Thursday, September 14, 2017

Texas Disaster Response by Veteran of USAF and NYPD

Back from Texas response

Thank you to all the incredible People who came together in Rockport Texas to help. As a USAF veteran and former sergeant of the NYPD I was asked to come to Texas and help lead a group of volunteers from around the USA, Canada, and Mexico. We worked side by side with Los Topos Search and rescue team that is called "the moles" because they specialize in climbing into earthquake damaged structures to recover victims and had many US veterans and an Army Ranger who was strong as a bull with us. We did whatever had to be done from distributing food and water, searches, tree removal and securing roofs. Rockport is the small town at ground zero of the storm for 35 minutes and it did not get much media attention or initial help since it so remote. Since so many came to NY to help us on 911 and during Hurricane Sandy it was great to show up on the ground in Texas as a volunteer and see the tears of joy on the faces of these proud Texans that are so used to taking care of themselves. Thank you to all that participated and donated their time, effort and $$$ because you made a difference. One other thing I would like to suggest is that if you wish to donate or show up to help, the main people to see on the ground or call are the local police, fire dept, and churches as they are the responders and know the lay of the land. Churches are usually busy proving shelter and the basics right after the initial threat is over so they are a natural meeting place n the community and a good place to donate to or show up to help. Lastly, it looks like Florida is the next place to help. God Bless America!