Video

Video by Joseph Siemandel

Remembering Oso: Guard Member Reflects on Service During Disaster

Joint Force Headquarters - Washington National Guard

March 22, 2024 | 5:30

Senior Master Sgt. Chris Martin served as a member of the Search and Rescue Team the days following the devastating State Route 530 Landslide near Oso, Wash. 10 years later he reflects back on the mission and how it affected him. On March 22, 2014 at 10:37 a.m. major landslide occurred just four miles from the town of Oso. A portion of an unstable hill collapsed, sending mud and debris to the south across the North Fork of the Stillaguamish River, engulfing a rural neighborhood, and covering an area of approximately one square mile killing 43 people were killed and 49 homes and other structures destroyed. Following the landslide, more than 750 Guard members were activated to support first responders in Search and Rescue and Recovery efforts, logistics needs, aviation, transportation, command and control as well as supporting the communities of Arlington, Oso and Darrington get back on their feet. (U.S. National Guard video by Joseph Siemandel)