To Our CPOF Family:
Scott and I have struggled to find the right words or photos to describe Western NC and the devastating effects of Helene. There have been pictures, videos, testimonials and coverage on social media and major networks. None of that does it justice.
 

We thought it best to describe the people of Western NC from our perspective. They are a close knit family even though some people considered “neighbors” live across the mountain from one another. They are a community of Givers and Heroes. Our Western NC colleagues are brimming with pride and faith. They are the first to respond, donate, and render aid when needed anywhere but especially when the eastern or central parts of North Carolina have experienced line of duty deaths, hurricanes and flooding. 

Scott and I arrived on Wednesday with supplies. Our experience was humbling. We have weathered many hurricanes and responded in the aftermath of floods and destruction but it did not prepare us for this. Because of their locations and the severity of the situation many of those in our CPOF family had been working in institutions when the storm hit with no relief available. No water, no sewer (in some places the sewer lines and water treatment plant were completely destroyed), limited food, no sleep, limited resources, and no communication. They had very little information to assess if their families and coworkers were safe. 

We witnessed the pride, faith, and resilience of our unsung heroes first hand. We were met with smiles, hugs and gratitude. We spent several days with these men and women who had the weight of the world on their shoulders but still managed to be more concerned about others. We saw the relief on their faces as missing coworkers reported to work or reports came in that  everyone was accounted for. They were constantly giving us information on individual and location needs. Every person we spoke with said they were okay even those that lost everything. Their mind set was that someone else needed help more than they did. The recurring theme was others before self. 

For those who worked through it, those who left their families to relieve others knowing they would  work in unspeakable conditions, for those family members that were scared and alone but pushed through so your loved one could be a part of search, rescue, recovery, rendering aid or comfort to your communities, we say Thank You. Helene cannot touch the pride, faith and love for your community. 

Scott and I will return next week to represent CPOF and do all we can to help. We are sure with hurricane Milton looming offshore the people of Western North Carolina are more concerned about their brothers and sisters in Florida than they are for themselves. Western North Carolina and those in the path of Milton are in our thoughts, hearts and prayers.

Florida Field Representative John Kolodziej shared his words on video:

Despite not having water or power for over a week, South Carolina Field Representative Gary Evans continued to travel to distribute catastrophic assistance to his correctional family.