When the storms hit Published June 26, 2014 By Senior Airman Dustin Turner 908th Airlift Wing MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- For people in Alabama, April brings a mixed bag of emotions. We're happy to see winter behind us, but we're also aware deadly storms may be on the horizon. April 27, 2011 changed my perspective on Alabama's spring. At 6:25 a.m., my wife and I were awakened as an F2 tornado touched down in our neighborhood. At the time we did not realize how fortunate we were. We sustained about $40,000 in damage to home and property. Some neighbors had to completely rebuild homes, and tornadoes destroyed many cities, killing dozens. When storms come we know what to do. The meteorologist will tell everyone to get to a safe place: lowest level, smallest interior room. In other words, hunker down and ride it out. Never will the meteorologist tell you to ignore the storm because it will eventually pass. He never says face it and fight it. Many times when storms arise in our personal lives we try to ignore them as if they will harmlessly pass us by. Other times we feel that fighting them is the best option. Sometimes our best advice is to shelter in an unshakable sanctuary. For many this may be found in prayer or Scriptures. For others it may be in the counsel of a friend or family member. When the storms hit, remember to first seek shelter while it is raging, reach out to your fellow Wingman and together start rebuilding when it finally calms.