Letter: Governor touts spirit of Louisiana

Dear Friends,

This was a challenging week for our state. Hurricane Isaac brought heavy rains and strong winds, but like we always do, Louisiana will recover and build back better than before.



Everyday I’m reminded of the generosity, resilience, and spirit of our people. We’ve seen tough times before but we always bounce back.



During the storm and after, I’ve heard from folks every day who are doing their part to respond to Isaac’s challenges. From the first responders who put their lives on the line to rescue their fellow Louisianans to the American Red Cross workers who are helping those in need of a roof over their heads and a meal – everyone is doing their part.



There are folks like a caretaker I met at the Riverbend Nursing home in Plaquemine Parish this week. Seven years ago, he lost his home during Hurricane Katrina, yet throughout the storm and aftermath he stayed on duty to care for the patients who needed him. Seven years later, he’s still working at Riverbend, and when I met with him this week, he told me that he’d lost his home again due to Isaac. Yet there he was, still taking care of the folks who needed his help.



That’s just one example and there are countless others.  

The sheriff’s deputies in St. John’s Parish, assisted by the Louisiana National Guard and the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries agents, worked all through the night to rescue their neighbors threatened by rapidly rising waters. Some of these deputies’ own homes were taking on water, yet they remained on the job and rescued more than 3,500 people from a dangerous situation.



I wish I could share with you all the stories I’ve heard this week, there are so many, but you all know these stories because they are the stories of your friends, your families and our communities.  



In the face of adversity, I’m always amazed at the depth of compassion and strength of resolve in our communities. I know we’ll get through this storm. We will rebuild and we will rebuild better and stronger than before.

Gov. Bobby Jindal,

Baton Rouge, La.