Project 21 national advisory council member Kevin Martin was one of the many Americans who dropped what they were doing and rushed to the Gulf Coast to help clean up the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. As we mark the first anniversary of Katrina’s landfall, Kevin has these words to share:

Journeying through Mississippi and Louisiana last year, I remember the sense of pride I felt in seeing Americans of all ages, creeds, colors and economic backgrounds coming together to work side-by-side, committed to rebuilding their lives alongside people such as myself who came simply to lend a helping hand.While partisan politicians and self-appointed leaders continue to play the blame game and use Katrina and its aftermath to advance an agenda, the spirit of man continues to prevail throughout the Gulf Coast as what I believe will be a better place slowly emerges from the old.