Photo By Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey | Senior Airman Faith Patnode helps distribute fire and carbon monoxide detectors to the...... read more read more
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LAWRENCE, Massachusetts – Airmen from the 104th Fighter Wing, Massachusetts Air National Guard, responded to help the residents of Lawrence, Massachusetts who were affected by a series of gas explosions and fires in their neighborhood and surrounding communities.
“No one ever expects these devastating events to happen but witnessing the teamwork and dedication that has taken place to help the victims of Lawrence, Massachusetts, makes you feel a bit more relieved that at any point in time, someone has your back,” said Faith Patnode, 104th Fighter Wing, Weapons Mechanic.
The Airmen were out in force in the community, accompanying teams from Columbia Gas to distribute thousands of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors as a safety precaution before distribution of space heaters. While visiting the houses, the Airmen took the time to listen to those affected and without gas for cooking, hot water for showers or heat for keeping warm.
“Seeing and speaking to these individuals first hand and seeing how this had affected their lives made me appreciate what I had back at my barracks,” said Patnode. “It was my first experience with the National Guard for an in-state emergency, and it gave me a personal peace of mind at the end of each day seeing the extent of everyone’s efforts to help as efficiently as possible.”
Patnode said we had people run us down on the street for space heaters and inspections on their homes just worried how they were going to provide heat for their kids. I can’t imagine how terrified these people have known the upcoming seasons and how harsh they can be, along with not knowing when their gas will be restored.
Patnode volunteered to be activated on state active duty and said It made me feel I had made a difference by just shaking someone’s hand and assuring them they knew that people are doing their best and will not stop until they’re at the least, where they were before the explosions.
“People from all over the country were coming to help,” Patnode explained. “This was an incredible experience and seeing the way the 104th Fighter Wing came together and exercised the leadership and dedication during this state activation made me feel like I was a part of the strongest team.
The Airmen were called up on a Sunday night and were ready to assist their fellow Massachusetts neighbors on Monday morning.
“Being part of Operation Lawrence Relief was a meaningful and gratifying experience for all volunteers,” said Capt. Michael Disori, 104th Fighter Wing Maintenance Operations Flight. “Getting out into these devastated communities to provide comfort, support, and supplies was a crucial part in the recovery process for these people in need. Our Airmen of the 104th FW and Joint Force Headquarters demonstrated a great sense of pride and commitment while serving assistance to these impacted communities.”
The members of the 104th FW found themselves helping to carry in groceries, petting or corralling pets as they came to the door and sharing stories. A couple of Airmen were able to translate with their bilingual skills to ensure the information was provided and transparent to all the residents.
“Our Airmen did a fantastic job. They quickly adapted to a unique mission and executed flawlessly,” said Maj. Joseph Nadeau. “They represented the 104th well”.
| Date Taken: | 09.30.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 10.09.2018 15:47 |
| Story ID: | 295816 |
| Location: | WESTFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS, US |
| Web Views: | 227 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Massachusetts Airmen Respond to Assist Their Community, by SMSgt Julie Avey, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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