Tennessee Local rallies to aid members amid hurricane flooding 

Erwin, Tennessee – Demonstrating what it truly means to be from the Volunteer State, the members of SMART-TD Local 1162 put the concept of solidarity into action as the community grappled with the devastating flooding caused by Hurricane Helene. As the region struggled with the aftermath of excessive rains and the overflow of the Nolichucky River, Local 1162’s officers took decisive action to assist their fellow union members who were facing unprecedented challenges. 

As The Water Recedes, Community Feels Forgotten 

Located in the northeastern corner of Tennessee, Erwin is a town that isn’t used to extreme flooding. With so many other areas throughout the southeast located directly in Helene’s path, the bulk of outside aid was focused elsewhere. This left the community feeling forgotten and overlooked. Brother Jason Caldwell, chairperson of SMART-TD’s Local 1162, refused to let that happen.  

“Jason wasn’t going to sit back and wait,” said Adren Crawford, SMART-TD’s Tennessee State Safety and Legislative Director (SLD). “Brother Caldwell knew our members needed support, and he was determined to make sure that we took care of every one of our own.”  

“I felt that if we could help our brothers so they didn’t have to worry about their families, they could go out to help others in the community.” said Caldwell. 

Stepping up to support Local 1162 members 

Brother Caldwell’s first priority was to ensure that all members of Local 1162 received welfare checks.   

With the help of Josh Puckett, president of SMART-TD’s Local 1162, he reached out to every member and assessed who had weathered the storm without significant damage and who needed immediate assistance.  

“I’m so thankful for Josh’s help, and I couldn’t have done it without the help of my good friend and union brother,” Caldwell noted. 

“I was very impressed with how Jason handled such a stressful situation,” Crawford emphasized. “He took care of business and brought a sense of stability and calm to his members during a catastrophic event while addressing their most urgent needs.”  

“We knew we had to act quickly.”  

Alarmingly, 10 members reported losing power, with utility companies estimating restoration times of six to eight weeks. 

Determined to help make this right, Caldwell reached out to SLD Crawford. Together, they worked out a plan to purchase large-scale generators for those without power. Crawford communicated with SMART-TD President Jeremy Ferguson, who immediately authorized the use of the union’s disaster relief fund. 

“We knew we had to act quickly,” Crawford remarked. “The support from our international union was crucial in getting this plan off the ground.” 

Challenges don’t stop Brothers Caldwell and Puckett from delivering much-needed aid 

With roads washed out and hazardous conditions throughout the region, Brothers Caldwell and Puckett now faced the daunting task of finding the generators amid widespread demand. They were eventually able to find a supplier and enlisted the help of 1162 members who were less affected. Together, they formed a team equipped with trucks, ATV’s, and a whole lot of urgency to deliver the generators to their brothers in need. Their tireless efforts not only provided much-needed relief but also demonstrated the unwavering camaraderie that defines the SMART-TD union. 

A proud moment for Local 1162 and SMART-TD 

“What Jason pulled off following this storm is what being part of a union is all about,” Crawford expressed. “We look out for one another, especially in times of crisis. I’m proud of Brother Caldwell, Local 1162, and I’m grateful for the support from every one of the members involved.”