NPR

'You Have To Help': Gulf Coast Neighbors Fly, Cook And Organize For Harvey Evacuees

"Everybody is a brother and sister on the Gulf Coast," says one pilot in the so-called Cajun Airlift. "These storms create the needy and they create the providers.
Pilots Andy Cook (left) and Rocky Breaux flew in from Houma, La. with diapers, toys, games, books and strollers packed. They were part of the ad hoc "Cajun Airlift."

Right after Hurricane Harvey hit Texas, electrician Rocky Breaux, 53, loaded up his airboat in Houma, La., and drove to help rescue people from the swiftly rising floodwaters.

And now that the waters have receded, the ad hoc "Cajun Navy" has gone airborne: Breaux is now helping out with what's being called the "Cajun Airlift." Breaux has his own small plane — a Piper Arrow. When he heard that evacuees at one of Houston's big shelters needed more supplies, he loaded his plane, tanked up, and flew west, with Andy Cook as his co-pilot. "We're locked and loaded," Breaux says.

"We're gonna do whatever it takes to help out Texas. They've always helped out Louisiana, so we're just returning the favor. We've been through Juan and Andrew and Katrina; fought 'em all. Takes a team."

Working alongside FEMA and

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