Free Press staff

The Vermont National Guard continues to send aid to the Virgin Islands after hurricanes Irma and Maria decimated the U.S. territory.

Maj. Gen. Steven Cray, the adjutant general, praised the character of the Vermont soldiers in a statement Friday night.

"Our aviation Soldiers departing for the Virgin Islands are providing crucial assistance in a time when it is needed,” Cray said. “These men and women highlight the great volunteer force we have in the Vermont National Guard."

A team of 20 soldiers and airmen made up of nurses, physician assistants, medical administration, combat medics and a one doctor traveled on Sept. 15 to the island. The team provided medical services to National Guard personnel working in the disaster area. The group remained in place as Hurricane Maria passed through.

An additional team of 20 soldiers with two Black Hawk medevac helicopters planned to mobilize Saturday to reinforce the aviation capacity of the National Guard Civil Support to respond to hurricane relief operations.

Aircrews are expected to be involved in search and rescue efforts along with transporting personnel and equipment, according to the Guard statement.

RELATED: VT National Guard to help Virgin Islands post Irma

"The Vermont National Guard continues to show an inspiring willingness and ability to support hurricane relief work, and I thank them for their efforts," Gov. Phil Scott said in a statement.