Hurricane Katrina

Mr. Harry

Hurricane Katrina, a devastating tragedy, did not only affect the people of southern

Louisiana; it affected many people nationwide. Many citizens lost electricity, land, possessions,

and even loved ones. At a time like this, help is needed more than anything. People from all

over the country gave their time, money, and support to help those in need. I have a great

deal of respect for the men and women who dedicate their time and effort to benefit the families

who were affected by Hurricane Katrina. They are caring, loving, and compassionate.

In the city of Thibodaux, Louisiana, about one hour south of Baton Rouge, many families

are letting workers live in their homes to benefit the victims of Hurricane Katrina and the city of

New Orleans. My family is one of those families. They were assigned a worker through a

hurricane relief program. Jason Hedden, a worker from Tennessee, is staying with them so he

can work in New Orleans.

I arrive at my house not knowing what to expect. When I walk in, the smell of chicken

spaghetti fills the house. It is dinner time so my mother is standing by the stove cooking a huge

pot of chicken spaghetti for the worker she is housing. The kitchen appears to be the same as it

was when I left for Baton Rouge. The walls are a pretty mint green color, and there is an island

made of bricks and tile in the center of the room. As I sit down on a tall wooden barstool for a

bite to eat, I look up to see a tall muscular guy. "Hi. My name is Jason," the stranger says in a

deep voice.

When I hear him speak, I know he is not from around here. "Where are you from?" I ask.

"Tennessee," he responds in his country accent.

As I look into his piercing blue eyes, I immediately feel comfortable around him.

He is a very large guy who stands about six feet and two inches tall. Jason has a rugged

appearance. His attire includes a University of Tennessee shirt and hat that covers his short dark

brown hair and old stone washed jeans. He is dark complected, and when he smiles, his

beautiful teeth appear to glow because they are so white. "Do you miss Tennessee?" I ask.

"I love hunting with my sons in the fall so I will miss that this year, but I know that I am

here for a good cause so it makes it all worth it," he replies as he sits down beside me at the

table.

"Do you like Louisiana?" I curiously ask.

"It is different from what I expected, but the people are so nice," he responds.

Jason Hedden is a thirty-three year old electrical engineer. He was born and raised in

Lebanon, Tennessee. Jason attended a small public school when he was growing up where he

was involved in sports and academic clubs. After he finished high school, he attended the

University of Tennessee to major in engineering. Jason wanted to be an engineer throughout his

life, and his father strongly encouraged him to pursue this goal. Jason graduated from college

with a degree in Electrical engineering. He met Ashley Lyons during his sophomore year and

they dated throughout college. They got married immediately after graduating; however, things

did not work out so they were divorced after eight years of marriage. Jason is currently divorced

with three young boys. He lives in a large brick home in a quiet neighborhood. Jason is

currently working for J.E. Crain & Son, Inc.

As my curiosity grows in the condition of New Orleans, I bluntly ask, "What is New

Orleans like, and how does your job benefit the city?"

"The idea I had of what New Orleans would be like did not even come close to reality,"

he answers, "The damage is much more widespread than I had expected,