well I got selected and I am packing to go

[DaMadman]

I got all my approvals and will be on a plane heading to Orlando by the begining of next week for training and innoculations then being deployed to a disaster area.

The only hold up right now is my Gov't Travel card is being processed and they are backed up. Should have it in the next 2-3 days though

[TreeDoc]

Best of luck my friend! A few of the guys I duck hunt with are USFS Hot Shot crews and they're headed down there too all the way from north of Sacramento, CA. They're loaded up with chainsaws and driving down in their crew carriers (that'll be a nice ride! ). Apparently lots and lots of trees down and things are ready to burn so off they go.

Be careful!

[Adirondacks]

Well done madman.
You are to be commended!!

[Nulle]

FEMA sent most of our people from San Antonio down there this week so you sure will not be alone. I will be in TX the rest of the month in the security area of it at the Shelters.

[Cal Sibley]

Hello DaMadman,

Congratulations on your selection. The hours are long and wicked until you manage to turn the corner on this thing, but we appreciate the long, hard task you are performing. Thanks again and best wishes..

Cal - Montreal

[Nulle]

Hang in there man and be patient lol. I understand Orlando is the training area for the computor work and data entry system. If ya have to work in one of the Shelters stay away from the kids as it breaks your heart my friend !

[Nulle]

TreeDoc: Just noticed the post with your Hot Shots and would like to add this : I worked with these guys and gals at San Antonio and they were not cutting trees as with the FEMA way they seem to have a hard time putting folks into the area they are expert at. Anyway they are the most professional bunch of folks I have ever worked with and need to be commeded highly. Rather it be picking up trash or setting up Shelter cots you never heard them complain once unlike others that were there. What a fine bunch to work with . No these folks know Incident Command !

[DaMadman]

Well I am back, It was a very interesting experience and I can say that I am glad I did it and would most likely do it again if it weren't for having to leave my family.

The Wife and son had a very hard time dealing with me being gone.

I will post a short summary of how everything went as soon as I get a few minutes.

Right now I have to finish gettign my Travel voucher complete and get back into the swing of things here at work.

[Nulle]

FEMA has called me tons of times since I have got back but like you pointed out there are things at home that need taken care of also.
Glad you made it back and are ok.

[skeeter@ccia.com]

To all of you involved......Thanks and best wishes to you and yours....thoughts are with you and a salute too..

[Valigator]

Hey Nulle, we are underwater...we need ya here in Lauderdale...and the storm hasnt even hit....

[Nulle]

Well Dear FEMA calls twice a week and my Chief just shakes his middle finger at me = guess I must have used all my time up in Texas

[Nulle]

Better hunker down Val looks like your going to get hit pretty hard within the hour . Be Careful down there !

[Cal Sibley]

Hello Valligator,

My wife is there visiting her aged mother. I've been trying to contact them for almost a week now. She lives in Sunrise, a bit to the west. The telephone lines are down for certain. God only knows what else. With all the elderly people there needing their phones for emergencies there could be problems. My wifes mother is 93 and we're trying to kep the old girl in her home for as long as possible. My wife and son take turns going there, each about 4 times a year. I'll bet cell phones and generator sales skyrocket in coming months. I'll be glad to have my wife home again. Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal