zx11_12
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posted April 03, 2006 04:08 AM
 Edited By: zx11_12 on 4 Apr 2006 05:53
Paging Ninjaman.....
Are you ok? I saw where Dyersburg got hammered pretty hard by tornados and they had several killed. I hope all is ok with you and yours.
Edited for typos.....I really can spell, I just can't type.
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"There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences."
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Otis
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posted April 03, 2006 04:23 AM
I talked to him at 6:30 this morning. Things are not good, some people he knew are dead. Homes just gone. The plant he works at got hit too. He is fine, his home didn't get hit. He said it's a nightmare though. Powerlines down all over the place, damage to many buildings. I'm sure he'll post later. Things are really a mess right now. It was still dark when I talked to him so he couldn't see all that has happened. Say a prayer.
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zx11_12
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posted April 03, 2006 05:48 AM
Will do. I'm glad he's ok at least
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harryzx-12
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posted April 03, 2006 05:53 AM
That sux, I'm glad ninjaman is ok.
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"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways- Body thoroughly used up, totally worn out...Screaming "WOO HOO, What a Ride !!!"
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Otis
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posted April 03, 2006 06:06 AM
I talked to him again. The substation that supplys power to the whole plant is gone. Literally detroyed. They are trying to figure out how to get some temp power in there cause there is literally millions of pounds of meat that is either refridgerated or frozen. That could all be lost. They've counted 18 dead now in his area. Sad.
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Ninjaman12R
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posted April 03, 2006 06:48 AM
Thanks for the concern guys, I appreciate it a lot. Right now I am tired, upset, and just in total disbelief at some of the things that I've saw today. Living in this area for most of my life has put me in this situation far too many times. Tornados are devistating and unless you've witnessed one, or stood amonst ruble and debris that used to be peoples homes it's hard to grasp.
As of right now I know that 2 of my coworkers are dead. Sadly I fear that there will be more as searches are still going on. Just what little of the damage path that I have saw kust has me slack-jawed. Huge trees uprooted and brick homes just leveled. Some homes are just gone, no debris left at all, just a slab of concrete left.
As Chris said the facility where I work did receive some damage. Structurally the damage was minor. The worst thing is the huge substation that provides our electricity is gone. Just a couple poles and a few transformers are all that is there. That blows my mind as this thing was a huge substation with massive steel columns and poles everywhere. Friggin' gone.................... No matter how many times I looked at it, it still just seems unreal. Crazy stuff, a field littered with semi trailers, or sets of axles off trailers. I wanted to take pics but due to reasons I can't disclose that got nixxed.
Right now I am tired, hungry and want some sleep. If I can add more later I will. If not today maybe tomorrow. I did take a few pics on my drive back home. I'll dump them and maybe post a couple if I can.
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What we're dealin' with here is a complete lack of respect for the law.
Sheriff Buford T. Justice of TEXAS
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Ninjaman12R
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posted April 03, 2006 07:49 AM
Ok, here are a few pics. This is stuff that is mostly on the outskirts of the areas that really got hit hard. Local authorities have those areas closed for a myriad of reasons. Mainly because they are still searching for people that are missing.
I don't know wtf photobucket reduced these images so much.
A lady I work with and her family lived here. I have no idea of their condition.
This shit is everywhere.......
The woman that cuts my hair lived here, saw here in the yard wearing a neck brace so I'm figuring she faired pretty good all things considered. The house was picked up and set off the foundation. Imagine what that must have felt like. The sounds she must have heard too. A tornado sounds ominous enough.....
More downed trees.........
These folks were lucky, just over that hill behind that house is where it was really bad. Two of my coworkers, one of them a close friend, were killed just over that hill. They lived very close together and I've been told it is a total wasteland beyond this hill. Clothing and insulation, metal from roofs, and anything you can think off are hanging out of trees that didn't get taken out.
Sorry that the goddamned pictures got reduced to thumbnail size. I'm gonna try and sleep now.
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What we're dealin' with here is a complete lack of respect for the law.
Sheriff Buford T. Justice of TEXAS
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zx11_12
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posted April 03, 2006 09:00 AM
I'm sorry that you have to deal with all that. But we're glad you are OK. Let us know if there is anything you need.
Steve
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"There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences."
PJ O'Rourke
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Markday
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posted April 03, 2006 09:20 AM
Rick, if i can help in any way call me, night or day.
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Otis
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posted April 03, 2006 09:23 AM
That is just brutal Rick. Fuck. Get some rest brother, call me later.
