Our transition to Lincoln County Regional Airport felt seamless as we were welcomed this morning into an existing operation that received a welcome boost. We moved helos and planes at a feverish pace throughout the day. We touched communities that have not been contacted, we supported growing supplies in Elk River, West Jefferson, Newland, Spruce Pine, Rutherfordton, and beyond, we sent trucks to Burnsville, Newland, Boone, West Jefferson, Banner Elk, Linville, and areas along the way.
The most beautiful thing this week is I believe I know about 25% of what is happening. Volunteers are activated and working miracles. From purchasing goods, distributing goods, finding impacted families in need, loading planes / helos, asking for and receiving donations / sponsorships. Our community is relentless. It is amazing.
Our pilots are kicking butt and delivering goods to the most treacherous areas you can land. They don’t complain, they just do. What they are seeing is beyond explanation. They are heroes.
Our mountain neighbors are amazingly resilient. We all know they have a long road ahead, and their daring stories of survival will make anyone break down. They lived an unimaginable tragedy. With all they have been through, universally we are greeted with a smile and gratitude for the supplies we are providing. They have every reason to be upset with a system that has failed them, yet they do not mention. They are amazing, and we will never stop supporting them in their time of need. We can do this because of you, we all do it because of them.