On Monday May 3,1999 nine tornadoes tore a ninety mile path of death and destruction through the heart of Oklahoma. On Saturday May 8, Jaycees from around the state converged in Choctaw, Oklahoma. Choctaw was hit by one of the "smaller" tornadoes. Because the damage here was not as severe as it was in other parts of Oklahoma City and the surrounding area, it received little press coverage. We as Jaycees believe that service to humanity is the greatest work of life, and saw an opportunity to help. Jaycees from across the state as well as from our National office in Tulsa joined together to take part in "Operation Feed the Relief Workers". We passed out over 400 sack lunches and cold drinks to workers, soldiers and victims. Our Service didn't stop there though. We all donned our work gloves and helped area residents clear debris from the neighborhood.

The photo rotation below contains 9 photographs which show the following:

Photos
1. One of the deadly tornadoes that tore through the heart of Oklahoma
2. The Eight Elk City Jaycees who participated. left to right Jeff Zaffino, Elk City Mayor Theresa Mullican, Joe Mullican, Devin Mott, Melyssa Mullican, Daisha Mott, Devin Mott, Linda Mott, and Ron Stamm
3. A van picked up and blown into a nearby tree.
4. The word devastation doesn't quite describe the damage done by this tornado (there are three cars buried in this picture if you look closely you will see them)
5. The trail of debris deposited by this tornado as it roared through town
6. The Elk City Jaycees at the base of operations
7. More devastation...seeing sights like these really made us all count our blessings.
8. Total destruction and loss of property
9. I included this photo because it illustrates the sheer power of these storms- That is a sheet of plywood EMBEDDED in a CONCRETE wall...look above the shadows and you will see several other "splinters" of wood stinking out of the wall