Roads were closed, trees were down, and utilities were disrupted everywhere. A curfew was also in place. But South Carolina's Hezzie Griffis Post 30 members were determined to ensure that their post comrades in Edgefield were safe from Hurricane Helene's havoc and that their immediate needs were being met.
By Oct. 2, 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 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 cellphones 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 a generator, everyone is safe and has access to basic necessities. Commander Boddie reflects, 'The road to recovery may be long, but we are all in this together."