Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico on Sept. 20. Puerto Ricans are still struggling a month later.

Military troops have been deployed to aid the victims of Maria.

On Oct. 9 my father flew to Puerto Rico to help. I was sad to know that he would not be able to make it to my last volleyball tournament, but I knew that it is his job.

When asked about having to leave, my father seemed indifferent.

“It’s old news to me. When I was active duty I deployed a lot, so I have experience. It’s just something you’ve gotta do,” he said.

Photo: Bury dead fish for your health

My mother had a similar response when I approached her.

“It’s a part of his job. It is a part of his commitment to the military,” she said.

He is lucky to have the protection that the military offers him during this time of disaster. All around him is the devastation that Hurricane Maria has left.

The footbridge connecting remote cities to San Juan has collapsed, causing many to become desperate for resources.

Residents have become ill from eating dead fish. Water has become contaminated by dead animals and raw sewage.

My father has said that at one of the only CVS stores running, there are lines of at least 75 people just trying to get the necessities they need to survive.

The only water to drink comes from a bottle because the water everywhere else is contaminated.

The residents of Puerto Rico have also been exposed to the weather. There has been rain for the past three days.

“People beg him and his co-workers for help — seeing him in uniform — so they can have somewhere to live,” my mom said.  

There are currently no street lights, so my father has had to drive back to his living quarters with nothing but the subtle glow of his headlights. Around him are fallen trees and buildings with broken windows.

As of October 20, 19 percent of Puerto Rico has electricity.