Cajun Navy Relief

25 years ago today, 2977 people perished. Many of those were firefighters, LEO's and other first responders because it's their job to face danger and help others. Other heroes were born and died that day as well. Every day, ordinary people, like you and I, made the decisions to disregard their personal safety to help others, particularly those on UA Flight 93. The one positive thing I do recall is that America found its pride again as people proudly displayed the American flag.

2026 ThemeThe theme for National Preparedness Month is “Americans Stand Ready,” emphasizing self-reliance, unity, and resourcefulness to protect loved ones and support first responders.

Today, August 29th, marks 21 years since Hurricane Katrina made landfall SE of New Orleans, bringing a devastating 28 ft storm surge with it that heavily affected SE LA and SW MS. It is still considered one of the deadliest hurricanes to date. It also set the stage for the nation and the world to become familiar with the name "Cajun Navy" as neighbors with boats began checking on and rescuing neighbors in need of assistance as the flood waters continued to rise. To date, some of the remains of the almost 1400 people that perished remain unidentified, may they rest in peace.

Reflecting back on the 10 years of our org due to the 2016 flooding, as the flood waters receded and we, Cajun Navy, a group of volunteers from all walks of life, shifted to releif supplies. I am still in awe of the power of Social Media. We setup distribution points, strangers from across the country sent supplies, pet food, hay for livestock, Budweiser canned water in place of b**r, locals had supply drives and cooked hot meals on corners to feed whoever needed food. Our friend, Chris King organized volunteers to help muck n gut flooded homes eventually becoming The Cajun Army. The true spirit of Cajun people,

By this day 10 years ago, historical flooding was far beyond the Greater Baton Rouge area. More than 10 rivers were above major flood stage, not only to the East to the State line at Pearl River but along the I10 corridor West fallin short of Western State line at Sabine by less than 50 miles. Also on this day, our Zello channel went live and we started using Glimpse for GPS to route our boaters to those in need of rescue that reached out on our page. Please feel free to share your stories or photos. Photo cred CNR Tyler Pauley ~Admin Squirrel Girl

Ten years ago the Amite, Comite, Tickfaw and Tangipahoa Rivers were reaching major record setting flood stages affecting and displacing 100k people and countless pets and livestock from homes over several parishes, but there was still more to come. Photo cred to Tyler Pauley and Tristan Patterson

10 years ago neighbors started helping neighbors get to higher ground as unexpected catastrophic flood waters continued to rapidly rise. By boat, bateau, canoe, kayak, whatever means possible. True Cajun spirit showed up and helped anyone that needed it. A lil throwback from CNR Team Mountaineer 🥰

10 years ago today the Baton Rouge area began to experience unprecedented flooding, which was just the beginning. For almost a week, the unnamed low pressure continued to circulate and dump historical rainfall causing never seen before devastating flooding over 23 parishes, most seeing over 20 inches. Sadly, the floodwaters claimed 11 lives and leaving over 150,000 people without a place to live. Many neighbors started helping neighbors and by August 13th our page was born asking for volunteers with boats. On August 15th, Cajun Navy Relief Zello channel was live and a more organized volunteer force was born. Thank you for your continued support through the years. (Photo courtesy of FEMA)

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