Impactful or Impacted?

Hey There, LinkedIn Connections and Friends. As those who know me well, I am not typically one to post unless I feel strongly about something or believe that I have something important to share. I may as well rip off the band-aid and share that my job was eliminated in mid-September. As I am ramping up my search for my next chapter, I had some time on my hands and wanted to make the most of it. As my family and I were watching the path of Hurricane Helene, we noticed that our lake house outside of Murphy, NC, was supposed to be caught in the epicenter of damage in the Western North Carolina area. Fortunately for us, yet very unfortunately for others, that path altered and veered just East and Northeast of Murphy and settled in Asheville, NC and outlying communities, wreaking incredible havoc and damage to millions in that area. Immediately after the storm hit, I felt compelled to find a way to support those most impacted.

I saw where Asheville was getting and continues to receive the majority of the attention and resources; however, the smaller communities in the surrounding areas, which were devastated, were not receiving the same attention. Finding it difficult to understand how to help, where to go, and who to reach out to, I decided to pack my camping gear and simply drive to that region, setup camp, and figure out how to insert myself and make an impact. Upon reaching Swannanoa, NC, it was very apparent that this was the place that could use any-and-all help available.

Folks, when I tell you that it was complete and total devastation, it is an understatement. To this day, I cannot cobble nor craft the words to describe what I saw. The entire township of over 5,000 people had been underwater and much of it swept away in the flooding waters from the Swannanoa River. Remaining structures were turned into makeshift medical facilities, donation centers, food distribution locations, and housing for locals impacted. An open field next to the local Harley Davidson Store was turned into a central helicopter hub where I continuously witnessed no less than 8 helicopters land and take off precisely and precariously close to one another as they were called upon to assist the search and rescue for people stranded in the area and along Black Mountain 24 hours each day. The area where I setup camp is owned by a gentleman who owns Buckeye Antiques and generously opened his property to allow a convergence of volunteers to setup camps, create an Operations Control Center, and all that came with it – UTVs, horses, heavy equipment, tractors/trailers – all owned and operated by people like me, compelled to help in any way possible. I met people from California, New Jersey, Ohio, North Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, Canada, and other locations who felt the similar drive and desire to support. There was no politics, no religious preferences, no care of social or career status, etc. Just strangers and volunteers who came together to care for their fellow humans. The career and skill diversity was evident, and we tried to leverage each of our strengths to the max: ex-military, firefighters, teachers, logistics specialists, ministers, animal science experts, house cleaners, construction workers, landscape workers, small and large equipment operators, etc. – all VOLUNTEERS!

How did I spend my time there? Below is a list of actions and activities that I engaged in and led. Interestingly enough, some of these aligned with my areas of expertise; however, the most rewarding moments were when I engaged as a human being caring for other human beings. Over our careers, we get caught up and hyper-focused on our own professional growth and development and driving results for our Organizations. What suffers? Our human connections with others and certainly with others who truly and desperately need help. At the risk of sounding ‘preachy,’ I encourage all of us to reflect on what matters most on a broader, unselfish scale and apply those reflections and learnings in areas that perhaps makes us a little uncomfortable or where we have lost connections.

The activities below are just a very small list of areas that had an impact to those in the Swannanoa and Black Mountain locations. SO MANY people did SO MUCH more and continue to do so.

·?????? Unloading trailers of donated goods and organizing them inside 53’ trailers for future distribution.

·?????? Laying out and organizing donated goods inside churches and in open fields for fast turnaround and distribution to those in need.

·?????? Using Chainsaws and Axes to remove trees from damaged roofs, houses, roads, and driveways.

·?????? Making wellness and care checks on people deep in Appalachia country. I was greeted by an elderly lady with a loaded shotgun. She meant no harm and I meant no disrespect; however, there remains a void of trust, filled by fear in the poorer Appalachia communities that must be overcome before we are even allowed to help! As I wrapped up my last day, she and I share a hug and a promise to remain in touch. I will be back and my Wife insists on meeting this incredible Woman.

·?????? Rebuilding gravity, spring-fed water lines in Black Mountain to primitive houses along the Broad River. Yes, this is the feeder portion of the same river that impacted so much of Asheville!

·?????? Trekking food, farm supplies, animal feed, propane tanks, gasoline, and water to underserved and stranded people in Black Mountain.

·?????? Coordinating helicopter drops of hay to farm animals with return trips of critically injured residents in Black Mountain.

·?????? Taking people in my 4Runner from their homes to a drop-off point to pickup critical meds and receive medical attention.

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Please understand that I mention these tasks to merely to paint a picture of the desperateness of those people in need and to provide a small example of the actions that volunteers are taking to provide support. All of those helicopters that I mentioned; ALL are VOLUNTEERS and private owners who also feel compelled to help. Towards the end of my time there, I saw only 3 military vehicles and 1 FEMA vehicle. Again, no politics or blame cast; however, I cannot paint a vivid enough picture of the immense need for Volunteers. Perhaps this is why I am publishing this post. Perhaps I am soliciting those of you who feel compelled to use your vacation time to make an impact. Perhaps I am imploring Organizations to use your resources, your team-building activities, your community service hours, etc. to consider loading up your cars and driving in that general direction, finding an area of devastation, and diving in to help. What a moment in my life and one that has affected me! Ironically, I went there to have an impact on those who are devastated by the event. As it turns out, I may be the one impacted…..