Thanks to Bart Comstock and Mike Umscheid

[Bob Hartig]

I'd like to take a moment to publicly commend Bart Comstock and Mike Umscheid for going the second mile, and the third, and beyond, yesterday in South Dakota. Whatever opinion you may hold about the situation that led to a bunch of chasers, including me, getting stuck in a farmer's field, I think there ought to be unanimous agreement that people who expend themselves far beyond the point of fatigue in order to help out others are heroes.

Bart and Mike really stepped up to the plate yesterday. Without their unflagging help, most of us out in that field--probably all of us--would have really been screwed. I know for sure that Bart pushed himself beyond the point of exhaustion to make sure we were taken care of.

Major league thumbs up to both of you, gentlemen. And again, thank you.

 

[Adam Lucio]

I can second that, Bart and Mike remind me that there really are people out there whose genuine interest is the well being of others. Its easy to just bail and leave people behind but they went out of their way to help us even though it was probably a frustrating inconvenience to them. I cannot thank them enough!

 

[Scott Bennett]

Another thing yesterday was the road that led to the now infamous field. L.B. Laforce was trapped on the road Bart stopped and picked them up while informing people over chaser common of the impending tornado coming. I was on the radio telling people to stop taking the road and that it would dead end. From what I have been told this is also the road Reed was stuck on. EVERYONE on that road thought it was NOT a dead end.

Bart stopped his chase to pick up LB and "LB's Dad" Bill, big time Kudo's to Bart!

Mike was also a trooper being another other vehicle free from the field assisting me with what will go down as the most humiliating moment of my life. This was the first time I had talked to Mike other than a "Hi" and he was there helping me out like my best friend. I can't thank him enough!

 

[Bryan Stokes]

A+ guys!

It's good to see some positive vibes and stories about chasers helping chasers. There's been way too much criticizing, armchair quarterbacking, and finger-pointing around here lately. It's great to know that good things are still happening out there and people are taking care of each other.

Bryan

 

[Bart_Comstock]

Thanks for the kind words guys. Public safety and warning is my primary goal in chasing and I am a firm believer in not leaving anyone behind. I chase to help others and the video and streaming and what not comes second, it is the icing on the cake. If anyone ever needs help out in the field never hesitate to try to get a hold of me. I'll do what I can to help. I am commonly found on 146.55, my call is KF5CHQ. My cell is also a good number to call (479)659-4310. I don't typically answer unknown numbers but I do get texts and can check voice mail while out and about. I'm just here to help.

 

[Michael Nicolaou]

There's been a lot of finger pointing and choice words thrown around over the time that I've been a member here, and I have seen it even break down to "my streaming service" team vs. yours. This is a great example of chasers doing what is right and best for all involved regrdless of novice/expert, chaser group affiliation, or local vs non-local. Kudos to Bart and Mike for stepping up.

 

[Bill Oosterbaan]

I am posting this for my brother Tom.

Bart

I want to personally thank you and Mike for all the help you provided Saturday night / Sunday morning. After tredging out on foot in the rainsoaked field several times to guide all of us back to the road, you made two trips from Ipswich to Aberdeen. The second trip happened after you had already check into the hotel. I was there and saw how exhausted you were.

Mike also drove from Aberdeen back to Ipswich to deliver gas.

You both made our lives a whole lot easier that night and I can't thank you enough.

 

[Danny Neal]

I, too, want to thank Bart. He did more than I would expect anyone to do. Mike, even though he was stuck with us, still made multiple trips back and forth to help us. I already respected both of these individuals, this just takes it to a whole new level.