After an EF-4 tornado destroyed homes in Enid, Oklahoma, National Guard members are helping a former troop recover and rebuild.
After an EF-4 tornado destroyed homes in Enid, Oklahoma, National Guard members are helping a former troop recover and rebuild.
After an EF-4 tornado destroyed homes in Enid, Oklahoma, National Guard members are helping a former troop recover and rebuild.
An EF-4 tornado devastated parts of Enid, Oklahoma, last week, leaving families displaced and homes destroyed, including the residence of a former National Guardsman who is now receiving help from his fellow service members.
“The military instills brotherhood, and it doesn’t stop when you’re done with the uniform,” said Spencer Basoco, an Oklahoma National Guardsman.
Basoco is among several service members working to clear debris from the site of their former noncommissioned officer’s home.
“We’ve all served together for many years. One of our former NCOs’ homes, and we found out after it happened that he lost everything,” Basoco said. “Some of the guys came this weekend, and then some of us were able to come today. That’s what we’re doing.”
>> Video Below: Cleanup continues, and replacement SNAP benefits available after EF-4 tornado hit Enid
Basoco described the tornado’s impact on the neighborhood and how quickly the storm struck.
“This home over here was a two-story home, so they couldn’t actually see the tornado coming. This is why storm chasers are important. It was so blasted everywhere. They knew it was real. They knew it was coming,” he said.
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He emphasized that his friend and neighbors are safe, and the former troop had insurance to help him recover financially.
“It’s a community in the guard. So, that’s kind of what’s happened, and if you join the guard, you’re never alone. Even if you’re just a single guy. We’ll take care of you,” Basoco said.
For those affected by the tornado and in need of assistance, dialing 211 connects residents to state services, including housing vouchers through Airbnb.
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