Marine Iraq, Afghanistan Veteran mobilizes Americans to help children left homeless in Kentucky Tornado
Former Marine Shawn Triplett of Mayfield, Kentucky served three tours in Iraq and AFghanistan.
He saw the devastation the tornado brought to Kentucky and went into action, organizing a fundraising campaign for children who had become homeless.
He had been there before in Iraq and Afghanistan.
“I’ve been deployed three times, I’ve seen war zones, I’ve seen absolute destruction, and nothing compared to it,” said Shawn Triplett, a resident of Mayfield, Kentucky, christianheadlines quoted Triplett’s statement to CNN.
Triplett was shocked by how the town was destroyed and wanted to help however he could. He arrived at the volunteer center, where he was asked to guide a photo-journalist through streets littered with debris.
“That shelter was full of kids that had nothing but the clothes on their back and they’re sleeping on cots,” he said, with CNN reporting.
Haunted by the devastation and horror, he went to the volunteer center, volunteering to guide a photo-journalist through streets littered with debris.
Hey @Titans I’m raising money for the kids that lost their Christmas in the tornado damage in Mayfield Kentucky where I live. Would be big if you could help since you’re not too far away, he tweeted.
Officials including Sen Rand Paul have been on the scene.
At least 88 were killed or went missing in the relentless storms. 74 were from Kentucky.
Kentucky’s State Command Sergeant Major, Command Sgt. Maj. Jesse Withers and State Chaplain (Col.) Jay Padgett the visited Soldiers at various locations impacted by recent tornados in Graves County, Ky., Dec. 14.
“Today, I saw our Soldiers motivated and happy to do their part in helping any way they can,” said Withers. “We want them to know their state leadership is not only thinking about them, but we are here to have a better understanding of what we can do to assist in accomplishing their mission.”
The Kentucky National guard was deployed.