Cedar Rapids, Iowa, just flooded

[capchiro]

News flash, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, just flooded, levee broke and Cedar River has flooded 100 city blocks.  Power is out and rescuers are hampered.  I am sure the CAP will jump in and get active.  How about somebody keeping us updated on this one??  Thanks.

[♠SARKID♠]

WIWG is working on getting missions for our own floods.  Lake Delton near the Wisconsin Dells did the same thing as Cedar River.  A 276 acre lake busted its berm and drained into the Wisconsin River, taking away 6 homes.

[isuhawkeye]

so, is there a CAP response to these events???

[CAP Producer]

CAP has been very involved.

This is the inital release and another is coming.

http://www.cap.gov/visitors/news/cap_news_online/index.cfm?fuseaction=display&nodeID=6192&newsID=4311&year=2008&month=6

Iowa Wing is manning their desk at the state EOC and are getting taskings from the state each day.

More later.

[isuhawkeye]

excellent.  glad to hear it

[isuhawkeye]

that press release was dated june 6th.  has anything happened in the last week.  lord knows I have been busy

[Steve Kuddes]

The Iowa Wing has flown several sorties including today, Friday June 13, 2008.  Today's sorties included about 150 pictures to update the EOC and AG on the situation.

The Eastern Iowa Cadet Squadron in Cedar Rapids has lost their meeting facility in downtown Cedar Rapids so they are meeting at the Red Cross facility where the North Central Region HQ is located.  They have assisted the Red Cross in unloading trucks of supplies.

Yes, CAP is helping in Iowa!

Steve W. Kuddes, Colonel, CAP
Commander, North Central Region

[ctrossen]

Wisconsin Wing is deep in the middle of what is primarily a ground response in our own state. We've got some 50 personnel in the Sauk County, WI to assist with disaster relief efforts in the area (with more on the way). The press release below has some of the pertinent info (forgive the formatting--I tried to clean it up a bit from the single paragraph I received in e-mail).

Wisconsin Wing Headquarters Civil Air Patrol UNITED STATES AIR FORCE AUXILIARY 2400 Wright Street, Madison, Wisconsin 53704-2572 (608) 242-3067 Fax (608) 242-3068 PRESS RELEASE 13 June 2008 POC: Lt Col Jo Stys Cell Phone 414-322-2717 Email: semperv@earthlink.net

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Wisconsin Emergency Management has assigned Wisconsin Wing Civil Air Patrol to assist the Department of Natural Resources as the lead federal agency in cooperation with the Sauk County Emergency Management, in the volunteer effort to assist the local communities who have been affected by the flooding throughout Sauk County. 

Wisconsin Wing Civil Air Patrol's Mobile Command Center has been brought to Baraboo to provide communications assistance to the DNR, Sauk County Emergency Management, and local sheriff, police, and fire department personnel.  Civil Air Patrol emergency services personnel from around the state will be assisting in coordinating the relief efforts.

Those interested in volunteering should report directly to the Baraboo Middle School (1531 Draper St.) Saturday & Sunday, June 14-15th.  Shifts will run from 9:00 a.m. and end at 5:00 p.m. with an option to work a half day (please note: the last bus will depart at 1:00 p.m.).  Volunteers will be transported on a bus to local businesses and residences to perform a variety of tasks such as debris removal, water damage clean-up, or sandbagging. Volunteer efforts will continue to be managed by the DNR through the weekend during the recovery stage until further notice. 

Anyone interested in receiving volunteer assistance should continue to call the Hotline at 608-355-3200.  For questions specific to the civilian volunteer efforts through Sunday, please contact Greg Matthews, DNR Information Officer at 608-444-6551. 

The Civil Air Patrol mission #08-1-5884 will last thru Friday, 20 June 2008.  The Civil Air Patrol Incident Commander is Lt Col Michael Curry, phone 414-861-2509.   Lt Col Curry will be IC through Monday, 16 June 2008.  Released in cooperation with Catherine Regan, DNR. JO STYS, Lt Col, CAP Wing Assistant Public Affairs Officer Wisconsin Wing.

