GOSHEN COUNTY – Severe natural disasters caused devastation in the Midwest this spring, making headlines across the country. The Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, in particular, saw two weeks of flooding, interspersed with blizzard conditions, which left animals and residents stranded. 

As an American Trucking Association Road Team Captain and driver for Werner Enterprises, Yoder resident Bill Hambrick is part of emergency relief efforts to deliver supplies and assist with recovery.

“Much work will need to be done moving forward,” he said. “We see disasters on television of other countries in their hour of need. We have seen in our own country the need for assistance due to hurricanes, fires, tornadoes, blizzards and floods. (Now) here in our own backyard, we are seeing unprecedented natural disasters due to weather.”

Hambrick was on his way out to the Reservation during winter storm Wesley last week.

“As a Road Team Captain, my services for this effort (are) operating the ‘(ATA) Share the Road Truck’ to the site, in direct need of our assistance,” he explained. “Many professional people, volunteers and trucking companies are pulling together to help … our fellow Americans.”

Moving forward, Hambrick estimated his assistance will be necessary for several months, in part due to lack of storage areas in affected communities and limited availability of equipment to transport supplies from collection sites to those in need.

“Coordination is essential for this effort, utilizing many resources,” he said. “As an American, I’m proud to provide a service to those in need and will continue to do so in the future. This is, in my mind, what leadership looks like: spontaneous action at a moment’s notice. Be decisive with a quick response.

“May God bless our country and those who call it home.”