Storm Emergency Response · The Mission in Action
Hurricane Ian: Fort Myers Response
Fort Myers, Florida
Fuel, water and a crew for the veterans of Fort Myers after one of the most destructive storms in Florida’s history.
- Project type
- Disaster relief · Road clearing · Tree removal
- Date
- September–October 2022
- Nature of work
- Volunteer & community relief
Lead- Ricky Folse
The Challenge
After Hurricane Ian struck Southwest Florida in September 2022, veterans in the Fort Myers area were stranded without fuel or water, roads were blocked and trees were down.
The Assessment
Ricky already knew this veteran community from his 2021 bicycle campaign for homeless veterans. The immediate needs were supplies, safe access and help for veterans who had lost their homes.
The Solution
Ricky brought an 18-wheeler loaded with 14 drums of gasoline and two pallets of water to the Fort Myers VFW Hall for stranded veterans. He assisted police working roadblocks, helped clear roads and did tree work for people affected by the storm. He also helped a veteran who had lost his home get into a camper.
Why this approach
This was service, not a contract. It came from the same commitment to veterans that later became Veteran Tree Care’s business model.
The Result
Fuel and water delivered to stranded veterans, roads cleared and direct help given to veterans who had lost everything.
Reported in TCI Magazine (September 2025) and in local coverage.
The arboricultural science
Techniques Used on This Project.
Only the methods actually used on this project are listed.
- Disaster relief logisticsTransporting fuel, water and supplies to people in need.
- Coordination with authoritiesWorking in communication with local police and responders.
- Emergency hazard removalClearing storm-downed trees from roadways under emergency conditions.
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