...the soldiers met Willie Patterson, a New Orleans Housing Authority employee. The soldiers' neighborhood patrols "have been a great help to us" in keeping down looting and other crime, Patterson said.

The soldiers conduct neighborhood-watch-like patrols in Algiers to assist local authorities to find out "how people are doing" after the storm, explained Army Capt. Kenton R. Barber, Battery A's 28-year-old executive officer...

...Alexcener Reaux, a 74-year-old townhouse resident on Murl Street who stayed on through the storm, said she's glad the soldiers are around. "I feel safer; I go to bed and sleep good," she said.

A helicopter came to evacuate her after the storm, but Reaux said she refused to leave because the aircraft scared her. Two days later, Reaux's daughter arrived to take care of her.

Pfc. Oliver D. Butler, 19, said he helps distribute food, water and other items during the day to Algiers residents at a local mission.

"It's a catastrophe that's happened in this area," Butler said. Helping Algiers residents get back on their feet "makes me feel good inside," he said...