Day 6 update from Joplin and Duquesne
We spent the first part of today finishing work on a culdesac named Murphy Lane. The job started yesterday. When we arrived, no clearing crews or volunteers had visited yet. There were at least twenty trees down. We fanned out between the trailers and started demolishing logs, brush, metal debris and anything else foolish enough get in the way.
At first the street was quiet. We were the only noise I could hear. A funny thing happened half an hour into our normal work rhythm. All the neighbors came out and joined us. Some fed us. Some watched and cheered us on. Some pulled out chainsaws and went to work nearby.
None of the men in the culdesac have slept much since the tornado came. Everyone’s a bit shaken, but, specifically, their sleep patterns have been hit the hardest. This morning, one of the husbands came out to talk to Brad Crescenzo. “Last night when I saw you guys here was the first night I was able to sleep since this happened.”
Nicole Green, Former Captain, USAF
Brad hacks away at a tree on Murphy Lane
Day 6 photo of Team Rubicon and fellow Joplin volunteers
In the afternoon, the team helped with search and recovery efforts in Duquesne, MO. It was a long day of looking for the missing, crawling or cutting our way through debris. Not what we foresaw for day six after a tornado, but 100 people remain unaccounted for.
Team Rubicon, Joplin, MO.
Nicole, from what I’ve heard, those 100 people unaccounted for are just in Joplin. Do they even have a number for Duquesne?
BTW, I lived north of Joplin for a couple of years: Whiteman AFB, outside of Knob Noster. Now home of the B2 crews.
Thank you for joining TR, and representing both the Air Force vets and women. Some day we’re going to have to get together on one of my treks up to your area from down here in King George/Fredericksburg.
May miracles happen (they do), and you find – alive – many who have been missing!
As Team Leader of SAR Team India-2 I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the members of Team Rubicon who assisted our search efforts. If it was not for Team Rubicon, we would not have been able to clear the area due to debris. They worked tirelessly cutting downed trees so that we could see clearly. SAR Team India-2 is honored to have worked side by side with these men and women who continue to serve our country. Thank you Team Rubicon!
I’m with the Webster County ARES ,i was with the cert team your crew helped Saturday with the search in the woods.i was the HAM radio operator.i want to say they were great,i couldn’t have asked for a better crew.i want to say thank you guys an gal an keep it up an stay safe. once again THANKS.
I am with Christian County CERT and I joined SAR, ARES, and Team Rubicon during the search in the woods. I am very impressed with the effort that was expressed that day looking for missing people. The TR made it possible to complete the mission. Thanks TR for your willingness to jump right in and working hard all day. You guys rock!
Diane, I’m not sure if numbers for Duquesne were counted separately, or incorporated into Joplin’s. I think for census-type info, the two areas are counted together, but I don’t know if this was also true for number of missing. I would love to say hi if you’re in the neighborhood, and I do make it down to Fredericksburg periodically
God Bless you guys!!!
You guys represent the very best of our military might. I know, I’m one. But it has taken something like this to show the rest of the nation that where you are needed, you go. (Without orders, even). I am so proud of you.