Fabian in 2003.

These teams included drivers, chainsaw operators, radio operators, medics, and members of the Cadre and the Guns and Assault Pioneer platoons to provide manpower.

As The Royal Gazette reported yesterday, Regiment soldiers battled heavy wind and rain to transport former soldier Mr. Bartley, who is on life-support after a car crash several years ago, to the hospital. They also brought with them Mr. Wolde's pregnant sister Walette Maldanardo; she gave birth early Monday morning.

Lt. Col. Gonsalves said yesterday: ""We were first made aware of the situation with Wolde Bartley by Corporal Carol Everson, who was already aware of the circumstances with Wolde and his family. When we followed up with Mrs. Wilson, it was clear that the best option was going to be moving him to the hospital. We only found out about the circumstances with his sister once the team arrived at the house, and it seems that she wasn't sure at first whether she wanted to go.

"As it turned out, it was definitely for the best that she was moved. The whole team did a great job, and we're happy that we were able to help."

On Monday, after the storm had passed Bermuda, the Regiment set to work assessing damage and offering assistance where required. The team pre-positioned at the Airport helped assess damage in the East End, including the Airport buildings and runways.

Lt. Col. Gonsalves said: "I am deeply proud of all the men and women of the Regiment, and especially so when they put their efforts and energy into helping out in situations like these.

"Everyone worked very hard in the preparations for Igor, and the teams that went out on Monday morning performed extremely well. My thanks go out to everyone who contributed. Already we have received several expressions of gratitude from members of the community, and I'm making sure that all of these get passed along to the troops."