Our Work and Our Prayers

Over the weekend, raging storms and unrelenting floodwaters devastated our communities, taking the lives of several of our neighbors and claiming the homes and businesses of many more.  Floodwaters in some areas, such as Dyer County, continue to wreak havoc.

At least 21 people have died in Tennessee as a result of the storms, including a young man in Gibson County.  Not too far from where my late sister lived, a young couple was caught in the rising water.  She survived, but his body was found a mile or so downstream. 

Another couple and their would-be rescuer were swept away in Stewart County.  Two of the three perished.  In Perry County, a father trying to rescue his teenage daughter also was washed away, and they both drowned.

Let us pray for those who lost their lives and for so many other families who have lost their loved ones, their homes, or their possessions. Let us pray for all those who have been affected by these storms. 

Let us also offer prayers of thanksgiving for the uncountable acts of heroism from our emergency workers, volunteers, and citizens who have put their lives on the line for our neighbors. 

There is still much work to be done.  On Monday, I met with Gov. Phil Bredesen and other state officials.  We surveyed affected areas in West and Middle Tennessee. 

Over the last four days, I have personally traveled to all counties in the 24th Senatorial District and 8th Congressional District, assessing damage, talking with local officials and citizens, and calling on state agencies for help.

What I have seen is devastating: hundreds of homes and businesses severely damaged and permanently destroyed, cars and trucks submerged in floodwater all over the western half of the state. 

Recovering from this catastrophe will be a difficult challenge, but we are already taking the first steps.  On Monday, Gov. Bredesen asked for a presidential disaster declaration in 52 counties to make way for federal assistance for hurting families and businesses.  Citizens in some of these hard-hit counties are now eligible to apply for grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other disaster-related expenses.

I will continue to push for more help for Tennesseans.  We will also work to ensure state and federal resources are distributed efficiently and without haste to provide timely relief.

Many of you may need immediate help because you, your family or friends have been impacted by the storms and flooding.  If you or someone close to you needs help, please go to our Relief Resource page at RoyHerron.com to find links to services you might need or call our office at (731) 364-5415.

Also at our website, please visit the How To Help page to find information about how you can help other Tennesseans impacted by the storms or flooding.  We will update this page as regularly as possible.

We have much work to do.  But today, let us start with prayer – not as a substitute for action, but as an action itself that prepares us to act wisely, faithfully and compassionately to serve our neighbors in need.

Your friend,