You Can Count On (Pun Intended) A South Carolina Post 30 Hurricane Helene Buddy Check
This article was published on Legiontown.org on October 8, 2024
Roads were closed, trees were down, and utilities were disrupted everywhere. A curfew was also in place. But South Carolina Hezzie Griffis Post 30 members were determined to ensure that their fellow post comrades in Edgefield, South Carolina were safe from Hurricane Hellene havoc and that their immediate needs were being met.
By October 2nd, Post Commander Winston Boddie had assembled a post Buddy Check task force to include Adjutant Jane Doolittle, Treasurer Doug Timmerman and Kathy Everitt. Their enthusiasm and dedication to the post Buddy Check assignment was exceptional to the point that you might have thought it emulated the phrase from the United States Post Office: "Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night shall stay these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds."
With no electricity available at the post facility, the task force set up a table outside in daylight and went through the membership roster, calling each member, sometimes with cell phones that had been charged by car batteries. Those they reached were grateful to hear a friendly voice on the other end of the line. Some were busy cleaning up their properties, while others were lending a hand helping in the Edgefield community. Task force callers listened intently as stories of storm experiences were shared and information about how others were doing was passed along. Members living outside the area appreciated the updates and those who were not immediately contacted were left messages, ensuring that no one had been forgotten.
We’re happy to report that none of the members who were Buddy Checked experienced serious damage to their homes. Although many are still without power, running water, and maybe without a generator, everyone is safe and has access to basic necessities. Post Commander Boddie reflects, 'The road to recovery may be long, but we are all in this together."
Downed trees, utility lines and poles completely blocked Highway 23 in Edgefield, S.C
Neighbors came together to clear the downed trees that blocked Vann Road in Trenton, S.C., the morning after the storm.