[isuhawkeye]

I just returned from the SEOC.  The state wide severe weather has everyone hopping.  Virtually every agency, and entity has representatives working incredibly heard.  You will be glad to know that CAP has retaken its seat in "the pit" Lt Col. Eric Schneider is working very hard on your behalf.  he is fielding calls from agencies, AFRCC, and others.  while I was there CAP photos were projected on the big screens giving planners a chance to look at the next town down stream.  Lt Col Schneider was also tasking and redirecting aircraft to support an urgent AFRCC request.  Overall this is a busy time. 

[♠SARKID♠]

Just got back from responding to the WI flooding - MAN IS IT FILTHY!

We helped two families clean out their homes.  The first was a volunteer firefighter who needed help gutting his kitchen and sons room, removing carpet, and well as removing anything that was lower than a half foot off the floor.  I felt really bad as I shoved his nine year old's toys into a plastic bag and tossed them out the door...
Second house we had to remove anything and everything.  My furniture moving skills definitely came in good use as we hauled soggy couches and dressers out the door.  The basement still had three to four feet of water sitting in it (we did no work there).  The ironic thing was the big, yellow, smiley face beach ball cheerily smiling back to the top of the stairs.

Theres a definite feeling of satisfaction that came out of it.  I got the opportunity to help someone when they had lost everything they would have needed to help themselves.  Bravo Zulu to all the teams who are out doing the dirty work all over the midwest.

[Eclipse]

Has Wisconsin been declared a presidential disaster area?  I'm pretty sure the gov'na declared a state emergency, but that doesn't qualify.  Also, you don't just get a ribbon, the IC has to verify your participation.

Also, I though CAP in Iowa was the primary SAR/DR agency for the whole wing, shouldn't' we be seeing more activity than a few photo sorties?  That's the knd of thing we do one state East all the time and we are far from being at the top of the list.

[♠SARKID♠]

Has Wisconsin been declared a presidential disaster area?  I'm pretty sure the gov'na declared a state emergency, but that doesn't qualify.

Indeed it has.

Also, you don't just get a ribbon, the IC has to verify your participation.

I wasn't claiming to have it, just showing it was Presidential.  And even if I was, I'm in multiple logs (WEM, CAP) saying I was there so it would pretty much be a given.

[Eclipse]

Has Wisconsin been declared a presidential disaster area?  I'm pretty sure the gov'na declared a state emergency, but that doesn't qualify.

Indeed it has.

Also, you don't just get a ribbon, the IC has to verify your participation.

I wasn't claiming to have it, just showing it was Presidential.  And even if I was, I'm in multiple logs (WEM, CAP) saying I was there so it would pretty much be a given.

Its not - a form 2a has to be approved up the chain (Wing?) if you qualify.  I'm not saying you don't, just don't show up wearing it at your next meeting without the signed PA.

[♠SARKID♠]

I wouldn't, that would be a bit daft.

[CadetProgramGuy]

This is from the local newspaper.  It is a video of Cedar Rapids before and after the flooding.

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?Category=videonetwork&videoID=770983328

When you see the clip of the "Island" where the courthouse is.....

Thats where the 78th Cadet Squadron (East Iowa Cadet Squadron) used to be.

In Retrospect though, I am still waiting on activation orders (as allowed by state law) to leave work and help.  Otherwise I can't leave work.

My hearts and Prayers go out.

[CAP Producer]

Here is the latest info from the NCR/CC

Members of the North Central Region,

Facing what many are calling the five-hundred year flood members of the Iowa Wing have flown fifteen missions and delivered approximately 900 photographs supporting the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division (HSEMD) along with the National Weather Service. Mission sorties include the transportation of U.S. Senators Tom Harkin and Charles Grassley, photo reconnaissance, and manning both the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) and the security desk at Linn County Emergency Management Agency.

The professionalism and dedication of the members of the IAWG and it's commander is very evident by their actions. They have done an outstanding job of being proactive in a difficult situation.

Senators Harkin and Grassley visited several cities that are affected by the flooding and held press conferences at each of the locations. "This was an important job for the Civil Air Patrol," said Captain Kim Kirschman, the mission pilot who transported the Senators across the state. "We were able to meet the needs of the senators on short notice which allowed them to maintain their schedule."  We are honored to be able the fly both Senators for this important assessment of the damage to their state.

Over eighty of the Iowa's ninety-nine counties have been declared disaster areas by Iowa Governor Chet Culver. By being designated as a disaster area, the counties become eligible for special aid and opens the way for loans and grants.  Flooding has forced the evacuation of several areas across the state, including hospitals and retirement homes.

