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Vice president gets firsthand look at Rockport recovery

Posted at 6:11 PM, Aug 22, 2018
and last updated 2018-08-22 20:00:19-04

ROCKPORT – Nearly 12 months after his last visit, Vice President Mike Pence was back in Rockport on Wednesday.

Pence returned to the First Baptist Church, where a year ago, he helped with clean-up efforts from Hurricane Harvey.

This time, however, Pence brought a message of praise.

“I know I speak for the President and I know I speak for your Governor when I say we are more proud than any other aspect of this by the volunteer effort of the good and caring and faith-filled people of Texas,” Pence said.

The vice president and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott met with Federal Emergency Management Agency officials as well as other agencies that have helped in the Coastal Bend’s hurricane recovery.

“Thank you for your inspiring example, you’ve truly inspired the nation,” Pence told supporters.

Abbott said that he wasn’t surprised by their response to Hurricane Harvey, because helping one another in times of crisis is what Texans do.

“In typical Texas fashion, this enormous challenge actually brought us together,” Abbott said. “It is my firm belief that the reason why we were brought together is because you and our fellow Texans have been guided by the grace of God.”

Pence quoted scripture while praising the people of Rockport for their efforts.

“The winds blew and beat against the house, the rain fell, the flood waters rose, and yet it did not fall because it was built upon the rock,” Pence said.  “You’ve been that rock.”

Vice President Mike Pence speaks outside the First Baptist Church in Rockport Wednesday.
Vice President Mike Pence speaks outside the First Baptist Church in Rockport Wednesday.