The Heart of America: A Story of Resilience and Patriotism in the Wake of Disaster by Tom Stratton, Tom & Jerry's Roofing

During times of great hardship, it is not the dystopian cinematic vision of Hollywood but true Americanism and patriotism that is on display. In an unprecedented weather event, Asheville, NC, as well as many surrounding areas were hit with the most massive flooding event that had ever occurred in late September as Hurricane Helene steered its trajectory into the mountains in an unforeseen turn of events.

     
But what only the locals knew is that there had been several days of heavy rains before the hurricane drove its dagger into the heart of NC, causing the already saturated rivers, creeks, and low-lying areas to be overwhelmed. The people of Asheville, NC, and western NC small towns like Burnsville, Barnesville, Jacks Creek, Toecane, Green Mountain, Black Mountain, and so many others all witnessed a once in a century surge. First there was a 20-foot surge seen only days before and then three dams upstream that were in risk of potential failure were released simultaneously. This in combination with historic flooding caused a 30-foot wall of water (above the already 20-foot swell) which changed the landscape of the entire area surrounding Asheville and leading in all directions. Anywhere downriver saw catastrophic losses including loss of lives, loss of property, and some towns completely washed from the earth.

It is truly hard to describe and harder to witness firsthand. While on a humanitarian mission amidst all of this chaos, we found ourselves in the midst of one of the greatest displays of Americanism and Patriotism I have ever witnessed.

During the worst of times, individuals and companies from all around the country without any previous knowledge of each other converged into this area. We personally witnessed countless volunteers along with truckloads of supplies. Men and women, including an abundance of prior military, were working day and night—sleeping on the ground or in the backs of trucks and staying for weeks on end just so they could assist in whatever way they could. We had the opportunity to personally assist not only with supplies but also given some of our associates military background, we were able to participate in route reconnaissance, search and rescue evacuation, and with cadaver searches. It was in all of this that we saw the very best of what it means to be an American. To care so much about your fellow countrymen and women that you leave your own families, not knowing even where you're going specifically but heading into a place of danger to help your neighbors—helping to bring some smidgen of hope end restoration to those Americans who lost everything.

With everything that has been going on in the country including political unrest and negative undertones in every direction, what we found and what we were reminded of is what truly makes an American a patriot. It's helping your community and helping your neighbors no matter what their beliefs or backgrounds.

As we near the end of the year and begin a new, I hope that all of us can begin a healing process and move forward as a new country together and remember that respect for one another. The tragedy in North Carolina sets an example for us to do better because we can and because we are Americans. During the holiday season, remember to be kinder, to give more, and endeavor to uplift each other. A smile and hope are powerful and contagious things. Let’s watch out for one another and invest our time and our abilities in our own communities to strengthen them and our country.

We would like to give a special thanks to several of the groups that we were able to see in action on site and assist in their operations: Savage freedom OPS, Samaritans purse, Sword and Shield, and a host of individuals including all of you that were kind enough to give from your heart in the form of money, shoes, clothing, food, water, propane and countless other lifesaving supplies that we had the opportunity to deliver. Anything that you did we are truly grateful, and the people of North Carolina are as well.

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