Who can forget the images from Hurricane Katrina - the people stranded on their roofs, the murky water submerging miles of homes, the helplessness of the people at the Superdome. Those images inspired me to get involved. I began searching for what I could do here in my community of Swansea, IL to help people in need. Everyday, as I was driving down the road, I would see the American Red Cross Metro East Service Center – that’s when I realized I had found the organization where my services were needed. I went into the Service Center and asked how I could help. They had me fill out an application on the spot. I immediately began riding with the Disaster Action Team, responding to house fires and helping families begin the road to recovery.

That was a little over one year ago, and now I am heading to Orlando, Florida to help the thousands that could be affected by Hurricane Ike. I will report to Orlando and from there I will probably be assigned to another location. Right now, I am scheduled to help in mass care, which means sheltering, feeding, and distributing supplies. Eventually, I will probably help with damage assessment; which is something I like to do. However, being retired from the air force, I am willing to do whatever I need to provide help to our southern neighbors. I can’t believe that in a little less than one year, this is my fourth disaster assignment. Well, I have to go and finish packing for my trip tomorrow.

Larry Fleming
Red Cross Volunteer
Swansea, IL