Laughlin family helps in Oklahoma recovery Published May 22, 2013 By Airman 1st Class John D. Partlow 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- After a massive, nearly two-mile wide tornado with winds exceeding 200 miles per hour struck central Oklahoma Monday afternoon, relief efforts immediately began to help the hundreds injured and several without homes. One of those willing to help was Tech. Sgt. Shane Buss, 47th Flying Training Wing Equal Opportunity NCO in charge, along with his wife and four kids. "I was stationed in Oklahoma when an EF4 tornado hit in 1999, so I've seen the kind of destruction these things can have," said Buss. "We consider some old friends up there to be like family, and that region feels like home to us." The Buss family plans to drop off much needed supplies such as snacks, water, towels and soap. "Apart from food and water, the supplies needed most are construction equipment like wheelbarrows and gloves for clean-up efforts," said Tech. Sgt. Chris Robertson, 72nd Security Forces Squadron patrolman assigned to Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma. After the tornado hit, Robertson and his family found their home destroyed and his two vehicles crushed. "It's wonderful to see people helping who are so far away," said Robertson. Drop-off locations for donations are Vanilla Bean Photography at 900 S. Main Del Rio and on base at Ashley Hope Wilson's residence at 8015B McKee St. or call Shane Buss at 830-200-9105. Donations to the Red Cross can be made by visiting their website at www.redcross.org.