Occasionally we hear of people who carry out heroic deeds and selfless acts performed not for recognition, not for accolades, but merely for the benefit of others. John Woltman is one of these modest people who truly feels that his help is really nothing at all. But to the men and women affected by the hurricanes in Florida this year, his help made a huge difference. The difference between thirst and fresh water. The difference between hunger and a cooked meal. The difference between lights out and power restored. John is no stranger to goodwill. He worked in the U.S. Army for 15 years responding to major disasters throughout the United States and even trained major police departments in the field of disaster response. As the Emergency Consultant to the Federal Government of Canada, he acted as the on-scene commander during major disasters such as forest fires, chemical fires, tornadoes and floods. John and his wife, Darlene, moved to Florida in 2002, choosing a county that was noted for having only minor damage from hurricanes in the past. He works with Nightingale Services as the Sales Consultant for Florida. A total of five hurricanes came through their community this year – from Bonnie to Jean. The eye of two of those storms – Francis and Jean – hit only two miles north of the Woltman's home. Both times, they evacuated with their cat and their 125-pound Labrador. |
Mr. John Woltman |
When they returned, their house was not destroyed but was uninhabitable. And the community was in ruins.
John’s wife, Darlene, works for the AOA (Agency On Aging), which was seeking volunteers to assist in the community. John began work immediately to help his neighbors and friends.
John worked with home community management providing information and assistance where possible, including finding alternative housing. Rental houses were hard to find, because of the extent of damage to the area. So many houses had been destroyed that everyone needed a clean, dry, stable place to stay. He also spoke to insurance adjustors for many of the neighborhood seniors. Several area widows feared they weren’t being treated fairly by the adjustors, so John spoke on their behalf.
John organized a group of neighbors to assist seniors in the community by tarping damaged roofs and siding as well as cleaning up debris. He cooked meals for neighbors and provided ice and water to senior neighbors
He also transported and offloaded pallets of food and supplies to Martin and Indian River Counties for Area Agency on Aging of Palm Beach/Treasure Coast. He delivered Shelf Stable Meals to Senior Park in Indian River County and delivered meals door-to-door in Senior Park in Martin County.
In addition, he worked with Florida Power and Light during both storms pinpointing senior homes that had been passed over when power was restored to ensure their power was also restored. Power had been out for nine days in most of the community.
Even after losing his own home, John took care of his neighbors first.
John and Darlene are happy to report that they are currently living with their cat and 6-year-old Lab in a rental house owned by a friend. They plan to rebuild their home and are relieved that hurricane season is finally over.
John should be an inspiration to us all this holiday season. His compassionate support is the true essence of the holiday spirit of giving. We are proud to have John as a member of the Nightingale family and applaud his work for our clients and the community.