Raceland/Matthews Residents (closing, store, transportation)

[suzduval]

I was recently in Raceland for my company, doing emergency response for the Murphy USA gas station on September 4th. I just wanted to say that I was leary of how things would go once we opened the station. Actually...I was terrified. But I must say, that the residents of Raceland and Matthews had to have been the most pleasant folks I have encountered during my week long relief journey.

Myself and a team of six (all from the Dallas Area) arrived at the store on the 3rd, along with the generator. Not certain what we would find. We opened the station with very few issues in the morning. As the lines grew at the station, I made it a point to talk with each and every vehicle in line. I asked them to not get over 20 gallons of gas, my fear was that we would run out before our next truck arrived. I just wanted to make sure that everyone had enough for their generators., or transportation.

I figured by asking that no more than 20 gallons be pumped...I would be dead in less than an hour! But the residents were actually GRATEFUL that there was a limit put on, there is nothing worse than waiting an hour or two in line and then be turned away. I did not want that to be your experience.

During this day, myself and the "neon green" team....had so much fun...talking with all of you, hearing your stories...your concerns, and fears. We were offered chairs, umbrellas (during the two downpours)..beer and even offers for our shirts!

I was amazed at how friendly all of you were during this crisis.

That night, after closing. The "neon green" team sat around, tired, hot, wet, and sunburned and not one member of the team had a bad encounter. In fact we all shared some of the stories we had heard and all of us were...actually still are amazed that everyone was as nice to us as they were.

So with that...I just wanted to say Thank You to all of you that came to Murphy's on Sept 4th for gas/diesel. I hope that all is well for all of you!