In 1992, I was a member of the 82nd Airborne Division when Hurricane Andrew destroyed Homestead, Fla. That afternoon, there was talk about the division sending troops to South Florida to assist in the recovery. President George Bush said the United States cared enough to send “their very best” when the division deployed the next day..
I served in Desert Storm, but nothing could prepare me for the horrors I saw when I landed at the Air Force Base. It was indescribable. The physical damage was nothing when compared to the look on the faces and desperation in the voices of the people, looking for anyone to help them.
The division deployed because local law and relief agencies couldn’t handle the scope of the damage or keep up with the amount of crime being committed. Why people feel they have a right to exploit, steal, and cheat a fellow person because there is no power, no phone or no law enforcement is beyond me. Are we really that cut-throat a society?
While some members of the division helped provide food, water and cleanup, my team was tasked with watching over the local neighborhood at night and to help the police stop the rampant looting.
I look at New Orleans right now, and I am reminded of what I did some 13 years ago. My heart goes out to those affected by the landfall of Hurricane Katrina, and I want them to know I do understand what they are going through.
I hope everyone helps these people recover from this disaster.
Tim Heffner
Pinebluff
