It is no secret that especially here in the South many like big trucks with big tires and big hooks to pull things. The taller she sits, the tougher the frame, the more rugged the wheels are all desirable qualities in a vehicle in the off chance one might have to go "off road". When seeing these vehicles in normal, optimal conditions in traffic one may be tempted to roll their eyes and make remarks about how there must be some sort of complex going on with the driver. It is a stereotype that is humorous but not usually accurate. But these big ole trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps? They were lifesavers during the February snowstorm.
Enter the activation of the 4x4 Emergency Transport and Recovery of Mid TN Facebook group. This is a group made up of people brought together by their type of vehicles and desire to help their community. This group is only activated in emergency situations in the middle Tennessee area when 4x4 or 4WD is needed for essential personnel to get to and from their essential service jobs. It activated during the 2010 Nashville flood, the 2014 snowstorm, and in February 2021. Once the emergency subsides the admins put the group to rest until the next time. There are lots of fan groups in the area for showing off your vehicle or mods or even sales of vehicles and accessories. This group is strictly a community service.
My colleagues and I split a hotel room for the week so did not need their services but they did bring in another of our colleagues. We could not have made it through the long and tiring week without her help and extra hands. She was able to spell us for some much needed rest. We were eternally grateful to her and to this group. I asked her how it worked and she said, "I posted that I needed a ride from the train (she had ridden the Music City Star in from the Lebanon area) to our hospital. Someone responded they would be there and what vehicle to look for. I got off the train and the vehicle pulled up. He rolled down his window, called my name, and said 'Let's go.' And he dropped me off right at the front door. He wouldn't take any money at all, not even a tip."
The photo to the right is a snap of the better looking roads from our hotel window. It was not a commute for the faint of heart.
It is a group rule that all who participate in this endeavor do so of their own free will and expense. It is a true labor of love and care for the midstate for each and every participant. Many of the drivers spent hundreds of dollars in fuel and drove 4 digit distances to ferry personnel back and forth. A local gentleman named Cory Buckner penned the following write up on Facebook and it sums it up better than I think I can.
Photo Credit W Robinson
Saturday morning, a winter storm hit the Middle Tennessee region and began dumping ice, sleet, and snow all over the area causing numerous collisions on area roadways. With the widespread inconveniences of dangerous roadways, the storm also began to cause area healthcare workers and first responders frustration and worry with how they were going to safely get to work and then back home. Regardless of how many beds a hospital has, without staff those beds are forced to stay empty as safe nursing prohibits overwhelming nurse to patient ratios. Enter a group of strangers united by their choice of vehicles, the “4x4 Emergency Transport and Recovery of Mid TN” Facebook group. Without hesitation, they began the massive challenge of coordinating their nation of off-road enthusiasts in what would end up being a people moving exercise of international airport scale. Accepting not a single dime, they offered their skills, their time, and their personal vehicles to selflessly get area healthcare workers to and from work. Many of these drivers started at or before 4 am ensuring that those that worked first shift got in on time while taking the third shift workers back home. With supercomputer expertise a group of volunteer moderators, posts were checked and coordinated so that drivers and waiting passengers could be matched up quickly thereby improving efficiency and avoiding overlaps. Their execution was remarkable. And at current count, over 10,000 miles have been traversed. But not only did they ferry passengers, many of them also took the time to get groceries, food, and other necessities to those who simply could not get out. Of note, emergency medications for an autistic child and a dog were also part of the non-people precious cargo. And then there were the smiles. No matter how many trips had been made or how early or late a person had been working, both drivers and passengers were always excited to see each other. One thankful for safe passage; the other thankful for the job their passenger was doing. Neither race, nor creed, nor nationality ever played a role. It was just a bunch of people who came together for the good of us all. We have used the hashtag #NashvilleStrong several times in the last year and with good reason. This area has endured more heartache and disaster in one year than most areas do in a decade. Yet, every single time the people of this state prove just why we are the Volunteer State. No load has ever been so ever heavy that it can’t be shouldered together. We have again shown the power of the American spirit. The heroes that stepped up in our time of need will never be individually recognized nor will they receive any type of award. They will not make the front page of the newspaper or be interviewed live at 6. But their actions allowed every hospital in Middle Tennessee to have enough staff to treat those in need. They will never accept it but in so many ways, they were the true lifesavers this week. So the next time you see a jacked up Jeep or a 4x4 pickup with big tires or a huge Humvee, give them a wave. What they did this week is beyond worthy of our thanks even if we will never know their names. Few things in life bring people together like being part of something bigger than ourselves. To each and every driver who donated their time, money, and vehicles, you are the heart of something much bigger than you can imagine. And for that, we all owe you a debt of gratitude. #EverydayHeroes #ThankYou #YouAreEssentialToUs #GodBlessYou
--Cory Buckner
For a time my husband I wondered if I would need to use this group to get home back up our hill and leave my car at work until we could come back for it. It so happened I was able to get home during a small break (and I mean, small... Like... 90 minutes) in the weather so I did not. The group did not just transport nurses, but all manner of hospital and other essential service personnel. From custodian to dispatcher, they were all needed and we were grateful to each and every ride they received.
The admins of the group did make a post
asking for drivers to share their estimated miles driven, passenger count, and other expenses. Area hospital administrators have asked for this information for future disaster plans. The funniest submission I
saw was a gentleman who listed over 100 hours of drive time, over 2000 miles traveled, a new set of wiper blades, x (can't remember but it was a lot) gallons of diesel, 6 cans of Copenhagen, and 8 bottles of Diet Coke.
The group continued to reiterate no money was to be accepted. Instead, they suggested all the riders pay it forward to their favorite cause or charity. What a beautiful way to honor those that helped during this time.
What great things have you seen when people come together? I want to know all about it!
Be well, y'all.
If you wish to pay it forward in honor of these individuals, there are many deserving organizations. One in the midstate is Vanderbilt Children's Hospital. You can learn more about them and donate here: https://give.vanderbilthealth.org/give/197787/?utm_source=CHGiving&utm_medium=website#!/donation/checkout?c_src=M1070&c_src2=CV11