Veterans help distribute water during flood

Since 1919, the American Legion has provided assistance to United States veterans. They are also heavily involved in community outreach. Recently, the Blue Ridge American Legion Post 248 helped with water distribution in the aftermath of the McCaysville flooding. McCaysville water distribution efforts happened quickly. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) providing the water and legion and community volunteers distributed it. United States Army veteran and Purple Heart recipient Jessica Worley, and retired Air Force veteran Walter Polk were among post volunteers. Worley's husband Brantley Worley of the McCaysville Police Department was the leader of the effort. Jessica and her son went to visit her husband the Monday after the flooding and found water sitting unattended. Her son wanted to help hand out water, so they jumped in spontaneously. Realizing a need for organization, Worley created an online sign-up for community volunteers. Community members, along with Georgia State Defense Force volunteers, rotated in each day for two hour periods. By Wednesday, over 600 cases were handed out. "Everybody was super supportive. Everybody was thankful," Worley said. People who received water also helped. "I thought that was really nice that these people got their water, they parked their car, and they helped us for a couple hours," Worley said. Worley said her son's willingness to volunteer is a reflection of the local community attitude of "whatever you can help with, do it." Polk said it's important to help relieve stress during times of need. He was happy with the turnout of volunteers including young people. "It's self satisfaction knowing that I've helped someone," he said. The American Legion has four pillars of mission support. Disaster relief falls under the national security pillar. Under national security, the Legion locally supports first responders and the community in preparing for and responding to disasters. So in the past, the post has assisted the county with setting up of warming shelters, organizing and donated emergency supplies and loading of trailers to be taken to North Carolina for Hurricane Helene. "Anytime local authorities call on us to help, we try to respond with volunteers," said American Legion District Nine Commander Jim Callender. Georgia is divided into 12 districts. District nine includes 16 counties in north central and northeast Georgia. Within those 16 counties, there are 21 posts and about 5,000 veterans. Callender previously served as commander of Post 248. The three other American Legion pillars are veterans affairs and rehabilitation, children and youth, and Americanism. The veterans affairs and rehabilitation pillar includes helping veterans secure VA benefits and healthcare, supports homeless veteran initiatives and career transition services and provides volunteer networks and assistance for disabled or special needs veterans. The Americanism pillar fosters patriotism and civic duty and encourages respect for the U.S. flag and voter participation. The children and youth pillar supports a number of programs nationally including a youth baseball league, first responder camps, educational scholarships and other developmental, leadership and flag programs. It also includes scout troop sponsorships, provides temporary financial assistance for families in need, and helps to fight against social issues like drug abuse and child exploitation are also addressed. The national security pillar also includes advocating for a strong national defense and a well-funded military, promotes military quality of life and family support programs, and addresses homeland security and accounts for POW/MIAs. For more information on the American Legion, visit www.legion.org.

Veterans help distribute water during flood

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