Recovery

There are too many people to thank for the work that has gone into supporting the Hurricane ravaged areas of Southeast Texas. We have all been affected, and we have all given what we can.

Whether your house lost power, lost a roof, or is just plain gone, seems as though this storm touched us all. Through this, though it is hard to find the good, we see the good everyday if we look at those around us giving of themselves, and their resources to improve the lives of those effected.

It is in times like these that I am proud to work for Texas AgriLife Extension; proud to be an American; proud to be a Texan. Extension has responded to this disaster in many ways, not the least of which is through operation "No Fences". Through this effort upwards of 4,000 round bales of hay have been delivered to Southeast Texas in support of stranded/stray livestock. In addition 400 water troughs have been delivered to water cattle, in areas with salt contaminated water supplies. There has also been financial contributions of over $115,000. All of this done as a hummanitarian cotribution and a contribution to our brethren in the Agriculture Community.

Through all of this I have also listend to the naysayers that ask why we are working so hard and contributing so much to an industry/people that should be able and prepared to stand on their own.

For me it has felt natural to give and to work to address the needs of the people of Southeast Texas. I think it also feels natural for most other Extension Employees. For those that it does not come natural to, I offer this as an explanation of why we are working so hard to help the people of Southeast Texas:
Because we are good people....even if they are not
Because we will make good decisions....even if they do not
Because we believe in the greater good for all people...even if they do not
Because we are blessed... even if they are not
Because we can... and right now, They can not!

We help our fellow man because it is the right thing to do.... Regardless of the responsibility, ability, or stability of the man we are helping!

For what it's worth,
The thoughts of a 4-H Specialist,
Kevin