Rebuilding Tomorrow
The devastation that a natural disaster can inflict on a community is almost immeasurable. When a tornado ripped through the center of Wynne, Arkansas, the team at Caldwell Lumber rolled up their sleeves and opened their store soon afterward to help accommodate the needs of the community's recovery efforts.
On March 31, 2023, a storm system produced dozens of tornados that ripped across 7 midwestern states and left 19 people dead. The tornado that struck Wynne was classified as an EF3, with winds up to 165 miles per hour.
"March 31 was a day we'll never forget in Arkansas," said Randal Caldwell, Owner of Caldwell Lumber. "When people say a tornado sounds like a freight train, take my word for it. It sounds like a freight train!"
The Wynne tornado was on the ground causing damage for more than 70 miles, tearing a path through the town that was 1,600 yards wide. The scars across the landscape were large enough to be seen from space.
"The storm went as fast as it came. Roofs and parts of house were laying everywhere. Cars were pushed around the street," said Matt Doss, Insurance Agent.
"Almost immediately, I heard chainsaws going and people trying to get out. One of my thoughts was 'I gotta get to the store. Somebody needs us,'" said Aaron Caldwell, General Manager of Caldwell Lumber.
Aaron and his team had their Ace store open shortly after the storm subsided, ready to disperse chainsaws and supplies for families that were trying to recover.
"Their family was really close to that debris field," said Aaron Mears, Wynne Fire Department Firefighter. "For them to be at work, opening those doors available for customers to get the supplies they need… that's incredible. That's moving."
"The impact that Ace had, being open immediately after the storm was vital to people being able to see the light and see that it's OK, we're going to be able to rebuild," said Matt.
Although the loss of life and property was devastating, the people of Wynne remain optimistic about their town's ability to fully recover.
"Our future is bright. It's a very hopeful future. We can rebuild, we can come back from this, said Aaron. "It's going to take a lot of time, a lot of effort, but we will come back from it."
