The following was shared from the field by Brian Osburn, Senior Business Development Manager – Industrial Monitoring and Control, with Digi's Infrastructure Management team. We are proud of the hard work and dedication of our employees at all times, but when this staff member went above and beyond, we felt it was a great time to share his story.
Here it is, straight from Brian in the heart of the storm relief in the Southeast U.S.
As many of you know, the southeast region is still grappling with the aftermath of the recent hurricanes. While my family and I were fortunate to experience only minimal damage, many others have faced devastating losses. The widespread destruction has left homes in ruins, trees uprooted everywhere, and countless individuals trapped in their houses without power. The death toll continues to rise, and the scenes I’ve witnessed resemble a war zone.
The Immediate Impact
When I finally managed to navigate out of my neighborhood, the weight of the situation struck me like a tidal wave. Entire areas remain completely isolated, with fallen trees blocking roads. The 30-mile stretch between my house and my mother-in-law’s was strewn with hundreds of trees that needed to be cleared just to allow passage. Witnessing this overwhelming scale of destruction is both heartbreaking and humbling, a stark reminder of the fragility of our daily lives.
In the past few days, I have dedicated myself to assisting friends and family. From sunup to sundown, I’ve spent countless hours cutting fallen trees and wiring generators to help restore power. With most of my community still without electricity, my commitment to helping others clear debris and providing any assistance I can feels more vital than ever. In areas like my mother-in-law's, it may take another week or two before power is restored.
Community and Collaboration
The area was so challenged that timely assistance from FEMA or GEMA was impossible, which compelled our community to band together. Local schools, which have temporarily closed, have opened their gyms to prepare food for families unable to cook. Linemen are working around the clock to restore power, but the process is slow. The storm has knocked out main transmission lines and power stations, and the situation is further complicated by the ongoing risk of falling trees, which can cause power outages even in areas where electricity has just been restored.
My Personal Commitment
Although I was supposed to be on vacation this week, I have decided to use my planned time off to focus on helping my community recover. I’m grateful for the chance to contribute during this challenging time. The outpouring of support and solidarity among neighbors has been incredibly uplifting, reminding me of the strength and resilience that defines our community.
As I engage in recovery efforts, the backup generators for cell towers are only sustaining connectivity temporarily, making communications extremely challenging.
Moving Forward Together
In times like these, it’s essential for us to come together and support one another. I’m grateful for the strength of our Digi family and the compassion we can share during these difficult moments. Together, we can rebuild and recover, not only as a company but as a community.
Let’s keep one another in our thoughts, and I encourage everyone to find ways to support those in need. Whether it’s volunteering time, donating supplies, or simply checking in on neighbors, every effort counts.
Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our mission. I’ll keep you updated as the situation evolves and share how Digi continues to step up for our employees and communities.
Stay safe and strong,
Brian Osburn
Senior Business Development Manager – Industrial Monitoring and Control
Digi International Infrastructure Management
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