This weekend was The American Legion NC Fall Conference, in Raleigh. Division 5 reported on the destruction and recovery efforts.
To start with the positive, they were overwhelmed with gratitude for fellow American Legion Department’s who rallied to provide support. In particular, they recognized Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and New Mexico. Post 141, in Howell, Michigan, has donated over $1,000,000 in supplies and funding. A legionnaire in South Dakota donated a brand new RV, packed with supplies to the West. If you’re from one of those departments, be proud. Please know your kindness is felt across our state.
The Division has also expressed sincere gratitude for the support of National Guard units, who have gone above and beyond to ensure aid is distributed across difficult to access areas.
As for the current state of affairs, Green Mountain is particularly hard hit. It’s expected they won’t have power for another 18 months. As for the death toll, it is far higher than has been reported. Cadaver dogs are still working the land, searching for the missing. Homeless encampments, with excess of 100 individuals, are gone – with no means to identify the residents.
As for needs, they specifically need generators, heaters, and money. They do not need clothing. They are specifically requesting money, because the needs are changing quickly (due to weather).
In closing, it cannot be overstated how, when shit hits the fan, veterans will always come out of the woodwork to support their fellow Americans. While the devastation is far spread, there are helpers abound. In the wake of this, I have never been more proud to be an American and to be a North Carolinian.
Semper Fi
https://www.abccm.org/veterans-restoration-quarters/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kagan-dunlap-53342095/