After seeing the highest crest for the White River since 1913, Post 45 in Noblesville, Ind., began providing a safe space – and supplies – for area residents.
Mid-August rainfall exceeding 11 inches in some areas across Indiana caused the White River to flood, cresting at more than 24 feet in the cities of Anderson and Noblesville – surpassing a record set in 1913.
In the latter – a city north of Indianapolis with the state’s 10th-largest population – more than 550 residential units were impacted, while 170 residents were voluntarily evacuated.
Frank Huntzinger American Legion Post 45 in Noblesville was lucky enough to avoid flooding, though the post did suffer damage to its roof because of the heavy rains. And instead of focusing on its own repairs, the post’s membership has instead served as a hub for those impacted by the flooding to get a respite – and much-needed supplies – as they shift toward recovering from the historic event.
After having to initially close for safety reasons, Post 45 reopened on Aug. 15 and invited members of the public to take advantage of a place to stay dry, charge their cell phones, get water and just have a safe place to stay. But that offering has changed to also providing supplies to those impacted, thanks to both the post’s generosity and support from the public.
Post 45 Commander Gilberto Soria said he came to check on the post after the storms to make sure the post was OK and had not lost power. Later on, a drive he took convinced him the post needed to provide some kind of assistance for its community.
“Even though we’ve been at this location for three years, I’ve never driven through the neighborhoods back toward the river,” he said. “So we loaded up my pick-up truck with water and started driving down there to give out water if anybody needed it. Seeing houses that were completely flooded out. People getting in Jon Boats to try to get the neighbors out. We knew that we had to do something – not just for our veterans, but for the community as a whole.”
That’s when the idea came to Soria to start gathering supplies that those impacted by the flooding could use, as well as to open up the post to “anyone who needed to be fed. I went out and got a pallet of water and some other supplies.”
Post members donated supplies, while a call-out to the public brought in additional items. As a result, Post 45 has been able to provide water and snacks, while also serving hamburgers and hot dogs. The post also has games and activities for children.
Soria said the post’s effort got a big boost from a new Meijer department store that recently had opened in Noblesville. “I drove out there just on a whim,” he said. “I had the assistant manager’s name who happened to be there … spoke with her and explained to her what we were trying to do. Without hesitation, she said, ‘I’ll give you a pallet of water. Go grab a cart. Go get whatever you need.’”
But the post’s efforts aren’t finished. Soria said it is teaming with Blue Smoke BBQ, which leases a building adjacent to Post 45, for a pig roast on Labor Day. The food is free to those displaced by the flood; the post also is trying to line up live music and will have raffles throughout the day.
“All proceeds will go to the Noblesville (Township) Trustee Office, ensuring it’ll go to our community members needing assistance,” said Soria.
Assistance Available. Through The American Legion’s National Emergency Fund (NEF), grants of up to $3,000 for Legionnaires and SAL members, and $10,000 for Legion posts impacted by the flooding and tornadoes are available. Individuals must have been displaced from their primary residence due to damage from a declared natural disaster. Post grants must derive from a declared natural disaster causing damage to the post building and restricting use of the facility for programs.
NEF does not provide for repairs or replacement of lost or damaged items in the primary home of residence. If the destroyed property is owned by the member, but he/she does not physically live there, that is not covered. Vehicles or outbuildings are not covered. If the home is rented, renters insurance paperwork should be provided, if any.
For American Legion posts, the only things covered are for post programs that might sustain losses pertaining to the intent of the four pillars of The American Legion. Losses from the social quarters and/or restaurant of the post are not covered. A copy of the most recent Consolidated Post Report (CPR) needs to be attached.
NEF grants are not meant to replace or repair items, only to meet the most immediate needs (i.e., temporary housing, food, water, clothing, diapers, etc.) during the period immediately following the disaster. They also do not cover insurance compensation or monetary losses from a business, structures on your property (barns, tool sheds, etc.,) equipment or vehicles.
To request NEF assistance, click here. To donate to the National Emergency Fund, click here.
- Community