334th AMU crew chiefs assist in storm clean-up Published June 15, 2011 By Senior Airman Marissa Tucker 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- When disasters happen somewhere, many times, people are so far away from it that they cannot understand the scope of the situation. At Seymour Johnson however, the storm hit too close to home to ignore. Several Airman from the 334tth Aircraft Maintenance Unit decided not to be onlookers when they saw those in need, they jumped into action. Exemplifying the second Air Force Core value, "Service Before Self," these Airmen volunteered to help a woman in Snow Hill, which is about 20 miles from the base, rebuild her home after one of the worst storm systems recorded in eastern North Carolina tore through the region, leaving 23 people killed and thousands homeless. "We received an email from our leadership asking for volunteers and we just decided to help," said Airman 1st Class Phillip Passmore, a 334th AMU crew chief from Nantahala. Eight Airmen from the squadron spent three days in Snow Hill, cleaning debris and trying to find salvageable belongings from Connie Owens' yard. During that storm, Mrs. Owens lost almost everything she owned. "I lost everything including my two cars, home and personal belongings, Mrs. Owens said. "The Red Cross called to ask me if I'd like the help of several young men from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base and I said yes. They came for three days and relentlessly cleaned my yard of debris." Although Mrs. Owens had lost so much, the Airmen said that after spending time with them, she began laughing and smiling. Airman 1st Class Elson Tracey said he felt good to help someone in need feel better about their situation. "We knew it was bad from the news, but I didn't know it was that bad," said Airman Tracey, a 334th AMU crew chief from Noblesville, Ind. Airman 1st Class John Pace, who hails from Naples, Fla., said he was happy to volunteer, because he saw the immediate aftermath of the storm first-hand. "We were driving to Greenville and out of nowhere, we saw the tornado from Highway 13," Airman Pace said. "We stopped to get out to help out in the area, because it was demolished, but because so many power lines were down, the fire department told us we had to stay back for safety reasons." The tornado that tore through Snow Hill left more than 100 people homeless and destroyed more than 80 percent of the only middle school in the county. The damage and destruction of the natural disaster helped put things into perspective for the Airmen. "We don't always understand how good we have it," Airman Passmore said. "That tornado could have easily hit Goldsboro." Although they could only stay for three days, the Airmen left a lasting impression on Mrs. Owens and other people from her neighborhood who witnessed them working tirelessly to help a person they did not know and possibly may never see again recover from a disaster. "I'd like to give a great big thank you to these fine young Airmen who show how dedicated they are to not only serve our country in times of war, but also to serve our community in times of need. They will forever be in my heart for helping me during the darkest hours of my life," Mrs. Owens said.