Search And Rescue - Central Texas

In my Memorial Day post I mentioned that our armed forces don't just fight wars, they also help out in times of need.

The recent floods here in Central Texas are a good example. The 36th Infantry Division, Texas Army National Guard, has been mobilized and is conducting Search and Rescue missions in the hardest hit areas - with outstanding results.

A family caught chest-deep in floodwaters in San Marcos, Texas, one of the areas hardest-hit by a deadly storm, is sharing their remarkable story of survival, CBS News' Don Dahler reports.

Carlos and Kandi Cortez were home with three of their four children when they said the sound of rushing water woke them early Sunday morning as the nearby rising Blanco River started filling their home.

"What I noticed from the bedroom was the water go from a few inches to our chest in a matter of about two minutes," Carlos said.

Too dangerous to go outside, they stayed in their home.

"The plan was hold on for dear life," Carlos said.

That seemed like a good idea until they realized their flooded house might actually electrocute them.

"I thought something had bit me, and when it happened again I realized I was getting shocked," Kandi said.

Carlos spotted a ladder by the back door, so they headed to the roof, waiting for help from above. A helicopter from the Texas National Guard came to their aid.

Jeremy VanAusdall, Josh Powell and Josh Tauer were part of the rescue team that arrived on scene.

"Reassured them everything's going to be all right, 'We're gonna get you out of here,' immediately called for a basket," VanAusdall said.

One by one, the guardsmen pulled the Cortez family to safety.

"The one that rescued me, he was, he was, he was my hero, he calmed me down," Kandi said.

On Tuesday, Carlos and Kandi were reunited with the men who saved them.

"The honor that comes from being able to help someone in their time of need, that's why we're here," VanAusdall said.

More:

Soldiers from 1st Squadron 124th Cavalry and D Co., 949th BSB, along with members of Texas Task Force 1, look for survivors of the floods that have hit Texas in recent days. This Search and Rescue – Ground (SAR-G) team from the 36th Infantry Division (Texas Army National Guard) is conducting operations in both the Wimberley and Blanco areas utilizing their high-water trucks to rescue 32 civilians and 7 pets after the Blanco River flooded its banks. (Photo by 1SG Ross Dobelbower, 1-124th Cavalry Regiment)

Troopers from 1st Squadron 124th Cavalry get some well-deserved sleep in the Blanco Volunteer Fire Department building on the morning of May 24th after conducting water rescue missions all night long. The 36th Infantry Division Soldiers of the Texas Army National Guard rescued 32 residents after flood waters devastated the small community of Blanco, Texas. (Photo by 1SG Ross Dobelbower, 1-124th Cavalry Regiment)

Well done, troops!