Sen. Lankford Tours Tornado-Ravaged Sand Springs Mobile Home Park

U.S. Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) got a close look at the Sand Springs mobile home park after a deadly EF2 tornado leveled it last week.

After touring the park, Lankford said his visit isn't just political. The senator says he wanted to come out here and meet the folks at Riverside Mobile Home Park face to face.

He didn't want any fanfare -- he just wanted to make sure the victims are being taken care of in the aftermath of tragedy.

He asked residents if they had power or running water – which they don't – so he would know where they stand and how much they were impacted.

Lankford, his wife and Tulsa County Commissioner Karen Keith walked through the devastated streets together.

They took time to meet with each victim -- listened to their stories -- and made sure they knew his office would be willing to help in any way.

Lankford has visited many disasters areas -- and says the two things that also stick out to him are the strength of the storm and the tenacity of the people that come to help.

Lankford spent 22 years in ministry, so when he comes out to areas like Sand Springs, he feels like he's playing two roles.

“That's still a big part of what I do,” Lankford said. “So when I come into a situation like this, obviously I still want to minister to people, be able to fulfill my role on a federal side, but also on a personal side. I want to be able to walk along this journey with them as well.”

There's still a lot to be done in Sand Springs.

The owners of the mobile home park say they looking for help right now to clean up all of the debris left behind.