A U.S. Navy officer carries water from a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter during Hurricane Irma relief operations at Boca Chica Field in Key West, Florida, on September 12, 2017.

As a Floridian who experienced this hurricane firsthand, I am deeply grateful to all the U.S. service members, police officers, firefighters, first responders and ordinary citizens who have stepped forward to help others. Thank you!