(NewsNation) — In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene‘s destruction, two men have found solace in an unexpected act of kindness.
Joel Baldree, who had planned to buy a home in the area before the storm hit, decided to search for salvageable items among the wreckage. His efforts led to the reunion of Army veteran Bill Collins with irreplaceable military memorabilia.
Collins, whose home is slated for demolition, lost nearly everything when the hurricane swept away the first floor of his house. “I had honestly already written everything off,” Collins said Saturday on “NewsNation Now.”
Baldree discovered Collins’ plaques and a painting commemorating his 30-year military career about a mile from the house. The items were posted on a local lost and found page, leading to their reunion.
“It’s pretty huge. It’s the only things I have left of plaques and mementos from 30 years of service,” Collins said.
The house, which has been in Collins’ wife’s family since 1972, was intended to be their “forever home.” Now, the couple faces the challenge of starting over.
Baldree’s act of kindness is part of a larger community effort to help hurricane victims. “We got a lot of good people in our community,” Baldree said, noting the influx of volunteers from across Florida and the country.