Hurricane Update: A community's hope restored

In the aftermath of Hurricane Rita, the Soldiers at Fort Polk rallied together with the community to help the installation get back on its feet. Early Sunday Morning (Sept. 25) following the storm trucks and Soldiers could be seen throughout the housing areas clearing fallen trees, picking up remnants of destroyed fences and cleaning up broken roof shingles.
They were a constant presence throughout the following week, whether handing out ice or driving through the neighborhoods to make sure all of the families were cared for.
Community leaders worked tirelessly to ensure that power was restored, nearly a week sooner than the adjacent towns. The Main Post Chapel staff and volunteers handed out thousands of dollars in food vouchers, baby items and other donations to families in need.
Those who lived in 801-government housing (off-post housing areas) were supplied with large air-conditioned tents so they would have a place to wait out the heat as crews worked to restore power.
Now, one week later the community is beginning to get back to its regular routine, but I think it will be much longer before those who live at Fort Polk forget the teamwork and dedication of the Soldiers and contractors who helped restore the post.
Below are just some of the photos I took the week following the disaster.
To learn more about the efforts of the community in the aftermath of Hurricane Rita pick up a copy of the Special Edition, Oct. 4 Fort Polk Guardian.