Robby Starbuck took it upon himself to call on his “X Family” to help in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene — which made landfall in Florida on Thursday night as a Category 4 storm — when the heavy rains, flooding, and devastation spread across much of the southeastern United States over the weekend.
Starbuck focused his efforts on eastern Tennessee, where high winds caused power outages while floods and debris flows left families stranded as roads and bridges were washed out or rendered impassable by fallen trees.
“Alright 𝕏 family, here’s how we can all help the people who were hit hardest by the storm in TN. I’m working with state reps @JasonZacharyTN and @JeremyFaison4TN to make sure the supplies get to those who need it most. We also have 10 @Starlink’s on the way right now!” Starbuck posted, adding a list of needed supplies. “It may be a good idea to reply to this with a screenshot of what you bought so others try to mix it up with what they purchase. If you can’t afford to help right now we totally understand. Just share this post so others have a way to help!”
Alright 𝕏 family, here’s how we can all help the people who were hit hardest by the storm in TN. I’m working with state reps @JasonZacharyTN and @JeremyFaison4TN to make sure the supplies get to those who need it most. We also have 10 @Starlink’s on the way right now! 🇺🇸
It may… pic.twitter.com/jD2Ojsaiuh
— Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) September 30, 2024
Starbuck followed that with a number of updates along with photos of some of the damages in areas where he and others were working to get supplies.
“This is the condition of Trade, TN right now. We’re coordinating with @blainelipford1 for my ground operation team to get them a Starlink setup. Blaine had to drive 30 mins to get service to send these photos out. Pray for the people there!” he posted along with a series of photos showing washed out roads and bridges and homes surrounded by still flowing flood waters.
This is the condition of Trade, TN right now. We’re coordinating with @blainelipford1 for my ground operation team to get them a Starlink setup. Blaine had to drive 30 mins to get service to send these photos out. Pray for the people there! pic.twitter.com/waEG4e0GVA
— Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) September 30, 2024
Starbuck took a jab at the federal government’s lackluster response — undertaken while President Joe Biden spent the weekend at his beach house and Vice President Kamala Harris attended a Hollywood fundraiser — saying, “Not joking: Between @nicksortor and I, I think we’re legitimately installing more Starlink’s than the federal government is. This is ludicrous.”
Not joking: Between @nicksortor and I, I think we’re legitimately installing more Starlink’s than the federal government is. This is ludicrous. https://t.co/FjndJrXJ4f
— Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) September 30, 2024
“Roan Mountain is absolutely devastated from the storm. @RepHarshbarger just visited Roan and called me when she got back to let me know there’s no service up there. I directed my team to send 2 of our Starlink’s there so people will have a way to communicate. Pray for them,” Starbuck posted, attaching a video of the flood waters still raging in Roan.
Roan Mountain is absolutely devastated from the storm. @RepHarshbarger just visited Roan and called me when she got back to let me know there’s no service up there. I directed my team to send 2 of our Starlink’s there so people will have a way to communicate. Pray for them. 🙏 https://t.co/Nx7udZ00rD
— Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) September 30, 2024
After several hours, as the supplies came pouring in, he paused to thank everyone who had donated to the cause. “The response to this has been incredible. I don’t think you guys realize what a difference you’re making for East TN with your orders. The power of @X is truly incredible and y’all never cease to amaze me. I forgot to add rakes, diapers, wipes and batteries to the list but that can help too! Keep this going by sharing this post below.”
The response to this has been incredible. I don’t think you guys realize what a difference you’re making for East TN with your orders. The power of @X is truly incredible and y’all never cease to amaze me. I forgot to add rakes, diapers, wipes and batteries to the list but that… https://t.co/6JOBirLukn
— Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) September 30, 2024
And the updates just kept coming:
My amazing guys on the ground in East, TN just met up with @JeremyFaison4TN and got a Starlink up in Del Rio, TN. It’s free for anyone to use at the Fox Den. Address and password ⬇️
790 S HWY 107
Del Rio, TN 37727Network name: Fox Den Starlink
Password: foxden12 pic.twitter.com/cMutcyV52U— Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) September 30, 2024
Let’s hear it for these absolute rockstars who went on a wild goose chase for me today to buy every Starlink the Home Depot’s had, drove across the state to East TN and are now doing installs. None of them wanted a dime for helping. These guys are what makes America great. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/eD4tFE8BEN
— Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) September 30, 2024
Another one of our @Starlink’s is up in East, TN in an area that didn’t have service. It’s free for anyone in Hartford to use. Location ⬇️
Amoco
3155 Big Creek Rd.
Heartford tn 37753Network: RV Bus
Password: 8003531075More will go up early tomorrow in other areas! pic.twitter.com/xBwRZbTe6Y
— Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) October 1, 2024