The dynamics of the mission have changed from general photo reconnaissance to focusing specifically on critical infrastructure in affected areas. "Photos from the CAP flyover provide local responders with critical information to help them make decisions based on potential flooding, said Joyce Flinn, from the HSEMD. "Partnership with Civil Air Patrol provides us with a valuable resource that can provide critical information in both response and recovery."

We have also had flooding in Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska and Kansas. I ask you to check your gear and make sure you are ready if called to serve. Please do not self activate. Your chain of command will let you know if your wing/unit has been asked to help.  Many members have expressed interest in helping but at this point there isn't much that can be done except our photo recon flights.  Many highways into the area are blocked making access impossible.  When and if the time comes, the Iowa Wing will request any help that is needed and this will be coordinated through Colonel Joe Casler and our Wing Commanders.

The flooding has also impacted the Iowa Wing as the Eastern Iowa Cadet Squadron has lost their meeting facility in downtown Cedar Rapids so they are meeting at the Red Cross facility where the North Central Region HQ is located.  At some point we may put together a joint effort by all of our Wings and the Region HQs to help our Iowa Squadron obtain the materials they need to function again.  Uniforms, a United States flag, etc are a few things that come to mind at this time.

We will periodically update you on our efforts in this crisis.

Please keep the victims of this disaster and especially our brothers and sisters of the Iowa Wing in your thoughts and prayers. 

Steve W. Kuddes, Colonel, CAP
Commander, North Central Region, Civil Air Patrol

[isuhawkeye]

good observation eclipse. 

[KyCAP]

Civil Air Patrol escorts two U.S. senators across disaster area

http://www.cap.gov/visitors/news/media_center/press_releases/index.cfm?fuseaction=display&nodeID=6194&newsID=4348&year=2008&month=6

[CAP Producer]

NCR has set up a website with information on CAP's involvement in the "500 Year" floods that have overwhelmed Iowa.

The site can be accessed via the NCR website www.ncr.cap.gov and click on the 2008 Iowa Floods - CAP Responds! link. It can also be accessed at www.ncrpao.org

At this site we will post releases, updates and images highlighting CAP's involvement and the good work our members are doing. We will try to update the site daily.

Please let your members know about this site and keep the people of Iowa in yout thoughts and prayers.

Thanks and have a great day.

[KC0IEA]

I spent part of yesterday at the State of Iowa EOC, yes CAP was there, BUT.....
The NCR wedsite indicates they have delivered over 900 images to the SEOC, probably true, but the USCG AUX spent much of their time working with the IDNR to figure out where the images were taken and what direction.  Images out of context are of very little use in disaster assessment.  As an example one file with in excess of 30 images was labled as flight from XX to YY a flight path of over 100 miles, images only had an image number, so at least there was an assumed order. 

[Tubacap]

In PAWG we use a format for the file names.  It takes a some crew coordination, but man is it a whole lot easier to sort out at the EOC.  Even if they just get the Lat/Long in the image name. 

PAWG Photo Image Format

Make sure you fly a crew of three if you can, have one person shooting pictures, one recording lat/long, direction, and object, and obviously the pilot.

Good luck!

[mikeylikey]

I just read and looked at the pics posted on AF.mil on Iowa and their National Guard.  I was expecting to see in the pictures a "Civil Air Patrol" desk.  Is it there, or did you Iowa folks not set up shop this time around??

[♠SARKID♠]

WI newspaper posted a great picture of CAP at work.
http://www.wiscnews.com/bnr/news/291687

[CadetProgramGuy]

I just read and looked at the pics posted on AF.mil on Iowa and their National Guard.  I was expecting to see in the pictures a "Civil Air Patrol" desk.  Is it there, or did you Iowa folks not set up shop this time around??

Last I knew IAWG lost it's seat in the SEOC, but that was in January.  According to isuhawkeye, we must have it back again, I just don't know where it is.

I have access for CAP to the SEOC, as well as being qualified as a LO for SEOC, but I wasn't called or talked to about serving.

[RiverAux]

In PAWG we use a format for the file names.  It takes a some crew coordination, but man is it a whole lot easier to sort out at the EOC.  Even if they just get the Lat/Long in the image name. 

