11/22/2005

It is now almost 3 months since Katrina and then Rita slammed into region.  Most agencies, churches and support networks are now evaluating the mid and long term needs and just how they can focus their efforts and resources.  I have just returned from my 3^rd rotation and it has been a while since I have been able to respond.  Thank You for your patience.  Let me give you an update.

For the past month Chaplain Steve Holden, United States Emergency Chaplains Corps, has been working with the NOFD USAR Team [New Orleans Fire Department Urban Search and Rescue].  Last week Chaplains J.R. Miller and Michael Stemen joined Steve in The Lower 9^th Ward; the hardest hit area just East of The French Quarter in New Orleans.  Two of the four levy breaches occurred here.  

As you have read in the press, they continue to locate human remains.  Cadaver dogs along with their handlers (these volunteer teams have come from 8-10 different states) and the NOFD USAR team have the very difficult job of combing thru unsafe structures to clear the site.  USECC Chaplains have been asked to accompany the teams and to perform “normal and customary services” when and where bodies are found.  The work in the 9^th Ward is drawing to a close.  Whether they continue work in East New Orleans is not decided at this time. 

The south east tip of Louisiana [Venice, etc.] is still restricted in some areas.  We need to begin rotations thru this area.  Points north east and into Mississippi, Pass Christian, Long Beach, etc., have been nearly devastated.  This week we have Chaplains in both New Orleans and these areas. 

I will not try, in this brief, to cover the range of impact left by both Katrina and Rita.  Just the areas we have been serving in the past few weeks.  Lodging outside of New Orleans is hit and miss.  Working from New Orleans we have lodging, hopefully thru March, on one of the cruise ships or Maratine vessels. 

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Hope For Tomorrow 

Just returned from The Gulf Coast: New Orleans, The 9th Ward & Biloxi.  Here is a quick post of Images - lots to follow up on and coordinate - I'll follow up with comments and information in a few days.  Without comments: yet they say so much.

One quick comment.  Thank You to Colonel Sneed and Major Heaton for allowing Families back into the 9th Ward when difficult work was still going on to make secure the area.  The people who were able to try to see what was left of their homes were just asking for closure. They were considerate, patient and and just plain solid folks. They supported their neighbors who were also there and often ministered to the chaplains thru their courage.  God Bless them Real Good!

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