When Hurricane Helene struck Western North Carolina in September 2024, it left behind a wake of devastation—blocked roads, contaminated water supplies, and communities cut off from critical resources. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Matt Rowe, a member of the Epic Government leadership team with strong ties to the region and critical recovery skills, was granted a leave of absence to lead a three-person team into the disaster zone. Coordinating efforts with the U.S. Army Special Forces Association—a group of veteran Green Berets among the first responders—the team provided vital Search and Rescue (SAR) support and delivered aid, demonstrating the power of collaboration and compassion in times of crisis.
Mobilizing Resources: A Team on a Mission
Rowe’s team departed equipped with recovery equipment, off-road vehicles, HAM radios, portable power supplies, Starlink satellite systems, clean water, and essential goods. Their mission? To bring immediate relief to remote, devastated areas.
In Banner Elk, NC—a ski resort town with severely damaged infrastructure and no clean water supply—they joined forces with a volunteer group operating an aerial resupply depot at a private airport. Here, they worked alongside The Sentinel Foundation, a non-profit anti-trafficking organization that managed the resupply operation, efficiently moving 40 tons of essential supplies each day to communities isolated from other critical resources.
In this challenging environment, Starlink satellite systems proved essential. With local cell networks down, these systems enabled residents to communicate with loved ones and access emergency services, providing a critical lifeline to communities that had been cut off from the outside world.
Delivering Relief by Air, Land, and Foot
The relief effort in Banner Elk was a remarkable collaboration of private pilots, helicopter operators, and volunteers navigating rugged terrain. Supplies flown into the airport were immediately repacked and distributed via air and off-road vehicles. Volunteers like Rowe’s team walked supplies into areas too challenging for vehicles to access, ensuring no community was left behind.
The team also addressed critical needs by cataloging donated insulin and Epipens, meticulously sorting through hundreds of boxes to assess supplies. Although the insulin donations came from across the country, the supply was only sufficient for a few days for all the residents in the western part of the state who relied on it.
Epipens were in even shorter supply, yet they were in constant demand due to the floodwaters stirring up millions of Yellow Jacket wasps, significantly increasing the risk of allergic reactions for both residents and relief workers. This work highlighted the fragility of the supply chain in disaster-stricken areas, where even seemingly large donations could quickly fall short of the community’s needs.
Facing Challenges with Community Resilience
The first responders in Western North Carolina were themselves victims of the storm, clearing roads and tending to their own communities in the immediate aftermath. As the week progressed, more local residents joined the recovery efforts, and state and county emergency response organizations were activated.
The National Guard and active-duty troops also arrived to support and eventually take over SAR operations. Samaritan’s Purse, a volunteer group headquartered in North Carolina, deployed thousands of volunteers clad in orange to the hardest-hit areas, providing everything from essential supplies to cleanup services and general support, offering hope to storm-affected residents.
Despite the grueling conditions, gratitude from residents buoyed the team’s spirits. Though they were just a small part of a massive volunteer-driven relief effort, the kindness of the local community left a lasting impression. On several occasions, families hosted the team overnight. One resident even expressed his thanks with individually wrapped slices of homemade banana-apple bread, prepared by his daughter—small but heartfelt gestures that spoke volumes about the resilience and generosity of those affected by the storm.
A Long Road Ahead
Though the initial relief efforts made significant progress, the challenges are far from over. Damaged roads will take months to repair, and many areas remain without safe water. As winter sets in, temporary housing and warm clothing are critical for displaced families.
Epic Government urges ongoing support for these communities. Donations of water or contributions to organizations like the Red Cross or Samaritan’s Purse can provide immediate relief and make a tangible difference. It will take years for the area to fully recover, and the need for assistance remains urgent. Your support is critical in helping these communities rebuild and heal.
Restoring Hope Together
While Rowe’s team played a small part in a massive operation, their work highlights the importance of stepping forward when disaster strikes. As Western North Carolina continues its recovery journey, let’s not forget the ongoing needs of these resilient communities. Together, we can help restore hope and rebuild lives.
Epic Government is a leading government staffing and healthcare solutions provider that focuses on delivering comprehensive services customized to each client’s unique needs to support mission objectives. We are driven to serve the active duty and veteran communities not only through our work, but also in our communities through veteran hiring initiatives, military spouse employment initiatives, and community involvement. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our mission areas.