American Self-Reliance Alive in the Heartland

My bro-in-law, BigKen the Pilot, reports from Iowa:
Greetings from Oakville, Iowa. I can’t begin to portray what is to be seen out here. The attached pictures, as usual, do not do it justice. Though there is non-stop activity, it has an eerie, ghost-town feel to it. The smell is vile. I took most of the photos later in the day so as not to appear too callous. There's a lot to convey and I do not know where to begin ... Anyway, it is late in the day, and there are some exhaustive days ahead, therefore, I will be brief. It's an ugly scene and may remind some of us of other places we'd rather not remember, absent the word "unfriendly". Present, however, are disaster relief volunteers from all over the country. After talking to some of the few remaining locals, it appears that FEMA has been great! From what the locals say, all you have to do is make initial contact with them [FEMA]. Is this something new? [I believe BigKen is questioning the validity of the vitriolic criticisms hurled at the Federal relief effort in the aftermath of Katrina — TheBigHenry] The Red Cross and various other relief organizations have all been amazing, too. They provide an endless flow of supplies, etc. Everyone pitches in wherever they can. We tear everything out of the flooded-out homes: belongings, cabinets, drywall; down to the studs. I spent the evening pumping out a basement with the homeowner and removing all of its contents; nasty stuff. I can’t fathom rebuilding this town. I have also attached a couple of pix from a few weeks ago. More later.