Arkansas Comes to the Aid of Our Neighbors

Arkansas Comes to the Aid of Our Neighbors
Rep. Boozman's Column for the Week of September 19, 2005

Speaking to the Fort Smith Rotary Club

Washington, Sep 19 - A lot has been said about the response of the local, state and federal governments in the wake of the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina and much of that has been critical. Some of that criticism is warranted. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) did not respond well to the disaster and we are learning that perhaps more could have been done at the state and local levels prior to the storm's arrival. However, Arkansans can only be praised for their efforts. As a state, we have come to the aid of our neighbors. For that, we should be proud.

Arkansas has the second largest amount of Hurricane Katrina evacuees in the nation. The people of our great state have welcomed these victims with open arms. Arkansans have donated time, money, food and clothing to the victims, many of whom have arrived with nothing more than the clothes they were wearing. They were weary from spending hours (in some cases days) in buses to arrive here after spending days in the Superdome, streets of New Orleans and other make-shift shelters in storm-ravaged Gulf-state cities. When they arrived at Fort Chaffee, our National Guard and countless volunteers were there to provide them the aid and comfort they so truly needed.

As people got off the hundreds of buses that arrived at Fort Chaffee, Arkansans were there to tend to there needs. Food was prepared, cots were readied and medical professionals were on hand to provide emergency medical care for the thousands of people who needed it. Local law enforcement worked overtime to provide security and the Guard did an exceptional job coordinating and carrying out the daily operations of the camp.

Hurricane victims are now staying at churches and shelters throughout Arkansas and communities across the state are coming together to help the evacuees rebuild. Our schools are enrolling new students daily. Hurricane victims with special needs are receiving special assistance. Nursing homes throughout the state are accommodating elderly hurricane victims who were evacuated from nursing homes in the areas hit hardest by the storm.

Governor Huckabee has established Operation KARE, the Katrina Assistance and Relief Effort, which has done a very good job in coordinating the relief effort across the state. Through KARE, hurricane victims have found temporary homes, jobs and the ability to receive the government aid they were getting before the storm forced them from their homes.

On top of helping out in our communities, Arkansans have traveled to the storm ravaged region to bring supplies and aid. And of course, the 39th Infantry Brigade has done a tremendous job helping to keep order and run rescue operations in New Orleans.

Arkansas has been a wonderful example of how an awful, tragic event can bring out the best in people. Our state has been a light in the darkness for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Arkansans have opened their hearts to their neighbors in their neediest time and I know our neighbors are grateful to be treated with such kindness and compassion.

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