by Marsha Blackburn
On the north bank of the Nolichucky River in Telford, Tennessee, sits Plum Grove. Between 1796 and 1801, the property served as the home of Tennessee’s first governor and founding father, John Sevier, who became a national hero after leading a band of volunteers from Washington County into battle during the Revolutionary War.
More than two centuries later, that same Volunteer Spirit is alive and well, especially at Plum Grove. In the weeks following Hurricane Helene’s devastation, the historic farm has transformed into a hub for volunteers and first responders helping those in need. In the aftermath of the flooding, friends and neighbors coordinated to deliver water, food, and other essentials to the farm. From there, volunteers worked to distribute the supplies, especially to hard-to-reach communities that were isolated because of road closures and bridge collapses.
While in Upper East Tennessee, I visited Plum Grove to meet with the many volunteers, first responders, and survivors who are picking up the pieces of their lives one day at a time. While there, I met the man who opened up his home to help his neighbors: Jeremy Dykes, the current owner of Plum Grove—and the sixth great-grandson of John Sevier.
For generations, we have come together to help our fellow Tennesseans, and this moment is no different. Across Upper East Tennessee, there are many places like Plum Grove—places where Tennesseans are meeting their neighbors where they are and offering what they have to help those who have lost everything.
In many ways, these volunteers—along with our incredible state and local authorities—have filled the gaps left by federal agencies such as FEMA that were initially slow to respond to Tennesseans’ needs. In the weeks and months ahead, I am determined to conduct thorough oversight of FEMA and other agencies to ensure that they stay on the ground, process claims in a timely manner, and provide the help many communities need.
This support will be vital. Since Hurricane Helene struck our state, I’ve made five trips through Upper East Tennessee, and when you’re on the ground, you understand our communities face a long road to recovery.
On a recent visit to Greene County, I saw the remains of Kinser Bridge, one of many pieces of essential infrastructure that washed away in the flooding. For many farmers, entire crop fields have been destroyed with up to 15 inches of rainfall. Many more families have lost their businesses, their homes, and their loved ones.
When you’re on the ground, you also see neighbors helping each other clear out debris from their front lawns. You see volunteers hauling water and food from trucks to families that desperately need them. And you see Tennesseans—with any tool they can get their hands on—rebuilding their communities from scratch.
More than anything else, this Volunteer Spirit will guide us to a full recovery.
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Marsha Blackburn is the senior U.S. Senator from Tennessee.
Photos by Sen. Marsha Blackburn.
