Gilmer Free Press

Governor and First Lady Tomblin Travelled to Area Counties

Governor Earl Ray Tomblin and First Lady Joanne Jaeger Tomblin continued travelling throughout the state on Thursday, July 05, 2012 meeting with storm victims and local leaders regarding recovery efforts.

In Glenville, Governor Tomblin continues to work with Gilmer County Office of Emergency Services leaders,
emergency management personnel and National Guard soldiers.
Governor Tomblin has been leading recovery and cleanup efforts, travelling across the state
every day since Friday evening’s severe storms.
He has spent the past six days meeting with local first responders
and surveying the damage firsthand.

Governor Tomblin saw the latest storm recovery progress firsthand in Wetzel, Marion, Gilmer, Nicholas and Kanawha Counties while First Lady Tomblin travelled to Braxton and Fayette Counties.

“We are seeing progress throughout West Virginia, but there is more work to be done as new storms present new challenges,” said Governor Tomblin.

At the Mountaineer Food Bank, in Gassaway, Braxton County, First Lady Tomblin thanks
volunteers and National Guard soldiers for their hard work during the storm recovery process.
The food bank is shipping much needed food to pantries located throughout West Virginia.
First Lady Tomblin also met with families and seniors affected by the storms in Braxton County.

“It never ceases to amaze me—the resilience of West Virginians,” said First Lady Tomblin.

“This week I have seen firsthand how groups and organizations come together, not only to help each other but to help their communities as a whole under the most difficult of circumstances.”

Truckloads of ice and water continue to be distributed throughout the Gilmer County, the Area, and the State.

600 National Guard soldiers performed health and wellness assessments, and delivered food, ice and water.

25 FEMA workers assisted individuals in communities across the state.

Power crews restored electricity to more homes and businesses, decreasing the number of outages in the state to 247,000.

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I think that it is great that people have come together during this time of turmoil. People sending in food and other needed items, is a most wonderful thing to do, and I think that they deserve a pat on the back. Also not mentioned in any article that I have seen or maybe I have overlooked it, but, I know that on Saturday Visions, Vessels, and Victory was one of the first to supply water and food to the Fire Dept. for give out. and when the Fire Dept could not get fuel from anywhere, including the Dept. of Highways, it was Richard Burke who stepped up to the plate and supplied them with the fuel that they needed at the time. So, not overlooked and not unimportant to everybody, I would like to thank everyone involved in this effort, including V,V,V. and Mr. Burke.  Thank You all so much.

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A big thank you to those who have been helping the needy.
God Bless all of you.

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I just wanted to say thank you to the Fire Department. Still, I think credit should be given to our Fire Department. God Bless our Fire Department! These men and women work tirelessly throughout any emergency in all weather conditions to ensure the safety of all. They are VOLUNTEERS! They NEVER receive the recognition they deserve. I’m sure they were out all night Friday night and Saturday cutting trees from roadways and such. They’ve been at their stations since this emergency began. I just want to say THANK YOU to the Fire Department for their unending efforts to ensure our safety. GOD BLESS YOU!