Carter County Mayor Patty Woodby, Washington County Mayor Joe Grandy, Unicoi County Mayor Garland Evely, Greene County Mayor Kevin Morrison, Hawkins County Mayor David Linkous, Hancock County Mayor Greg Marion, Sullivan County Mayor Zane Vanover, and Johnson County Mayor Larry Potter

October 22, 2026

“When Hurricane Helene devastated East Tennessee, roads washed away, families lost everything, and communities that had stood for generations faced unimaginable loss. But amid the destruction, our leaders continued showing up — reminding us that even in our darkest hours, they had our backs and we weren’t facing this alone.

“But through these disasters, our Tennessee spirit stayed strong. Neighbors became rescuers. Churches became lifelines. Strangers showed up with chainsaws, food, and whatever else they could carry. When everything around us was falling apart, East Tennesseans came together. Because that’s what we do. We take care of our own.

“And in those difficult days, we learned which of our leaders would do the same.

“Marsha Blackburn was here within days of the storm, walking through the damage, listening to families, and meeting with local officials. She didn’t just send a statement from Washington; she showed up. And while the rest of America may have moved on, Marsha certainly hasn’t. Nearly two years later, long after all the news cameras left, our communities are still rebuilding and fighting to secure FEMA reimbursements. Through it all, Marsha has remained in our corner, advocating for our recovery, and answering the phone whenever we call. Because real leadership isn’t measured by the speeches you give when things are going well. It’s measured by whether you answer the phone when everything is falling apart.”

Read the full op-ed HERE