This story was told by Vicky Carnes – Our fearless net control leader (AD3i)

This morning, something unexpected happened. Curtis, a local ham radio operator who had been instrumental in keeping communications going, quietly made a request. It wasn’t for more equipment or supplies. All he asked for were taters—potatoes. Nothing more, just taters.

There was something so pure and simple about it. After days of worry and uncertainty, after days of cutting through trees, delivering supplies, and making sure people had the essentials to survive, the request for taters felt almost joyful. It was a sign that life was beginning to get better. We had gone from not knowing if anyone was down there, to a humble request for something as basic as potatoes. And in that moment, I couldn’t help but smile. The request was so human, so relatable, and so heartwarming.

In the middle of all the chaos, Curtis’ simple request for taters was a reminder that sometimes, it’s the little things that bring the most comfort. And in a way, it felt like the best sign of all that this community was going to find a way to make it through. So the next time you buy potatoes, remember Curtis and that after everything that happened, all he needed that day….was taters!