FEMA
DISASTER-RESPONDER: I added this page to show my record of public
service during the aftermath of the Katrina-Rita catastrophes in Louisiana
in 2005. I served for seven months as a physician to the FEMA rescue
operation from November 2005 to June 2006 at six separate locations including:
Port Sulfur, two sites on the West Bank of New Orleans, the Carville/St. Gabriel
morgue, the JFO HQ/Baton Rouge, & in Cameron, LA. This is where I did my
time in a FEMA Trailer ~ three of them in fact! And I was lucky, because in those three locations the medical crew were about the only
people so favored ~ everyone else slept in tents and essentially lived out in
the open!
Apart from the devastation and political infighting that was
so aptly portrayed on the news, there was an entirely separate and uplifting
side to this tragedy. First of all the Louisiana Folks are awesome! Anyone just
quickly visiting say, the "French Quarter" for a conference as I had done in the
past, is actually missing an authentic Creole adventure.
Louisiana outside of New Orleans is an unbelievable experience epitomized by the incredible hospitality of the citizens. "Have
a Bles'd Day" best sums up their friendly Christian attitude!
Additionally, the various folk who came down to help were a special blend of
Church Christians, Salvation Army Chaplains, National Guard Units, "Blackwater" Camp guards, AmeriCorps
volunteer kids, volunteer Fire Departments & other Patriotic Citizens. It was
one of the most exciting and
rewarding undertakings of my life. I have never had a more joyous experience & I
still treasure the camaraderie. Here are a few photos for 'flavor':
|
