First lady Jill Biden at a Toys for Tots event at Fort Campbell, Ky., on Dec. 23
“Sharing the weight of the burden.” Those words, spoken by first lady Dr. Jill Biden to the Fort Campbell families displaced by the devastating Dec. 9 tornadoes, have resonated with me ever since her trip to the base, just two days before Christmas. What a noble way to express the importance of taking care of each other. When an unexpected and life-altering challenge arises, it is heartening to see a community rally.
While providing community support is inherently human, I do think America can claim more than our fair share of examples of rising to the challenge and helping others in need. Doing what is needed for our community is something we Tennesseans also take to heart. It’s no accident that we are nicknamed the Volunteer State — for our storied willingness to support our military with thousands more volunteers than requested.
Tennessee’s willingness to help others in need has another proud chapter. Tennesseans have rallied behind the recent tornadoes’ victims, and this is evident in how Fort Campbell and the community of Clarksville have supported those displaced. It is that spirit of swift help that brought the first lady to Fort Campbell. Christmas cheer and comfort were high on the list of priorities that day, but encouragement for those still suffering and gratitude for those who have helped them were at the very top.
President Joe Biden and the first lady always put forth the effort to make their visits count. Dr. Biden brought comfort and encouragement to families who are trying to bring some semblance of order to their chaotic lives. Consider for a moment how difficult that would be. Many of these families lost their homes entirely. Many have young children, excited beyond measure for Santa Claus to come. But now these families are simply grateful to be alive — grateful for clothes on their backs, a roof over their heads and a bed to sleep in. How hard it must have been for those parents to worry how they could possibly bring Christmas cheer amid such a crisis. And how worrisome it must have been for their young children, not sure whether Santa would find them in their new places to stay.
Thanks to the first lady, the Fort Campbell support system and the larger military network — not to mention Santa Claus himself — Christmas cheer arrived for these deserving children a few days early.
As the U.S. Army recently reported, the recovery efforts have been remarkable: “Accompanied by Santa Claus on what was whimsically called ‘Sleigh Force One,’ Biden encouraged military families grappling with the rebuilding. Military families and dedicated volunteers, who had responded to support recovery efforts, were treated to an afternoon of respite to celebrate the holiday with their children who met Santa and received presents hand-delivered by Toys for Tots and Marines of the 3rd Battalion, 23rd Marines, Kilo Co. Smyrna, Tenn.”
What a remarkable effort Fort Campbell has made to ensure their affected families are safe, secure and on the road to recovery. According to Clarksville’s Leaf-Chronicle, a disheartening total of 354 Fort Campbell families were displaced. The Screaming Eagles have worked to ensure that nearly every family has been placed. At the time of Dr. Biden’s visit, only 68 of the families were still waiting for a place to call their own, albeit a temporary one. That is a testament to the people and organizations who have stepped up to assist.
President Biden and the first lady have always worked to encourage the downtrodden, and that is arguably one of the greatest points of the Biden administration. “I know that the last two weeks have really tested your strength,” Dr. Biden said during her visit to Fort Campbell. “But even in this moment of grief and heartbreak, there is so much love and support that surrounds you. I know it can be hard to ask for help when you are usually the ones answering the call, but I hope that you let others share the weight of your burden.”
We will definitely share the weight, and we will do it gladly.
Bill Freeman
Bill Freeman is the owner of FW Publishing, the publishing company that produces the Nashville Scene, Nfocus, the Nashville Post, and The News.