PAWG Photo Image Format

Never seen a CAP plane where the GPS was set up for decimal degrees (N39.43312 W77.58315).  All I've seen are degrees, minutes, and tenths of minutes: 39 deg 10.31'N 60 deg 50.99'W). 

Making sure everyone writes down the info they should have is a running battle.  People don't seem to realize the photographs are worthless without a lot of that stuff.  They'll spend an hour flying to a target and not want to take an extra 5 minutes to ensure it is documented correctly. 

[CAP Producer]

Updates have been posted to the Iowa Floods Website:

http://www.ncrpao.org/specials/2008_ia_floods/iafloods.htm

[♠SARKID♠]

I found a couple views of Lake Dalton, WI draining away after it broke its levee.  It takes down two houses with it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wqxIT5zAtI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0bVsSWXG-I

[RiverAux]

On today's "Around the Services" broadcast they talked about the NG using their RC-22 (I think that is the right designator) aircraft to do flood damage assessment.  Apparently they've had 2 of them involved (4 are in Iraq and they have 5 others).  They normally use it for counterdrug work and it seems like a superior alternative to what we can provide, but then again, I'm fairly skeptical about the long-term prospects for CAP's aerial ES program. 

[isuhawkeye]

I may have tasked that aircraft a few years ago.  If it is out of Wisconsin's counter drug program...

Thats an amazing platform, and it explains why I started seeing fewer, and fewer CAP images, and more pictures with a cross hair in the center of the picture.  That would be consistent with that platform. 

[Eclipse]

On today's "Around the Services" broadcast they talked about the NG using their RC-22 (I think that is the right designator) aircraft to do flood damage assessment.  Apparently they've had 2 of them involved (4 are in Iraq and they have 5 others).  They normally use it for counterdrug work and it seems like a superior alternative to what we can provide, but then again, I'm fairly skeptical about the long-term prospects for CAP's aerial ES program. 

A camera is a camera, and I guarantee you CAP is cheaper.

[Johnny Yuma]

isuhawkeye,

What's with these teams entering locked homes in Cedar Rapids and cops rousting the residents? I'm hoping I'm missing something but it appears to be the temas themselves doing the taping/editing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONAudPPhum8

[mikeylikey]

I hope it was just a COP being a jerk because he was hot and tired. 

Last time I looked, Iowa was a State in the United States.  Civil liberties don't stop when a natural disaster strikes.  Even a mandatory evacuation can be disobeyed, and was  demonstrated in Louisiana during 2005. 

With the COP saying "I will make sure you don't come back here until it is all over", means there was no federal or state evacuation order.  Thus private citizens can stay in their homes if they wish too.  Honestly, I think I would stay if the threat to my life was not there, just to protect my home.   

[isuhawkeye]

Yeah I can talk about this video.

I addressed some of these issues in my blog post from a few days ago.

http://isuhawkeye.typepad.com/halbrook_associatescom/2008/06/frustration-ove.html

Here is the situation.  nearly 4,000 residences in cedar rapids were buried under between 3 and 20 feet of water.  As the water rose a mandatory evacuation was enacted, and a perimeter was placed around those parts of the city that were affected.  As people evacuated their residences they were instructed to tie a cloth around their door nob as a sign that everyone was out of the property.  As the water receded there were a lot of concerns (a la Katrina).  Was the area safe, were there bodies/victims to be recovered. How much damage was done, so on, and so on.  

The decision was made that before residents were returned to their homes the flooded areas needed to be searched, evaluated, and cleared.  In order to accomplish this strike teams were put together.  The strike teams consisted of

1. A member of IA-TF1 (Iowa's Urban SAR task force)
2. A fire figheter/EMS provider
3.  A search K-9 (HRD)
4. A Law enforcement officer
5. A utilities technician
6. Other specialty resources as needed (Guard troop for transportation)

These teams were expected to quickly clear and evaluate properties to ensure that there were no major hazards in the community, and the utilities guys were there to shut off gas and electric to properties.  This will allow the gas company to come in and restore services to the city.  

As the teams went to work the residents were told that they would get permission to get into their properties.  Residents got in line. They waited, and waited, and waited.  They became angry at the delays, and took their anger out on the search teams.  

The work to clear the town has been much slower than expected.  many houses did not mark that they were clear.  As a result teams have been instructed to search for victims.  This means forcing entry into many more houses than has been expected.  

