John Rourke, a veteran from Palm City, is well-known for his heart for service, and his latest mission has taken him to East Palestine, Ohio, where a train derailment in February 2023 caused a significant environmental disaster. This local hero is contributing his efforts to provide much needed aid in the form of water filtration systems to the affected families, in collaboration with an Arizona-based company, Sentry H2O.
Rourke, who runs his own business in Jupiter and is a father of four, is undeterred by his busy schedule. "I don't want to complain about things. I just want to try to fix them because we live in a society I feel like now, where everyone just complains to each other and no one actually says hey, here's a solution. Let's do something," Rourke told CBS12. He is utilizing his resources to deliver 2000 under-the-sink water filtration systems to families in need with the aim of providing a practical solution to a pressing problem.
With a notable track record of helping others, Rourke previously made headlines for his efforts in cleaning up trash left behind by immigrants at the Texas border. Now shifting his focus to East Palestine, he recognizes the gravity of the situation after the train carrying hazardous chemicals derailed. "These people need help. The government's not helping them, if I can do it, I know there's big businesses or wealthy people that also can do it. Maybe they're motivated to say hey, why don't, I do something like this?" Rourke explained to CBS12.
The generosity extends to approximately $200,000 worth of donated filtration systems and Rourke's charity, wefundtheblue.com, is working closely with the VFW in East Palestine to ensure these resources reach the households that stand in need. Feeling the urge to contribute, Rourke uses his own moving trucks to transport the systems. "It feels good to do good things, for, good people," he asserted in a statement to CBS12.
This story of selfless service was also shared by Rourke on his X account, further highlighting the cause.
Local veteran helping people in Ohio impacted by train derailment https://t.co/qbx8qZ4wa7
— John (@Bluelinemoving1) May 9, 2024
