1 Week Ago I Arrived in Gulfport

This is my story.

I landed in Jackson, MS. after a long 18 hour trans-atlantic flight. I had my seabag packed with things I'd never worn or seen before. Some of these things I recieved at the processing station in Norfolk were enviromental "suites" with masks, we had to wear camo because of the searing heat and we were given a 3 hour training brief on what to expect, but I didn't expect what I saw when our van reached the coast.

In a scene of utter destruction, agony and distress, I began to feel nervous about my decision to come here and help. The smell was tremendous, the sewage was still bubbling up from the gulf. The foundations to where the giant casinos once were are nothing but white squares with putrid bubbles of sewage and compost erupting from their lines. Trees were still tangled in lines, the beams of buildings, and even slammed through brick walls of the beautiful homes that once lined Biloxi's shore. Most roads were impassible still, most travel was made by ATVs or Gators. Some men were even using mules to haul debris off. Buildings were literally smashed to sand, and peoples homes were nothing but match sticks. The smell was the most overwhelming sense we had. Rotting bodies, sewage,the gulf's stagnant waters, on top of the terrible odor of our own bodies from not having ready bath water.

On arrival, we were instructed to move into Keesler AFB in Biloxi. Being stationed there little than 2 years ago, I began to feel at home again. I laid my seabag down at the barracks and claimed my bed. I finally got some much needed sleep. Four hours later a Seabee Master Chief came in the barracks with a fashion that reminded me of bootcamp. We all mustered at 4 AM with our gear in ready position and went out to begin our efforts.

Our morning would normally start with handing out supplies to the locals, and also assisting rescue crews with grunt work. Our efforts were always greatly appreciated. We always met our people, and others with smiles and comforts.

The mid-morning until about 4 p.m. are spent clearing rubble, brush, etc from roads and other parts of the infrastructure. Some of this work was dangerous because of almost everything that was moved being unstable. The gulf had literally swelled to the point of knocking everything back to the interstate (I-10). The only thing that was left on the beach in Biloxi was the carcuses of the casinos that once fueled this economy.

The nights were spent handing out supplies again, and we didn't stop working until 11 or 12 at night. It was long hours but worth it.

I cannot express to you guys what this place looked like. The human suffering is enormous, but these people are so resiliant. They appreciate everything every American has done for them.

Thanks for reading

thank you also for all your hard work.

is this a temp. assignment?

you for helping. It sounds absolutely awful; my heart goes out to all the affected people.

You said you made the choice to go and help? just curious.

It's hard to imagine such devastation in a formerly vibrant area. The last time I was in NOLA and Lacombe, I flew into the Gulfport-Biloxi airport. There were so many city lights that I could see when I flew back to Atlanta at night. It's hard to imagine that the Gulf Coast is gone. :( Thank you for helping.

I can't imagine how difficult it was.

You are a hero and a patriot :patriot:

I grew up in south Mississippi so some of those people you fed are probably my cousins. I can't express exactly how deeply I am moved, but thank you....from me and from them. This has been overwhelming for all of us and you went into the belly of the beast to help them regain their lives.

Again, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.

It was a wild ride.

I'm back in the midwest now, but I want to thank you for helping. Seeing people helping other people renewed my hope in a continued society.

"Whoever you are, I have always depended on the kindness of strangers."

I spent a lot of time on that coast and got to know some wonderful people that fortunately lived, but are homeless now. I gave my parents a 50th anniversary party at Beau Rivage just two years ago. My Dad took pictures of landmarks he remembered from going to boot camp at Keesler back in the 1950's. I still can't believe it is all gone, and the suffering and loss is enormous.

Thanks for helping.