Among the aftermath of the Moore, Oklahoma tornado, Kaufman is working with CNN in covering the memorial service of the Joplin, Missouri tornado of 2011.
Our uplink engineer, Mike Sanford, posted a blog “Joplin Tornado – A Look Back…One Year Later” in 2012. He wrote about a particular moment that occurred that day:
“At one point, a man who had lost his home, came to me to discuss my work. He asked questions and was genuinely interested in what I was doing. He thanked me (as a member of the media) for broadcasting these stories to the world…for informing the country of this historic event…for raising the awareness and attention that led people across the nation to send immediate aid and funding donations. Never had I felt so connected to a story. I felt proud to be a part of Kaufman Broadcast. I felt proud that we were right there…there to give the help that the Joplin community so desperately needed.”
This morning, Mike Sanford, was again the engineer on HD1 in Joplin. When the producer sent the location for today, Sanford was already familiar as it was the same spot used in 2011 and where he captured this photo.

A portion of Joplin that was hit by the tornado in 2011
If we could thank the Joplin man for allowing us to cover that tragic event because it gives what we do purpose. The connection is real when you see trees growing back and new houses re-built, the little we all can do will make a difference.

The same section of Joplin two years later
If you would like to donate to the Moore Area Red Cross, please follow this link.