The utility infrastructure has been much more damaged than expected, so those repairs are taking place.  

Finally early in the process a utility worker was nearly killed when a buildings foundation collapsed, and he was sucked into the basement.  This incident was reported, as a minor injury.  When residents heard that the clearance was delayed because of a minor injury they became more upset.  

Having only watched the movie once I can only assume that the resident who had the confrontation with the cop was probably inside the perimeter before the section was cleared.  

Hope that helps

[isuhawkeye]

eclipse

A camera may be a camera, but when blank checks are being written no one cares how cheap you can get a job done.


I wont comment on the Job the Iowa wing has done

[RiverAux]

A camera is a camera, and I guarantee you CAP is cheaper.

No, not really.  We have no video downlink capability at all.    The difference between a belly-mounted stabilized camera and what you get from a scanner puking his guts out while trying to take a photo (been there  ) is significant. 

I'm sure our folks are doing what they're supposed to be doing, but this CG aircraft is not all that special looking - twin prop.  Yes, I'm sure it is moderately more expensive than CAP, but its not like a U-2, but appears much more capable.  Sure, there aren't many of them. 

[isuhawkeye]

If that aircraft is the same one I am thinking of it is not CG, it is Wisconsin Air National Guard

[RiverAux]

yes, these are national guard aircraft. 

[isuhawkeye]

so, what does everyone think of that video.  do the actions still seem inapropriate, or are they justified?

also NCR has put out some impressive new press releases.  check them out

[Eclipse]

so, what does everyone think of that video.  do the actions still seem inappropriate, or are they justified?

I don't think we have enough context to comment. We don't know what prompted the exchange to start with.

They appear to be police and fire, so in theory would have the authority to enter the homes and order people out, assuming a mandatory evac is enforceable.

Emotions run high for everyone in situations like this and frankly the citizen looks like the type who tries to tell police how its going to be in situations like these, generally resulting in a less than agreeable situation for the citizen.

[mikeylikey]

^ I am not so sure.  The Cop did say something like "I will make sure you don't come back at all until this is all over", making me think everyone was allowed back in their homes, or were not forced to leave "by force" to begin with. 

I could imagine, this guy had witnessed fire and search teams forcibly enter homes and was maybe looking out for his neighbors property, those that did not come back yet.

I still don't understand how these teams are legally allowed to break into private residences.  Gas and Power can be shut off at the source of transmission.  The "searching for deceased" never really flies with me.  If a person is deceased, the family, Friends and neighbors will discover that when everyone settles back in. 

You better believe if I was sitting in my living room and a group of people in t-shirts and jeans breaks down my door, and I did not know what was going on, they may end up dead.  Plus, what is to stop people from claiming these search teams stole valuable property when they broke in?

It is not a very good practice in my opinion.  Maybe Iowa law is different than where I live. 

[isuhawkeye]

when its all said and done well see if anyone sues, and then well see if they win

[Eclipse]

when its all said and done well see if anyone sues, and then well see if they win

Not specific to the videos, but I thought interesting, MSNBC is already asking "who's responsible" - the water isn't even recededed yet and the lawyers are sharpening their teeth already.

On a related note, ILWG is ramping up teams in the Quincy area to provide assessment assistance to the ARC, similar to what we did in Rockford last year.

Our goal is to push the water back West where it came from.   

[isuhawkeye]

Been following "Data" on his tweet updates.  good luck guys

[Johnny Yuma]

so, what does everyone think of that video.  do the actions still seem inapropriate, or are they justified?

also NCR has put out some impressive new press releases.  check them out

Tough call, honestly.

I've got some real heartburn about mandatory evacuations and Strike Teams entering locked homes without homeowner's permission, especially if the only damage seems to be flooding. While I'm not the IC and I'm not there but it appears that the Strike Teams could better work with the homeowners, escorting groups of them into the affected areas and working with them to check out the home instead of B&E and threats.

There's a big difference between entering a pile of rubble looking for survivors and entering a secured house with water damage.

There's a reason behind my thinking: 13 months after Greensburg's EF5 some of the townsfolk there are starting to come forward with some real horror stories about being forced out of what few undamaged homes were left, one person claims at gunpoint, for several days only to find their homes broken into and pilfered during a time that the only persons left in town were cops and firefighters. One resident testified at a State Legislature hearing for Kansas' version of the "No Katrina Gun Grab" law that he even had a large gun safe porta powered open and firearms removed. Mind you these were from homes that sustained little or no damage and that the homes were secured by the residents before they were forced out.