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frEEk
Administrator
ummm... yeah
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posted April 03, 2006 09:37 AM
holy hell rick, that shit is downright hard to believe. that's gotta be abotu the worst widespread tornado damage i've ever heard of. glad yer ok of course, but condolences on your lost friends and aquaintances 
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Ninjaman12R
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posted April 03, 2006 01:44 PM
The footage shot from the air is what really mind blowing. Like I said, the stuff I've saw is on the outskirts of where the real devistation is. But frankly it's all devistating to me, and I've weathered my share of tornados. A lot of my friends are in a bad way right now, hell some are dead. It sucks, but hey I got it good. My home was unscathed and I was happy to be 6 miles away from that stuff.
Seeing pictures, or looking at footage on TV doesn't compare to witnessing it in person. I never want to see this shit ever again!!!
Everyday in life you learn something, today maybe that hit home with me more than ever. Honestly, so many things that we think are so damned important really aren't.
One of my friends that died was holding her 2 year old grandson while huddled down in a closet. The rescue workers found her and the little boy a few hundred feet from where the home once stood. The little boy is in a Memphis hospital right now with severe head trauma. Also huddled in that same closet was her daughter and grandaughter. They had multiple lacerations and bruises, but are stable in a local hospital right now. It fucking breaks my heart to know she died such a horrible death. She loved her grandchildren and they were her life, from what I am told she was still holding the boy when they found her. I don't even know what to say other than it breaks my heart to pieces. She worked in the same group I did and made sure to have coffee ready for me every morning when I got to work. I'd set in her office and talk to her over a cup or two everyday. She was a real pisser, especially for a 63 year old lady. I'm gonna miss those morning talks a lot, coffee will never be the same.
There are a lot of sad stories, but life does go on and it is evident everywhere you look.
The rebuilding process has already started and is in full swing. Work is going on all around, and you just can't help but totally dumbfounded. The never say die attitude that seems to come out in people when a tradgedy like this strikes is amazing. There may be hope for the human race yet. There are carpenters, roofers, utility workers, just gaggles of people gettin -R - done.
I still haven't been able to sleep, 'bout ready to break out the jug 'cause I'm fucking tired.
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What we're dealin' with here is a complete lack of respect for the law.
Sheriff Buford T. Justice of TEXAS
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frEEk
Administrator
ummm... yeah
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posted April 03, 2006 04:20 PM
i seriously hope rebuilding includes building ALL houses with solid basements. why people wouldn't have a safe spot like that in a tornado prone area is beyond me.
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Hells Dark Lord
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posted April 03, 2006 04:52 PM
Rick I am sorry to see all this destruction.....I will keep you and your townsmen in my thoughts and prayers....and like Mark said if you need anything, day or night, just call.....
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MadMike
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posted April 03, 2006 05:18 PM
Oh shit Rick!!! man if you need anything please call!! serious dude!
MM
glad your ok buddy!
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redelk
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posted April 03, 2006 07:20 PM
Edited By: redelk on 4 Apr 2006 05:54
Similar devastation in NW Arkansas. Hail the size of softballs and a entire town was evacuated (Marmaduke, AR). I am so sorry to hear about your losses, but like everyone else, I thank God you and yours are okay.
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Scooter
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posted April 03, 2006 09:44 PM
I grew up in south Arkansas. I've seen it first hand. Bewildering is the only word I can thnk of. I spare you the stories. Suffice to say I've been in a few and like you, I felt damn lucky. Lots of other folks didn't fare too well. Thank the good Lord y'all came out OK, Keep the chin up Brother, If there's anything you need you got my number.
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Ninjaman12R
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posted April 04, 2006 01:42 AM
Thanks a ton guys, the kind words mean a lot. I finally got a little sleep last night and at least I don't feel as tired. I haven't watched any news yet this morning, but I have my fingers crossed in hopes that the death toll didn't rise.
I'm just glad I am able to type this from the comfort of my own home.
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What we're dealin' with here is a complete lack of respect for the law.
Sheriff Buford T. Justice of TEXAS
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wheeliekev
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posted April 04, 2006 05:05 AM
glad your ok fella, i have never seen anything like that in the uk, my thoughts are with you and all affected
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jonwright
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posted April 04, 2006 07:23 AM
Dizam Neega! I was thinking about you this morning (and NOT in the shower, either) as I heard on pubic radio about Dyersberg's destruction.
I'm glad you are okay and as close as I am you know to call me if'n ya need anything.
That is just awful and I send thoughts to your deceased friend's families.
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DaveInDaytona
Pro
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posted April 04, 2006 09:47 PM
Damn Rick. I haven't been on here in a while because of some medical stuff here, but glad to hear you're ok.
Same storm went through IL and rattled the family up there. Luckily Mom is ok, sister in law had her house rattled pretty good, but just superficial damage outside. House shook enough to knock things off the walls and shelves inside. They were lucky.
