I live in Joplin, Missouri. It's been almost 3 months since a deadly EF-5 destroyed almost a third of our town (50k ppl). Our town is between a tragedy and a triumph. 160 ppl died on May 22nd, but considering the path the tornado took across our town and how much devastation it caused, it's completely unbelievable more people did not lose their homes or lives. St Johns hospital was destroyed(about the first thing anyone recognizes from photos or video), as well as 4 schools and countless businesses.

http://youtu.be/XT7CtF5ljxY

My wife and I had some close friends stay with us for a couple of weeks after their homes were destroyed. It's just a surreal feeling driving down a street where you have lived your whole life and not know exactly where you are at. This happened for quite a few weeks afterwards.

My story on that day isn't interesting. I was at Buffalo Wild Wings with some friends watching the Cardinals/Royals game on Sunday(should add that we decided to play golf instead of drive to the game that morning). There are countless stories of heroism and survival that day. I feel somewhat guilty as I was about 3 blocks from the tornado that day, and thankfully the house my wife and I live in was 3 miles away and my parents and her parents live 2 miles away.

What is interesting is the countless amount of volunteers that has been here since. I have met people from Alabama and Mississippi (April outbreak) to Minnesota(tornadic activity the same day) to California, New York, Texas, Utah,etc.. all here to help and donate because they saw the devestation on the news. There are still countless volunteers showing up daily to help clean up debris and distribute goods and clothes to those affected from everywhere across the nation.

Truthfully I have never been more proud to be American. We have our deficiencies that's for sure. But we also have huge hearts and a stubborn willingness to help anyone in need. If anyone has donated or volunteered to our cause or has family who has, please accept a most gracious thank you from all of us here in Joplin.