The stories, the heroes, the actions, the volunteers that turn out during disasters are compelling. You’d think it was a movie, but sadly it’s not. It’s real life. Lives lost, houses gone, money lost, lives changed forever. Disasters affect local communities around the world, around the United Stations all the time. Today I want to put a spotlight on the hurricane disaster and relief and recovery efforts in Ashville, North Carolina and surrounding communities – led by my friend Adam Smith of Savage Freedoms.
My friend Adam Smith, leadership expert (and more) and former US Army Green Beret, leads a team of hundreds of likeminded volunteers who’ve descended in the middle of North Carolina to save local communities.
My friend Scott Simons, investor and entrepreneur interviewed Adam today – listen to the interview here and read the overview below.
From a Personal Mission to save his Family to Saving his Community
Adam Smith, a leadership coach and former Green Beret, has put his skills to the test in a remarkable display of community service following devastating floods in Western North Carolina.
What began as a personal mission to rescue his daughter and daughters mother from the rising waters in Swannanoa has evolved into a large-scale volunteer relief effort spanning multiple communities.
For over two weeks, Smith has been at the forefront of coordinating aid and resources for flood-stricken areas including Asheville, Black Mountain, and numerous small towns across the region.
His military background and leadership expertise have proven invaluable in organizing an efficient, agile response to the disaster.
Key aspects of Smith’s relief efforts include:
- Coordinating air and ground operations to deliver supplies and conduct medical evacuations in hard-to-reach mountain areas.
- Mobilizing hundreds of volunteers from across the country to assist with various aspects of the relief effort.
- Facilitating the distribution of over a million pounds of supplies to affected communities.
- Working with local officials to address critical infrastructure issues, such as restoring water supplies to schools and providing power to rural areas.
- Raising funds through a GoFundMe campaign to support ongoing relief operations.
Smith’s approach emphasizes rapid, targeted response and leverages private sector resources and volunteers to complement official disaster relief efforts.
His team has been so effective that, according to Smith, some county officials report not having to tap into their emergency supply rations.
Beyond Recovery and Rescue but Sustaining the Future
As the immediate rescue phase transitions to long-term recovery, Smith is now focusing on sustainable solutions and advocating for improvements to national disaster response processes.
He’s even been invited to discuss these ideas with senators and congressmen, highlighting the impact and reach of his grassroots efforts.
Smith’s dedication serves as an inspiring example of how individual initiative, combined with effective leadership and community support, can make a significant difference in times of crisis.
As Western North Carolina faces the long road to recovery, Adam Smith and his team of volunteers continue to stand ready to help their neighbors in need.
Keep up with the operations here.
