High praise for MoDOT workers

Letter to the Editor:

Two days before Christmas 2013, Jeffrey Jarrell, maintenance supervisor, and David Rainey, crew leader, both employees of MoDOT, Southeast District, went above and beyond the call of duty to help a stranger in need. That stranger was me: an exhausted, frazzled, and frustrated lady who had driven 150 miles from Memphis, Tenn. My destination was Poplar Bluff, Mo. However, when I arrived in Qulin, Mo., I saw a large sign which read ROAD CLOSED!!! I could not believe my eyes! I was so close to arriving at my parent's, Howard and Carol Adams, house for the Christmas holiday only to find the road closed. I prayed, HELP GOD! And, He did!

The details are a mute point; but, Mr. Jarrell's and Mr. Rainey's efforts are not! I am penning this letter because I want to make certain that these two men are recognized and prayerfully rewarded for their dedicated work ethics, professionalism, compassion, positive attitude and additional follow through. These two men had battled Mother Nature for 12 hours prior to us crossing paths! They were on their way home but took the time to turn around and help me!

It is refreshing, but sadly rare, to meet a man like Mr. Jeffrey Jarrell. His humble response to the aforementioned was, "It is our duty to get Point A to Point B without having to build a road to do it." "It is my job and that is what we do."

MoDOT is a state government organization in charge of maintaining public roadways of the United State of Missouri. MoDOT is 100 years old! On March 22, 1913, the Missouri legislature created the Missouri State Highway Department.

In summary, (per the MoDOT webpage), "It's safe to say that the Show-Me state will retain its position as the crossroads of the United States and MoDOT will be here another 100 years, leading the nation in inovation, efficiency, and CUSTOMER SERVICE."

God bless all MoDOT employees for all they do to keep us safe!

Angela Carol Adams

Memphis, Tenn.