Not many people from out of town know this. But my town was hit by winds measured up to 80 mph on Wednesday July 20th at around 2 am. As you can imagine, this was devastating news to all effected by it. Power to the whole town was out for days and many people have damage to their homes, there is probably more trees down than I can count to. Although this was a very tragic event, I want to shed light my community and how we pulled through this terrible event.

Coming from a small town when devastating events happen you know there is always many people to rely on. The past four days have been filled with love, support and most of all a helping hand. Our town has been through probably one of its worst natural disasters it has ever seen and I have yet to hear anyone complain about it. The most important thing I've heard in the last couple days is, how can I help or what do you need from me. There is always someone you can ask for help around here, no matter the extent of the damage.

A couple years ago I wrote an essay on why service to my community is so important, I think now the time I share what I thought about service to my community at the time. Serving this community is serving family. Without one member of this community or family, the town wouldn't be the same. Service in other words is like doing a daily chore. You know the chore has to be done, but you also know that if the chore isn't done, your mom or dad will be there to finish it. Except in this case it isn't your mom or dad, it's your community. Like your family, your community needs many different things but most of all you need to protect this community. Protect it from the hardships it may face.

So we don't need news coverage, media spot light or even an article in the paper. We just need each other and I think that is the most beautiful thing that has come from this. There has been unspeakable damage done to this town, but because everyone is so positive about it and willing to lend a hand; it has turned into something more than just a tragedy. It has made the community stronger and more close than ever. So, you can have your big city life and your media, but I think I'll have my town.

I want to thank the whole community for all they have done for everyone in town. You probably will never know how much you are appreciated and how you have impacted so many people's lives these past couple of days.