Photo By Sgt. Jonathan Thibault | Residents involved in the 2013 Colorado floods attend a Flood Anniversary Benefit...... read more read more
ESTES PARK, Colo. - A Soldier stood humbly with his daughter as a crowd of Boulder County residents gave him a standing ovation for his service in last year’s floods, Sept. 12.
Sgt. 1st Class Keith Bart, brigade aviation maintenance noncommissioned officer in charge, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, represented his brigade at a dinner for residents of the 2013 floods in Estes Park.
“It was great that the CAB made that big of an impression on the people involved in the floods,” said Bart. “I think it’s important for all of us to remember and to see … in case we are ever needed again.”
Boulder County residents held the event to honor those who helped during the floods and to raise awareness of the organizations that support flood victims.
“We are still recovering and probably will be for the next couple of years,” said Glenn Christensen, event co-chairman. “We remember how scared people were during the floods and remember the awesome relief when the first 4th CAB aircraft showed up to pick up people, their animals and belongings. We are honored to have them in attendance.”
Some residents recalled feeling a sense of hopelessness.
“I remember being tired after the first night of the tremendous rainfall,” said Aaron Dorman, Christian Church of Estes Park lead pastor, who was one of those people. “I had helped a neighbor pump water out of his house. I remember feeling hopeless when we tried to communicate with our fellow church members and couldn’t reach some of them. Luckily, we reached outside churches and organizations and help soon arrived.”
With tears in his eyes, Dorman recalled the moment when he and others heard 4th CAB’s helicopters.
“An associate of mine talked about how scared he was for his family because he had no electricity, food or water,” said Dorman. “The helicopters brought food to outer areas of displaced flood residents and transported them out. They also held a great presence for residents because almost everything seemed like chaos. These are people we know and love, so it was great to see the relief written all over their faces when the military helped.”
Christensen said he and other residents hope to see more of their “heroes in helicopters” so they can thank them face-to-face one day.
“We hope to see more 4th CAB Soldiers show up to future (events) to celebrate with us and thank them for their service during those stressful times,” said Christensen.
Although some Soldiers could not make it to the event, Bart felt honored to be at the dinner to represent his command and fellow comrades.
“I was thankful to be a part of the team that provided relief for the flood victims in their time of need,” said Bart. “I am proud to be part of the CAB and glad that we were able to do great things for the Front Range communities.”
| Date Taken: | 09.12.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 09.26.2014 13:12 |
| Story ID: | 143381 |
| Location: | ESTES PARK, CO, US |
| Web Views: | 28 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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