Similar experiences here in FL during the 3 biggest hurricanes of 2004 & 5. In one of the most affected areas of two of the storms, a VFW, running on a diesel generator, called and asked if I could play during an afternoon. They had opened the doors to the entire community including many mobile home dwellers who lost most everything. Down the street at a local park, the National Guard was setting up a staging area to provide ice, water, mops, squeegees and buckets. The VFW was providing free meals of cold cuts because there was no gas for their kitchen. What the Vets did for local residents was all they could do and it was wonderful...making the best of a horrible situation. It was not the usual dine and dance job. Folks did dance some...but it gave the storm victims a pleasant backdrop to mix and talk about their plight...as well as to figure out how to help each other. I did 4 hrs straight and fully intended it to be gratis. Later the Commander insisted I be compensated. Rather than argue, I took it and donated it back.

Over the next few months a lot of my jobs were understandably cancelled. It took over a year before things started getting back to normal gig-wise. The clean up and re-construttion efforts went on for several years.

My heart goes out to all whose lives have been tragically affected. Eddie.