UAW LOCAL 412
Hurricane survivors share renewed faith in solidarity
After Hurricane Charley destroyed their southwest Florida home last August, David and Susanne Corless bought a house in Crossville, Tenn., halfway between Knoxville and Nashville, nestled on a plateau 2,000 feet above sea level.
“We ran for higher ground,” said David, a UAW Local 412 retiree.
But that wasn’t their only moving experience.
After their story of survival ran in Solidarity last November, the Corlesses discovered a “renewed faith in people.”
“That article triggered quite an outpouring of support,” said David, adding that they heard from people — union and otherwise — they hadn’t seen in years. “We never expected to get that much response. It humbled us.”
They heard from Local 412 members who sent prayers and others who sent money. Some sent contributions to hurricane relief funds.
They even heard from a former son-in-law who offered storage and a former sister-in-law offering her home.
“It was really unbelievable. It got me all choked up,” he said.
One final note: While heading north along Route 68 through the mountains of Tennessee, the movers veered off the road and flipped the truck.
The Corlesses lost about one-third of their belongings.
“So now we’re dealing with that insurance company,” David said with a chuckle. “When it rains, it pours.”
And yes, they do miss the palm trees.
Quest for Life campaign
