'He will not let anyone forget the smaller communities like Baytown'

“My son, Pablo Antonio Picacio, is a first sergeant military police officer at Fort Hood. He has been ordered to put together a platoon to provide rescue efforts for those affected by the hurricane. He informed me that Fort Hood is assembling the biggest Army relief effort in history. He has been at the command center there coordinating the movement.

“My ex is retired military, so Tony has been a military kid since birth. He has been in the Army for 17 years. He has been on several tours in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo, Korea and other locations. He was in Saddam Hussein’s palace during the takeover. Every time he deployed he was in danger. One day gone was too long. The deployments taught me to pray differently. I used to pray selfishly for the safety of my son. I had to learn to pray for all his soldiers because they are a family, a band of brothers and sisters who never leave anyone behind.

“I know they have to set up their command center in Katy. Hopefully, by the end of the week, he may get to us. I know he will not let anyone forget the smaller communities like Baytown. He is an absolute fanatic about his state of Texas. He would give his life to defend her. And now knowing Harvey has hurt his mama, he is serving with a vengeance. He will stop at nothing to defend, protect and serve Texas. I am so proud of him. I am encouraged by his strength and commitment.”

— Norma Picacio-Jones

Norma and her husband, Bren Jones, along with their rescue dog, Sophie, had to evacuate their home this week because of flooding.

Hurricane Harvey is having a major impact on the lives of people in Baytown and surrounding communities. If you would like to share your thoughts or experiences related to this historic weather event, send us a message on our Facebook or Instagram pages or email baytownproject@gmail.com.