Giving cars to Tornado victims in Topeka Wed
I have never been disappointed by the outpouring of support we receive from our fellow Kansans and organizations such as Cars 4 Heroes. On behalf of all Kansas Guardsmen, thank you.”
Maj. Gen. (KS) Lee Tafanelli, Adjutant General
KANSAS NATIONAL GUARDSMAN TO RECEIVE FREE CAR FROM CARS 4 HEROES; PRESENTATION JUNE 8 AT NOON AT KANSAS NATIONAL GUARD HEADQUARTERS, TOPEKA
Master Sgt. Jeffrey Norling, a Reading tornado survivor and member of the Kansas Air National Guard, will receive a free car from Cars 4 Heroes Wednesday, June 8 at noon, on the drill floor of Nickell Armory, located at 2800 SW Topeka Blvd, Topeka.
Norling’s home was destroyed May 21 by the tornado that hit Reading. Norling is a member of the 190th Air Refueling Wing at Forbes Field in Topeka and works full-time as a Kansas state trooper. He was returning from a fishing trip with his son when he saw the tornado rip through the town. His wife and youngest daughter survived the tornado by taking refuge in the home’s master bathroom – the only room that remained after the tornado.
“It’s very humbling,” said Norling about his selection to receive a donated car. “I didn’t think it applied to me; I never thought I was more deserving than anyone else.”
“The outpouring of support from friends, family and neighbors has been tremendous,” he continued.
Maj. Gen. (KS) Lee Tafanelli, the adjutant general, is grateful for the continuing support given to local Army and Air National Guard members by the Kansas community and non-profit organizations.
“It’s our privilege and honor to serve our fellow citizens when a disaster strikes,” said Tafanelli. “Sometimes, the tables are turned and it’s a member of the Guard family who needs help. In those cases, I have never been disappointed by the outpouring of support we receive from our fellow Kansans and organizations such as Cars 4 Heroes. On behalf of all Kansas Guardsmen, thank you.”
Cars 4 Heroes is a not-for-profit organization that provides free basic transportation to disadvantaged individuals and veterans. Norling and his family will receive the keys to their donated car during the June 8 ceremony attended by Brig. Gen. Deborah Rose, director of Joint Forces Headquarters.
“I’ve known Master Sgt. Norling from my many years of service at the 190th Air Refueling Wing, and it’s wonderful to know he’s being helped during this difficult time, especially since he’s been the one helping many others during his time in the Kansas Air Guard and as a Kansas Highway Patrol trooper.”
