Between Minnehaha and Pennington's, 10 Sheriffs and deputies went down to help with hurricane relief.

Sheriff Mike Milstead says he put 5,000 miles on a vehicle in just two weeks.

Sheriff Milstead says the two hurricanes, Gustav and then Ike, delivered a one-two punch to LaFourche, Louisiana.

That's where he spent most of his time.

Gustav battered the area with wind, strong enough to push over power poles and rolling mobile homes.

Then Ike, brought the water, with a storm surge that left almost everything under water.

Sheriff Milstead says everyone learned a lot.

"I think of the deputies that went from Minnehaha and Pennington counties, tremendous experience."

The Sheriff says work was coordinated between city, parish, state and national guard leaders.

With so many needs, they leaned about leadership.

"It takes leaders and decision makers. Making decisions that might not be popular, but in the end are the best for the citizens," said Sheriff Milstead.

And in the face of challenges that tested everyone, they also learned about the goodwill people can show each other even as they're dealing with the most trying circumstances.

"I'd be in getting a pop at a gas station and they'd be washing the windows on my squad car and saying hey, thank you. We know you're from South Dakota, and we just want to let you know how much we appreciate what you're doing," said Sheriff Milstead.

Sheriff Milstead says there were several tense moments.

One time they were called out to a fight disturbance where there might be weapons. Three deputies showed up and there were 60 people involved.