BY PEARLETTE CID

The tumultuous tornadoes that hit south west Georgia early this month has residents echoing the same sentiment: "We're blessed to be alive!"

On Thursday, March 1, scattered severe thunderstorms moved across Central Georgia, spawning several tornadoes that resulted in nine fatalities and numerous injuries. Significant damage in several counties has turned countless lives inside out.

The Orthopaedic Association Building in Americus. Pictured at top: An aerial shot of Harmony Church in Richland, Ga. The inset a ground photo of the church's one wall left standing.

Witnesses in varying locations reported that they were stunned by the widespread devastation tornadoes caused in the five minutes they touched down. Family Connection collaboratives, partners, and executive board members are among those affected and displaced by the tornadoes. Here are just some reports from their counties:

Sumter County
The heaviest damage was in the city of Americus by Sumter Regional Hospital, where a tornado crashed into numerous homes and businesses, including the hospital.

Family Connection collaborative member Dr. Michael Bussman lost his medical building and the one he was having built, which was only one month from completion. Meanwhile, the Peach Program, Babies Can't Wait, and Healthy Famillies have all relocated.

The tornado in Americus comes on the heels of the largest employment set-back in Sumter. Collins and Aikman Products Co., the largest source of employment in the county, cut 350 jobs when it filed for bankruptcy in January 2006. Sumter Regional Hospital, the second largest employer in the county, is reported to have $105 million in damages. The good news is that, according to news sources, the hospital's two newest wings may be salvageable. The hospital is operating a make-shift urgent care and triage unit in the Health Plex parking lot adjacent to the hospital.

Americus Salvation Army Building.

"The already sagging economy in Sumter County has been dealt a devastating blow," said Angela Westra, Sumter County Family Connection coordinator. "Our community is strong and I hope that by working together, we can leverage our resources to make our community bigger and better as we clean up and rebuild."

Westra was quick to point out, however, that the spirit of volunteerism, strong in Americus, is in action every day. "I've seen a community grieve its losses, yet lend a helping hand to those left with no house to call home," she said.

Touched by these selfless efforts, Westra wrote a letter to the editor of the Americus Times-Recorder commending volunteers, the community, and the city and county governments in their recovery efforts. Read the letter.

Baker County
In Baker County, though so many people lost their homes and other material possessions, and were hospitalized, the greatest tragedy was the death of four adults and two children. Both were students in Baker County schools. One was a sixth-grader, the other a third-grader. "My wife taught the third-grader," said Scotty Tipper, Baker County Family Connection coordinator. "The third-grader's brothers are hospitalized and the mother is on a ventilator in critical condition. Heavy hearts are in Baker County as the shadow of death is upon us. It is only through grace, mercy, and love that we make it through situations like this."

Taylor County
Taylor County Family Matters coordinator Nancy Peacock said the property damage in her county is still being evaluated, but is considerable. "Our county has suffered one death and several injuries," said Peacock. "But this is a strong community and we will pull together to get through this while realizing how truly blessed we've been."

Family Connection Partnership Board member Patricia Brunson said the first tornado's path was only about an eighth of a mile from her house. Her home had some roof damage, and there was substantial tree and farm equipment damage, but Brunson says it was minor compared to others. "Our community is working to meet the needs of those who lost their homes," she said. "Individuals are cleaning up and giving to meet the needs of the people."

Stewart County

Among the homes worst hit was this one on Wall Street in Richland. It belongs to the grandmother of Stewart County Family Connection coordinator Megan Murrah.

Family Connection community facilitator Sherry Witherington was in her office when a fierce tornado touched down in Stewart County. After the tornado passed, Witherington opened the back door only to find flattened houses and unrecognizable businesses. "I was astounded," she said. "Insulation, glass, and uprooted trees were everywhere. Hundreds of homes, businesses, and vehicles were significantly damaged or destroyed. Within minutes after the storm's passing, without any briefing, neighbors, residents, first-response volunteers, and firefighters came out in droves to clean up miles of debris."

Clay County
Clay County Family Connection coordinator Leata Gleaton was driving home when she got caught in the severe weather. "It could've been worse," she said. "We experienced significant damage but it was only material things, not lives."

A semi that was wrecked right outside of Richland after a tree fell on it.

The economic losses are reported to be in the million of dollars. There also are damages to the local infrastructure, including the waste and sewer systems, electric power systems, the natural gas, and cable television.

Two days after the storm, President George Bush visited the tornado-ravaged areas. The president offered encouragement and promised help to everyone in Americus. Gov. Sonny Perdue, who was with Bush, has requested federal disaster aid for nine counties in southwest Georgia.

Visit the Fast Command Web site for the latest information on the storm-ravaged communities and how to donate to the relief efforts.

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