Aug. 31, 2025 Editor, The News-Gazette: On this, the 20th anniversary of the horrendous hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, we send our profound thanks to the 55 local individuals who “stepped up” in answering the call to help and the scores who supported us.
Indeed, the eight separate trips made a huge difference in so many Cajun lives. We regularly correspond with survivors of those difficult days and continuously receive thanks for all of our efforts.
We remember so clearly and gratefully the huge outpouring from Rockbridge area citizens offering to help. Huge donations flooded in during our days of preparation, from funds to food; from clothes to medical supplies; from face masks to shovels; from prayers to best wishes.
A remarkable first donation was a fully capable 15-passenger van that we were able to use on our very first trip. We packed the van to the brim with supplies, but only got as far as Slidell, Louisiana, before offloading everything to initially help that devastated community. We clearly remember the looks on so many faces of the recipients showing deep gratitude and thanks for our outpouring. Those faces will never be forgotten.
Clearly remembered is our drive the next day into New Orleans and experiencing all of the devastation.
Waiting for us was an Episcopal Chapel House next to the Tulane campus. We used the next days to set up our operation for those who were to follow, calling ourselves Operation Golden Rule.
Amoung the many, we also so fondly remember a group of eight nurses from Dabney S. Lancaster Community College making the 898-mile trip, with uplifting spirits. Each trip was a wonder to experience.
The joy of serving others was everyone’s experience, all 55 of us.
Our message is simple: “When asked to serve others; do it! The rewards are incredible and long lasting. ANN and JERRY NAY Lexington
