If all goes well, by some time late Thursday I will be certified to drive the Red Cross ERV (Emergency Response Vehicle) that is seen every time disaster strikes:
This is the vehicle that carries food and other supplies to victims of disasters. In the photo above, Brenda was my mentor on my first-ever field assignment — and she also drove the ERV to the location where we delivered food to volunteers. They had been bagging sand for days in almost 100°F weather, to minimize the effects of floods in an area in NW Missouri.
Wish me luck, friends, as I would love to be certified to drive this vehicle. It is my hope that we never have to use it; but if disaster strikes, I will be ready to drive to the site.
I have one regret: When the tornado hit Joplin, Missouri, and fellow Missourians needed help, I was unable to help — I did not have the training, and I was unable to participate in the disaster relief so badly needed.
It’s YOUR turn
- Are you a volunteer for an organization in your area?
- If not, I encourage YOU to volunteer, too. I know you will be glad.
- To find out how you can become involved as a volunteer in our area, call Rene’ McCrary, Volunteer Coordinator for the Midland Empire Chapter of the Red Cross at 816-232-8439.
Let us all hope we are ready the next time.
— Al Navas
About Al Navas