In response to the devastation wrought by Hurricane Helene, a remarkable group of students from Vineland High School's AFJROTC banded together to offer support to those in need. Under the guidance of Cadet Technical Sergeant Austin Conrad, these dedicated and compassionate students spearheaded a supply drive aimed at providing much-needed relief to the hard-hit Linville Falls area of North Carolina.
Witnessing the hurricane's impact on both his family and the wider community, Conrad was spurred into action. Motivated by his mother's distress, he composed a heartfelt letter to his fellow cadets, encouraging them to join him in his mission to provide aid to the victims of Hurricane Helene.
“Many people lost everything they owned, including wifi, water, electricity, and other necessities since it got so awful,” Conrad’s letter said. “Supplies must be airlifted to nearby drop locations because many people are unable to descend the mountain. I have family and close friends who are our age [there], and they are starting to realize that this is really happening to them.”
His earnest concern and determination struck a chord with his peers, who rallied behind the cause with enthusiasm.
Drawing upon their combined creativity and resourcefulness, the cadets crafted flyers, harnessed the power of social media, and spread the word throughout VHS. The outpouring of support from the school and community was staggering; a 16-foot dump trailer, complete with built-in tarps, was filled to capacity with essential supplies, such as bottled water, non-perishable food items, toiletries, and cleaning materials.
The spirit of generosity was further demonstrated by donations from several local organizations. The United States Coast Guard, The South Jersey Camaro Club, SonnyBoy Produce, Stewart's Root Beer, Spacious Skies Campground, Couponing Club, Project Thanksgiving, and the Boys & Girls Club were some of many who donated to the cause.
On October 20, Conrad, accompanied by his mother, AFJROTC instructor JoDenise Muller, and his father (Brian Conrad), made the trip to Linville Falls to personally deliver the donations. As they navigated the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the family encountered road closures that rerouted traffic, just a hint of the continued challenges faced by the affected communities.
Arriving at 2:30 pm after a 13-hour journey, they were greeted by locals eager to help unload the trailer and a church community prepared to organize the supplies. The church aimed to create a store-like atmosphere, allowing those affected to "shop" for items they needed free of charge, hoping to restore a sense of normalcy to their lives.
The need for these supplies was immediately evident as some items were taken directly to those who were unable to access the church themselves. Conrad and his family worked tirelessly alongside the community to unload, unpack, and stack the supplies. Emotions ran high as church leaders expressed their gratitude to Conrad and praised his leadership, crediting the success of Operation Linville Falls to his dedication and the help of cadets like Corps Commander Erin Shipman.
As the day came to an end, Conrad's determination was met with encouragement from the retired Avery County High School Army JROTC instructor, Dean Franklin, a Vietnam veteran who served for 20 years before dedicating his career to teaching. The following day, Conrad and his family connected with locals, sharing stories and directing them to the supplies at the community center.
Before heading back home to Vineland, Conrad took a moment to reflect at the Brown Mountain Lookout, where he expressed his desire to continue providing aid to the affected communities. In November, Conrad plans to return to Linville Falls with a group to assist in cutting trees and providing further aid. Conrad's unwavering commitment to helping those in need stands as a testament to the compassion and leadership fostered within the VHS AFJROTC, inspiring others to join in his mission of hope and resilience.
Photos can be found here: https://bit.ly/3BWFhc1