Soldiers Helping Devastated Community

Enterprise, AL – In the wake of Last Thursday’s disaster, the community of Enterprise, Alabama has begun the process of healing. On Sunday March 4th, volunteers inundated the neighborhoods damaged by the tornadoes. The curfew in Enterprise is from 5 pm till 8 am each day, and at 8 am there were people waiting to get started with the cleanup efforts. The area directly behind the high school in Enterprise was completely devastated. Many people have said that the area looked a bomb had gone off, but a bomb cannot do that much destruction. Many volunteers were former residents of Enterprise that drove hundreds of miles from North Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and even further away just to help out their hometown. Several volunteers were from Eglin AFB, Maxwell AFB, and other military installations further away.

Even with their property demolished, the people of Enterprise have not lost their sense of humor. Gwen Black, whose home was destroyed, told volunteers, “If I had know ya’ll were coming over I would have cleaned up.” That is the spirit of small town Alabama. Even the news reporters and crews were pitching in to help. Rob Atkins spoke of a news crew which helped him Friday morning by holding up a wall and moving appliances to rescue a puppy. “When we could see where the puppy was trapped, the news crews dropped their equipment and helped.”

The presence that was felt and commented on the most during this whole tragedy was that of the United States Army. Beginning immediately after the tornado hit and continuing until today, Fort Rucker Army Aviation Training Center, also home of the Army’s Warrant Officer training program, has been helping the community get back on its feet. In the affected communities the current class of Warrant Officer Candidates (WOCs) made a tremendous contribution to the clean up efforts. Seeing these young men working together as a team and moving tremendous amounts of debris in a short time, you can see the meaning behind the US Army’s current slogan, “Army Strong.”

Though the cleanup has begun, the long road to recovery will take a while. As President Bush stated during his visit to Enterprise, “You can never heal a heart, but you can provide comfort.” President Bush also made a plea to the rest of America and the world. “There have been some poor citizens who may -- or may not qualify for federal help, but are going to need the help of our fellow citizens. And I would ask you to, out of the generosity of your heart, to help the folks down here.” The city of Enterprise has established an official relief fund for the tornado victims at the Community Bank and Trust. City officials stress that 100-percent of the money donated will be used for the Enterprise tornado relief efforts. Information can be obtained at the cities website www.cityofenterprise.net or by calling 1-877-598-4584. Lines will be open Monday through Saturday from 8:00am until 9:00pm Eastern time. There will be a recording after hours to provide additional information. You can make your donations at any Community Bank and Trust branch; they are located in Enterprise, Ozark, Dothan and Daleville. Checks should be made out to the "Enterprise Alabama Tornado Fund." You can also mail your contribution; send it to “Enterprise Alabama Tornado Fund” c/o Community Bank and Trust, P.O. Box 311245, Enterprise Alabama, 36330.

(John Grimm writes for Army.com and is a former resident of Enterprise)