During that time, there were about a dozen arrests made for looting. IIRC all of them were either rescue workers or uniformed soldiers from Fort Riley.

Besides, if you're dumb enough to want to stay in your home as the waters rise to the rafters, or natural gas fills your home after that EF2 slides it off the foundation, why should I stand in the way of Darwin?

[Eclipse]

Besides, if you're dumb enough to want to stay in your home as the waters rise to the rafters, or natural gas fills your home after that EF2 slides it off the foundation, why should I stand in the way of Darwin?

Only because when the house goes ((*boom*)) there will be an expectation that EMS goes and helps (or at least makes the effort).

But I'm also with you on the Darwinian aspect - tough call, but as we all saw with Katrina, there were a lot of people who thought they could tough it out and then went swimming, or were in trouble the next week when supplies stared to run out.

[CadetProgramGuy]

Besides, if you're dumb enough to want to stay in your home as the waters rise to the rafters, or natural gas fills your home after that EF2 slides it off the foundation, why should I stand in the way of Darwin?

Only because when the house goes ((*boom*)) there will be an expectation that EMS goes and helps (or at least makes the effort).

But I'm also with you on the Darwinian aspect - tough call, but as we all saw with Katrina, there were a lot of people who though they could tough it out and then went swimming, or were in trouble the next week when supplies stared to run out.

That when the call goes out that there will be **NO** EMS response in the affected area due to safety of crews.

Kinda like we have No Tow Laws for blizzards.

[CAP Producer]

Here is another update that I shared with a variety of lists and thought this group would be interested.

Subject: Flood Updates

Hello,

Capt Colvin has provided a number of updates and they have been posted to the NCRPAO website at the link below:

http://www.ncrpao.org/specials/2008_ia_floods/iafloods.htm

Chris will share updates on the recovery efforts periodically and they will be posted to the website and to the All-PAO list.

While the focus has switched to recovery in Iowa the crisis continues to ramp-up in Missouri. Waters are cresting and some levies are not standing up to the pressure.

Major Dave Miller, the Deputy Wing PAO in Missouri reports that efforts there have received coverage in the local media.

Dave said:

"Below is the link to reporter John Auble's story on our flood efforts that aired on Monday on the 5:30 edition of the Fox Affiliate (in St. Louis) newscast.

Of course, I'm not entirely pleased with the result as he used archival material we did not know he was going to use (i.e. short sleeved smurf suit), but he got most of it right. Overall a good piece that ran in prime time. Plus I like how they linked to our Wing website and NHQ's.

My sincere thanks to Capt's. Brian Thompson, Mike Smith, and Lt. Col. Randy Fuller, for helping me to put this together this morning on very short notice."

Here is the link to the story:
http://www.myfoxstl.com/myfox/pages/ContentDetail?contentId=6830960

Thanks Dave for all of your excellent work on this.

Please keep all of our members working in the flood zone and all of the victims in your thoughts and prayers.

Al.

[CAP Producer]

Here is our most recent update on the floods:

Good Morning,

Major Dave Miller has provided some additional updates on the flood situation in Missouri. They can be seen at http://www.ncrpao.org/specials/2008_ia_floods/iafloods.htm

These will the last regular updates that will be added to the flood site and the Region and NCR PAO websites will be taken off of "Mission Mode" this evening. The 2008 Flood Site will be available for viewing and will be linked off the main NCR PAO webpage. Additional links to photo albums and several releases from South Dakota will be added to the flood site as well.

As the flood water move further south please keep the victims of the floods in your thoughts and prayers.

Wow! It has been quite a month. The floods have touched nearly every wing in the region and we can all be very proud of the efforts our members during this crisis.

I wanted to express my thanks to each of you who were involved, especially to Major Dave Miller and Capt Chris Colvin for your leadership and outstanding work in communicating Civil Air Patrol's involvement in this mission. Their efforts resulted in many people learning about CAP's involvement in the crisis response thru articles in newspapers, the internet and TV coverage. They also kept our members and leadership informed of the great job our people were doing.

Well Done Everyone!