Operation Recovery extends CrossRoads Missions’ vision into the disaster recovery field. By partnering with local churches, ministries, and non-profits, we are able to help the Church be the hero in the community when a disaster strikes. Through these efforts we are able to help individuals and families, as well as other organizations.
Non-profits can be hit just as hard during a disaster, impeding them from offering services and assistance to their community when it is needed most. When Hurricane Helene hit Johnson County, TN the flooding was widespread and impacted many families, businesses, and organizations like the American Legion.
About American Legion
For over a hundred years, the American Legion has supported veterans and developed programming for families and children across the country. Post Commander of the Johnson County chapter Steve Elks explains, “We implement programs to help veterans. Our main goal is, if a veteran calls the post and needs help financially or mentally, we’re there for them. And we are involved in the community.”
The Johnson County Post 61 has a variety of programs, from regular meals and meetings to sponsoring teams and hosting scholarship competitions. Many of these activities were paused after the hurricane hit. Mr. Elks continued, “Our building wasn’t hit as hard as some who lost their entire home, but we sustained enough damage that we had to curtail activities for several months.”
Volunteers Fill the Gap
With six inches of mud throughout the building, Post 61 needed some expertise and help to restore the facilities safely. “The building was unusable; mold, mildew, all of that kind of business,” continued Mr. Elks. “So, Curtis and his team came in and basically remodeled the place.”
“After they found out what our needs were, I just placed it in his hands and said ‘y’all have at it.’ And that is exactly what they did.” Groups from across the country have been cleaning and renovating the building throughout the year, with the goal to get the American Legion ready to offer services again as soon as possible.
That love and ambition made an impact on Mr. Elks, “Every single volunteer was overjoyed to be here and help us. They were just thrilled to come here and work on the building. We were fortunate for the American Legion family to have enough donations to pay for the materials, but there is no way that we could afford the labor.”
Expanding Community in Johnson County
Almost a year after the storm, the building was ready enough to begin hosting meetings and activities again. The re-opening event was attended by many local members, as well as the regional and state commanders. Post 61 took this opportunity to recognize both Dwayne Dickson from Frist Christian Church and Curtis Porch from Operation Recovery for their dedication not only to this project, but the county as a whole.
“If you can find a better man than Curtis, let me know, because I don’t think you can. He is a fantastic human being, awesome, easy to get along with, there just aren’t enough accolades for Curtis,” praised Mr. Elks. “Your volunteers are very responsive to the needs of the public. Get the word out that you guys are there to help, still. There is still help out there if you just ask for it.”
“I hope you guys never get tired of hearing me say thank you from the bottom of my heart. There are no words, a thank you is not sufficient. If I said thank you 10 million times would that be enough?” Mr. Elks poured out his gratitude to all of the volunteers that have worked in Johnson County.
Will you be part of the recovery in Johnson County, TN?
VOLUNTEER – sign up and find out more on our website
DONATE – these projects are made possible by consistent donations
SHARE – these stories and your volunteer stories to get more people involved
