BIG help Regional organization aids Keesler member in refurnishing hurricane-damaged home Published March 6, 2008 By Susan Griggs 81st Training Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AFB, MISS -- George Daniel got some BIG help in restoring his home destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. Mr. Daniel recently received a $700 check from Blacks in Government Region IV, which covers Mississippi, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Tennessee, Kentucky, North Carolina and South Carolina. A life member of BIG's Mississippi Gulf Coast chapter, Mr. Daniel joined the civilian ranks 18 years ago after 22 years in the Air Force. He's worked at Keesler for 20 years and currently serves as the 81st Civil Engineer Squadron's natural cultural resource manager. Help still coming "South Mississippi residents and the Keesler community need to know that kindness continues to come to the coast from many areas, even after more than two years into the recovery process," said Florence Clay, 334th Training Squadron, chapter president. She accepted the contribution at a recent BIG regional council meeting in Atlanta. "Mr. Daniel was selected from all members of our chapter and the Stennis Space Center chapter because all other members in south Mississippi were back in their homes and their recovery process was well under way, so they no longer needed additional assistance," Ms. Clay explained. Surge slams home The Biloxi home that Mr. Daniel shared with Judith, his wife of 35 years, was inundated with up to seven feet of water from Katrina's storm surge. "The brick walls at the back of the house, windows and doors were knocked out, and water destroyed everything inside," Mr. Daniel recalled. "Not only did we lose our home and possessions, but we also lost two vehicles that were under the carport." His homeowners' insurance policy didn't even pay enough to get the roof repaired because the company said flood water did the damage. 'Totally overwhelmed' "When I looked at the damage, I was totally overwhelmed -- I didn't know what to do or where to turn,"" he said. "I was ready to just walk off and leave the ruined structure to the mortgage company." The Daniels received assistance from Mississippi's homeowner grant program, but until their 2,200-square-foot home was repaired, they spent nearly two years in a 220-square-foot FEMA trailer. Mr. Daniel said it was very hard to stay focused at work when he was trying to rebuild his home and his life. "My primary thoughts were trying to get our lives back to some normalcy," he commented. "When I was at work, I worried not knowing if a contractor was doing repairs correctly or thoughts of how the insurance company did me." Faith and human kindness stepped in for the family through church organizations. "Volunteers from all across the nation, even Canada, came to give us assistance in recovery," he pointed out. The Daniels were able to move back into their home in mid-November. "We had a Thanksgiving that literally brought home the true meaning of being thankful," he said. The donation from BIG meant a lot to Mr. Daniel. "In the vast scheme of recovery and rebuilding, the donation helped us to do a little more in getting furnishings back in the house," he said. "At a time like this, believe me, every little bit helps a lot."