My visits to Ripley, Clark and Washington Counties were not planned for this week. But after the devastating tornadoes of March 2 struck, I traveled there this week to witness the storm damage and provide any encouragement I could.
Too many times during my term as Lt. Governor, serious natural disasters have affected our state – including tornadoes in 2005 and widespread flooding in 2008 -- this fresh wave of storms and tornadoes has taken Hoosier lives and destroyed homes and businesses. Each time I have been impressed with the outpouring of service and compassion for hurting neighbors. It seems in our darkest hour, Hoosiers are at their best, ready to help in any way they can.
On Tuesday, I stopped first in Holton, where I visited the community center and saw the piles of donated food and volunteers cooking meals for those who have lost everything. Plenty of people were hard at work rebuilding, a process that will take many months if not years.
Moving on, I visited a church in Mt. Moriah that had been leveled by the storm. The congregation there had set up a tent for services and was providing water and supplies to their friends and neighbors.
By the time I made it to Henryville, I was prepared to see the worst of the damage. What I saw was an army of volunteers working to clear away debris and find what needed fixing and who needed helping. Everything from an emergency response station to a laundry facility had been set up to help and keep people safe.
Local leaders showed me a remarkable video that came from the eye of the storm. Firefighters ran out into grapefruit-sized hail to help a victim who had been thrown from a car, holding a road sign over the victim until it was safe to move. I have always applauded the work of Indiana’s first responders, but seeing that act of heroism happen under such dire conditions was a striking reminder that we have some of the bravest and best working for us, the unsung heroes who protect us when we need it most.
I also stopped in Daisy Hill and Sellersburg before returning home. More volunteers greeted us there, including our state house Chaplain, Rev. Matt Barnes and Rep. Tim Wesco, who is also a volunteer firefighter. In Sellersburg, state government has set up a one-stop shop for agencies to get people back on their feet. Hoosiers affected by storm damage could go there for vouchers for children’s clothing, ID replacement, vehicle information replacement, insurance assistance, tetanus shots and much more.
Until it happens to us personally, it’s hard to imagine what this kind of loss really means to a family or individual. As these brave Hoosiers work to get their lives back, it’s good to know they are not alone. There is an entire state full of compassionate helpers, ready to put the shoulders to the plowshare with them to rebuild and move on.
