05.18.25 Improving Communications

In the chaotic hours following Hurricane Helene, Grounded Boots Relief faced a flood of calls, texts, and direct messages from every direction—family members checking in, volunteers asking where to go, community leaders trying to coordinate. But with cell towers down and service fading in and out, clear communication was nearly impossible. Thanks to a volunteer’s Starlink system, Hendersonville Disaster Relief (now Grounded Boots Relief) was able to stay connected to the outside world just enough to keep things moving.

At the same time, the team on the ground was actively responding to unfolding emergencies. Badger found himself triaging both communication and crisis—without knowing who was showing up to volunteer each day. The absence of a centralized structure slowed things down and created unnecessary stress.

That kind of chaos is something we never want to repeat.

Since then, Grounded Boots Relief has implemented a scalable communications system to ensure every volunteer, partner, and community contact can get information from the right people at the right time. It’s designed to flex with the situation, because not every deployment will require every role—but when it does, the structure will already be in place.

It’s still evolving. The system has already been tested a few times, and with each response, more is learned. Every radio check, group text, and deployment map is a step toward stronger, safer coordination in the field.

Yesterday's Gear Up & Game On

Yesterday’s Gear Up & Game On gave volunteers a chance to get their hands dirty in the best way. Teams came together to make progress on several key fronts as Grounded Boots Relief continues moving into its new headquarters.

Trailer repairs were completed, equipment was tested to ensure deployment readiness, and a mountain of supplies—from medical kits to comms gear—was labeled and organized. Volunteers also continued work on the storage shed with one goal in mind: rapid deployment. Every item is being assigned a place, and the organization is moving toward a system where gear can be grabbed and loaded in minutes.

The day also provided a great opportunity to introduce new volunteers to the space, walk through systems, and strengthen the backbone of the operation: preparation. Thanks to everyone who pitched in. When the next disaster hits, Grounded Boots Relief will be ready—because of days like this.

We will continue hosting Gear Up & Game Ons, in the future, and some with camp-outs. This is a soft method of getting to know the crew, and seeing if it's a good fit for you, without having to commit. In the future, we will continue running the machines to keep them running, and we'll have more organization and to prepare baggies of toiletries and other things we'll be distributing to familes on deployments.

Plugging in with the Chamber

Grounded Boots Relief is proud to be a member of the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce. Connecting with fellow local organizations has been eye-opening, and Chamber members continually demonstrate how collaboration can strengthen a community.

When the team isn’t on deployment, representatives make a point to attend meetings and participate in community conversations. These aren’t just handshakes and business cards—they’re real relationships with the people shaping the region’s future.

Grounded Boots Relief is rooted in service, and growing those roots deeper through the Chamber helps the organization stay connected, informed, and ready to serve—not just during disasters, but every day in between.

Keep In Mind:

You're invited to join us for a free lunch at the Historic Johnson Farm!

This isn't a fundraiser—just a chance for us to meet the folks who believe in our mission and say thank you in person. Come share a meal, swap stories, and connect with the team behind Grounded Boots Relief.

RSVP by May 25th to let us know you’re coming.

Appreciation Picnic on May 31st 12-2pm
RSVP Link: https://forms.gle/EfjnwbbnQphMaqpL7

Shocking Fact of the Week:

Disaster relief volunteers often spend more time traveling to
disaster sites than they do actively volunteering on the ground.

This imbalance highlights the critical need for improved coordination
and deployment strategies to maximize volunteer effectiveness.
Source: nicholas.duke.edu

A Word From Our Founder

In the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the situation was dire. Communications were down, needs were overwhelming, and there was no time to wait. I was honored to take the lead for what would become Grounded Boots Relief. Someone had to rally the troops—and to my surprise and deep gratitude, people rallied behind the cause.

Since then, there have been moments of doubt. At times, it has felt like trudging barefoot through a marsh while dragging a one ton weight behind me. But in contrast to the darkest days, there are bright glimmers of hope: new volunteers stepping forward, generous donations of gear and supplies, conversations with partners and supporters that remind me why we keep doing this. I don’t take this responsibility lightly. I’m grateful beyond words for every person who has supported our work—then, now, and in the days ahead.

Yesterday, we had the chance to show some of our volunteers around our new headquarters here in Hendersonville. It felt like a milestone—another step toward a stronger, more sustainable future for Grounded Boots Relief. This place will serve as the anchor point for everything we do. While we’ll continue to deploy wherever we’re needed, our heart, our operations, and our coordination will remain grounded right here.

Thank you for standing with us. Thank you for trusting this mission. We’ve come a long way, and we’re just getting started.

John S. Badger

Visit Our Website

Volunteer With Us!

Grounded Boots is Actively Looking for the Following Volunteers

Grant Writer

Help us secure the funding needed to support recovery efforts. This currently unpaid role is crucial for driving disaster relief and rebuilding programs.

Long-Term Recovery

Lead local recovery efforts in the wake of Tropical Storm Helene. This volunteer role is vital for coordinating resources and guiding our community through rebuilding and resilience.

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1621 Brevard Rd
hendersonville, nc 28791
USA