by Allan Detrich

We are the eyes of the world; we record moments in history.

We need to be understood, not misunderstood. Photojournalists, by our actions and deeds can attain this goal of understanding, by simply doing what we do best. Taking good pictures.

I now have a renewed hope that as photojournalists, we can help others through our work. Recently I had one of the most incredible experiences in my career. I was sent to Oklahoma City to cover the aftermath of the outbreak of 29 tornadoes on Monday, May 3rd. The devastation was overwhelming. Never in my eighteen-year career have I seen such devastation, so much chaos, so many homeless people and animals.

I’ve seen several tornadoes in my lifetime, and still am fascinated by them. I watched the television reports start to filter over the evening news. The Oklahoma tornado made the tornadoes I’ve seen look like vortex you see when the bath tub drains. The video was mesmerizing. Reports of damage beyond belief, 200 people missing, it was hard not cringe. I got the call around eleven that night to go out and cover the disaster. I made a few phone calls, I could not get a flight out till late the next morning, so I made the decision to take off right then and drive out. With enough adrenaline and coffee flowing to keep a whole family awake, I made the 950-mile drive in just over thirteen hours. I arrived Oklahoma just in time to catch more rotating clouds as they passed through Tulsa.

This was a great assignment for me. Just last year I did a story on a tornado-chasing group (M.E.S.O.). I became a member of the group after the story was published. I felt like a kid in a candy store.

This feeling lasted until I was exposed to the damage.

What struck me was the spirit of the Oklahomans.

To give you an idea of the scope of the tragedy, here are some stats: 45 dead; damage estimates are put at over $700,000,000 to homes, cars and businesses; in Mulhall, OK every single building was damaged; Moore, OK took the largest hit with over 1,555 homes damaged or destroyed; Del City, Ok lost 560 homes. Bridgecreek, OK had 680 structures wiped off the face of the earth and in some places where winds were clocked at 318 mph, grass was pulled out leaving exposed dirt. When all was said and done, over 10,000 homes were either damaged or destroyed. Each devastated block I walked, I was greeted with smiles, laughs and tears. Tears that said people were just glad to be alive. Amazing people, who have had their lives, homes and in some cases, loved ones blown away in one violent storm. All left with nothing but the clothes on their backs. I was told wild stories of survival. I was shown trucks lying in places where living rooms once were, the engine from that same truck was found six blocks away.

I was greeted by people who were glad to have the media take photos of what was left of their lives, to show the world their story. Most of these same people were wondering why I drove all the way from Ohio to take photos. All were oblivious to how large this story was. Oblivious because their television and radios was no place to be found.

Local and national coverage of the disaster caused a flood of donations of food, clothing, money and medical supplies to come in from across the country.

My real affirmation that the photographs and stories of the Oklahoma torna does were making a difference came while covering a service at the Bridgecreek Baptist church. The church was leveled down to its foundation, but still harbored nine people who survived the 318 mph winds. Pastor Tom Duckett was finishing up his sermon in a tent, which was serving as their temporary church. He asked his congregation to pray for the media and to thank us risking our lives to raise awareness about this natural disaster.

I was surprised, but pleased to hear the kind words of Duckett.

All too many times we are vilified and made out to be vultures feeding off of despair and grief in times of emergency. Most of the time, we are sent out with no choice to cover disasters. While covering a traumatic event like this, I try to treat the people I am photographing with dignity, and respect. I do not force myself on them, with the attitude that "I have a right to be here." I try to find the little stories that represent the larger scope of the disaster.

I think the respect shown by all the journalists covering the tornado aftermath, has led the people of Oklahoma to "understand" the media and our jobs, not "misunderstanding" us. Shying away from coverage that will ultimately help their plight.

This "understanding" personally hit home after the service. A woman came to me with tears in her eyes, gave me a big hug and said, "You are angels with cameras, spreading the word of this disaster for the whole world to see and help us, we thank you for that." Little things like this make it all worth while.

I would like to thank all of you in Region 4 who have given me the chance to be Associate Director. Please feel free to contact me by e-mail at DetrichPix@aol.com with your suggestions and comments. I would also like to thank the photo staff at The Oklahoman: Jim Argo, Steve Sisney, Paul Helstrand, Jim Beckel, David McDaniel, Steve Gooch and others, who let me have the run of their facilities to process, scan and e-mail my photos back my newspapers (The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, and Toledo Blade).