VOLUNTEERING — Weirton resident Jamie Fenske volunteered to assist in the cleanup efforts in Ohio County following the flooding which occured June 13. Fenske shoveled mud near in the area of National Road in Elm Grove. -- Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — Anytime Mother Nature decides she is going to wreck havoc somewhere within the Ohio Valley, it is almost guaranteed there will be someone willing to immediately volunteer to assist those affected.

Such was the case on June 13, when flooding occurred throughout parts of Ohio and West Virginia — resulting in devastation, destruction and loss of life.

Those involved with the Fort Steuben Chapter of the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution recognized a few of those volunteers during their Nov. 8 meeting.

Chapter members expressed their appreciation to Weirton resident Jamie Fenske and to the employees of Ohio Valley Mutual Aid. On hand to represent Ohio Valley Mutual Aid was Vincent De George.

Officials thanked the men for their “tremendous efforts” in assisting with the cleanup efforts throughout Ohio County.

HONORING THOSE WHO HELPED — Officials with Ohio Valley Mutual Aid, along with Weirton resident Jamie Fenske, assisted in helping Wheeling residents following the June 13 flooding. The volunteers were thanked for their contributions during the Fort Steuben Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution’s monthly meeting held Nov. 8. On hand for the award presentation were, from left, Secretary Vickie Joseph, Good Citizen Award recipient Fenske and award recipient Vincent De George on behalf of Ohio Valley Mutual Aid. -- Contributed

“The day after the devastating flood, Ohio Valley Mutual Aid set up a gathering point on National Road in Elm Grove,” chapter officials stated. “On social media, they sent out a call for volunteers. Organizers gathered volunteers into groups and sent them out to assist flooded residents with digging out their properties.”

Fenske was one of the first volunteers to offer help, making several trips from his home in Weirton to Wheeling.

Ohio Valley Mutual Aid soon outgrew its first assigned location on National Road. Volunteers soon moved to another area to help — the front yard of the Toy and Train Museum, located on Kreuger Street — where they continued its service to the community.

One of Fenske’s tasks was to organize and assist in the staging area where supplies were distributed and volunteers, dispatched.

Weeks later, Ohio Valley Mutual Aid moved its operation indoors to help. Volunteers moved across the street and into the basement of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church where they helped where needed.

The Fort Steuben Chapter wanted to give special recognition to these volunteers for their tireless work in assisting their neighbors in need.

DeGeorge and Fenske were presented with the DAR Good Citizen Award and applauded by those in attendance for their answering the call to volunteer to help their neighbors in need long before a call had even went out to the public, searching for volunteers.

Officials commented those with Ohio Valley Mutual Aid, along with Fenske, were very positive and welcoming to all who sought their help.

“They were a bright spot in an otherwise dark time,” chapter officials added.