Gulfport evacuees receive helping hand

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Mitch Gettle
  • Air Force Print News
WASHINGTON (AFPN) --  It's been more than eight months since Hurricane Katrina displaced thousands of people. Veterans who stayed at the Armed Forces Retirement Home in Gulfport, Miss., were among those who had to leave.

More than 400 of the 600 residents were evacuated to the AFRH here and have been without most of their personal belongings since September.

"The only thing I brought with me was three shirts, two pairs of pants, two pairs of shoes and a towel -- that's it," said Leonard Drozal, a World War II Marine Corps veteran. "I miss my computer."

Since September, most AFRH evacuees have been getting by because of donations from the Red Cross, local military and civilian community, and other organizations that provided clothing, appliances and household items, said Sheila Motley, AFRH Washington Campus public affairs officer.

"The floodwaters damaged the first floor of the Gulfport building, making it unlivable," she said. "The members lived on the floors above so their personal belongings remained in the building or in storage until we could get the logistics and funding to bring their things here."

Those personal belongings started to arrive here June 11, and more than 100 servicemembers volunteered to help veterans unpack.

"I'm from Louisiana, and my family was hit pretty hard by Katrina. I wasn't able to go help them," said Staff Sgt. Lasundra Bridgewater of the Air Force Freedom of Information Act office. "So I am volunteering here as my way to contribute to the Gulfport victims."

The volunteers helped move and unpack hundreds of boxes, just a little part of giving back to those who served before.

"A lot of people have forgotten they're here and their families are not close by," said Staff Sgt Shannah Holmes of the Air Force Reserve Affairs office. "I wanted to do something for them. It's rewarding."

For some veterans, it was an emotional experience and brought back significant memories. Most members did not want to speak about their transition to this area or the ordeal they faced. But, Raymond Gischia, a World War II Army Air Corps and infantry veteran, said he and the other evacuees have come to terms with the move.

"We've all adapted to it and making the best of what we got," he said. "I've lived in the Gulfport area since '92, but it won't be a catastrophe if I don't go back."

Mr. Drozal received his computer and personal things June 14, and he was happy for that, but he hopes one day he can return to Gulfport.

"I lived in Gulfport for 40 years before the hurricane and only entered the home last year," he said. "My wife is buried (in Gulfport). I hope they can repair the facility. I plan on returning."

Military members must meet one of the following criteria to be eligible for entrance into the AFRH, Ms. Motley said. Those criteria are:

-- Veterans with 20 or more years of active-duty service and are at least 60 years old.
 
-- Veterans unable to earn a livelihood due to a service-connected disability.
 
-- Veterans unable to earn a livelihood due to non-service-connected disability, and who served in a war theater or received hostile fire pay. 

-- Female veterans who served before 1948.

For more AFRH information, visit www.afrh.gov.