My heart goes out to those that lost so much. I've seen a couple of those close up when I lived there and it's nothing you want to be around.
It's been said before, but if you need anything you know who to call. Lots of people here would drop what they're doing and haul ass to help out. Hope knowing that helps a little.
Dave
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Ninjaman12R
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posted April 06, 2006 10:43 AM
Thanks fellas, it's good to know you guys are in my corner. I've actually had some time today to reflect back on all that has happened. It's been a tragedy for sure, and I don't think any of the people affected by this will ever be the same. It will have positive effects on some individuals, and negative effects on others. I'm both sad and glad at the same damned time. I'm sad for the losses we have all had to endure, not material either, that shit is so small to me I need to be beaten just for mentioning it. Some good people are no longer with us, that is the toughest thing to accept. It is still almost surreal to me.
The things that I am glad about are seeing people side by side, and working their asses off to help people in need. It is awe inspiring to see all these people working together with a common goal. The people of this area are down, but they are by no means out. I applaud each and everyone of them who've taken part in helping.
I am also glad to hear stories of survival. There are literally tons of people that were in houses that were leveled by the tornado and lived to tell about it. Many were sucked up into the tornado, beaten by debris, and deposited hundreds of feet away from where they were huddled when the tornado hit.
I read in one of the papers where an old fella in his 80's saw his dog get sucked up into the tornado, and how it broke his heart to see his beloved pet perish like that,.......or so he thought. The dog didn't die and found it's way home and seems to be just fine. I wish I could find the story online and link it.
Many of my co-workers have stories of survival, and some stuff that is bizarre to say the least. One friend who lived in the Bradford, TN area had his entire family in a hall closet. The tornado struck the house and took all of the structure,...........except for the closet. You hear that a lot, and as amazing as that sounds, that's not the bizarre part. You see there was a power outage and Chris and his family had lit a candle and placed it on top of the TV so they could have a little light. When they came out of the closet to see that the rest of the house was gone, the TV was still right where it had been..................and the candle was still burning.
Some things we are just not meant to understand, I'm convinced of that.
Thanks again guys for all of your support. If there is any interest in making donations to the relief effort let me know. I'll find the number to the local red cross chapter and post it.
____________
What we're dealin' with here is a complete lack of respect for the law.
Sheriff Buford T. Justice of TEXAS
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Scooter
Zone Head
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posted April 06, 2006 01:43 PM
Edited By: Scooter on 6 Apr 2006 14:49
Rick, our HVAC rep was in the mill this week working on a chiller. He grew up right near you(last name McCorkle). His ex wife's relatives were the couple that were killed with their grandchild. He sent me to this website for pics.
Give ya a call later.
http://orig.jacksonsun.com/photogallery/20060404tornadoreadpics/index.htm
http://orig.jacksonsun.com/photogallery/20060404aerialtornado/index.htm
http://orig.jacksonsun.com/photogallery/20060403bradfordtornado/
http://orig.jacksonsun.com/photogallery/20060403newbertornado/index.htm
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crashtech
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posted April 08, 2006 09:22 AM
I'm just glad I am able to type this from the comfort of my own home.
I dont think I can say it better myself. I can honestly say I have never been as scared for my family in my life. we got hit yesterday as well. Wife was home on the phone with me when it hit in full panic mode while I was screaming for her to get under the house and phone went dead. I can not express the emotion that I was feeling on the way home to see if anything was there. To ad to that on the way I heard Saundersville road got a direct hit. My kids schools are right next to each other ON that road! Then the news confirms that the schools were damaged heavily! THANK GOD that after a lot of phone calls and waiting we are all together and everyone is safe. The house got a little damage but is nothing compared to the complete devistation just a couple hundred feet away going all the way into Gallitan. I finally got in touch with Rog and he was ok as well (storm path went a couple hunred feet from his house as well and right next to his work in Gallitan.). He still has no lights, mine got turned back on to my amazment at about 8:30 so he came over to take a shower and swap stories from the day. So Rick I feel you bro glad you are ok and sorry for your loss of freinds, I will keep them in my prayers. On another note WTF I thought tornado alley was in fucking Kansas!!!!!!!!!!! I will be fixing damn cars for months, we are already getting tons from last weeks storms.
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harryzx-12
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posted April 08, 2006 03:50 PM
There are 3 things I am scared of 1. Tornadoes
2. Lightning
3. A pissed off woman
They are all unpredictable. I'm sorry so many people died but i'm glad my friends survived.
I wnet to school in witchata falls texas (tornado alley) and was stationed in little rock ark and have been through many tornadoes. They suck
____________
"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways- Body thoroughly used up, totally worn out...Screaming "WOO HOO, What a Ride !!!"
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