Author: blynyrd66

Dear friends, family, acquaintances and the world at large.

As many of you may know my little town of Marshall took a severe blow during Hurricane Helene’s most unwelcome visit to western North Carolina.

The damage is devastating beyond imagination.

There is nothing typical about the strength of this storm and the havoc it wreaked on Western North Carolina.

It has been classified as a 1000 year storm/flood event. There, literally has never been a storm of this magnitude to hit this area in recent human history.

One source I’ve read estimated the storm dropped approximately 40 trillion gallons of rain in 3 days, after making landfall.

40. Trillion. Gallons.

According to historical weather data, in a typical year, with typical rain fall amounts it would “normally” take 113 days of rain, 24 hours each, for this amount of rain to fall in the region.

It is absolutely tragic.

But the response, by emergency agencies, residents, and volunteers has been just as historic and even more amazing!

I have never, in my life, seen so many shining examples of the best side of humanity as we continue with rescue, cleanup and recovery efforts from this disaster.

For more info, and updates on recovery here are 2 sources that have been invaluable:

buncombeready.org,

This is Buncombe County, and Asheville’s one site to aggregate important recovery information

bpr.org/online-streams-blue-ridge-public-radio

Blue Ridge Public Radio has been broadcasting primary source info, straight from the horses mouth, non stop, as soon as they were able to broadcast after the storm let up, including the city and county managers office’s daily press conferences (currently every day at 4pm EST)

Everyone I know who is here, and healthy, (I won’t say whole, because so many have lost so much), have put on their boots and gloves and gotten to the hard work of rebuilding our beautiful mountain communities, homes and businesses.

It’s going to be a very, very long road to recovery. Probably years before anything close to “normal” returns to the region. And for many, who lost so much, it may never return.

Everyone is doing what they can, where they can.

Which brings me to the reasons I’m reaching out right now.

My shop, my family, and our homes have, amazingly, been spared any direct damage, save for temporary loss of utilities.

My shop, in particular, has power and water and is back to being fully functional, and is conveniently located to Marshall and Madison County.

Between my facility, my skill sets and experience I am in a unique position to offer vital services to recovery crews and volunteers.

I have already connected with grassroots citizen based volunteer groups to volunteer assistance, as well as local government, and private agencies.

I have extended, to anyone with a disaster or recovery related need, any of my available services on a donation basis.

I’ve told them they can pay what they can, ONLY, IF THEY CAN. And to be honest I don’t want their money. I want their success, which is far more valuable!

The services I’m offering include, but not limited to:

Welding,

Mobile welding,

Fabricating,

Equipment repairs,

Auto/truck/motorcycle and ATV repairs, Industrial and power equipment repairs,

Chain saw sharpening,

Generator service (including on site service for whole house generators)

A mad set of general mechanical repair and fabrication skills.

This will be an ongoing effort until further notice.

In the meantime, I’m currently reaching out to industry contacts soliciting donations of key supplies and equipment to FREELY distribute to better serve the amazing people giving all they can to rebuild our communities.

Things like:

Bulk chain saw chain, and repair parts.

A quality bench top chain saw sharpener and replacement grinding wheels.

Bulk recoil starter rope and handles

Fuel line and fuel Filters

Bar and chain oil

2 cycle oil

Fuel cans

Safety equipment, including but not limited to Kevlar Chaps, gloves, hard hats, face protection, eye protection, ear protection, dust masks and related PPE.

Power equipment lift tables

Portable hydraulic hose crimping tool and associated fittings and hose,

And any related supplies as more needs become apparent.

If we can gather enough support I’d love to be able to offer some key pieces of equipment, too:

Chainsaws,

Trash pumps and related supplies,

Generators and related supplies,

As you’re aware Fall has begun and cold weather is just around the coner so that will need to be addressed ASAP, too. There will be a need for portable, self contained heaters, and more.

I’m in constant contact with local aid groups and will update with other needs as they arise.

Anything any of you can do to help is greatly appreciated.

Even if you can’t help with supplies or financially, please spread the word to anyone you know and let’s work to rebuild this amazing community nestled in these beautiful ancient mountains.

Thank you, much love and stay safe.

Brian Leonard

Appalachian Ironworks LLC 434 Long Branch Rd Marshall NC 28753

828 702 0697

brian@appironworks.com