On Saturday, May 21, four members of Boy Scout Troop 947 visited the Red Cross Operation Headquarters as part of their requirements in procuring their Emergency Preparedness Merit badges. With Troop leader Bernard Simelton, the group, out of the Indian Creek Baptist Church, were taken on a tour and briefed on each aspect of the operation, logistics, mass care, mental health, transportation, staff services, planning, health services and the many other departments that make up an operation.
“This is a requirement for the youth and the perfect place to show them how everything works in a relief operation such as this,” said Mr. Simelton.
Jessie Kozel, the Safe and Well Service Associate, escorted the troop members though the center. “Have you ever received that phone call that you can’t find someone,” Jessie asked the troop after she introduced herself. “You have that moment of fear, you see what’s going on in the news and our program helps you find that loved one, friend or family,” said Ms. Kozel. “We register those family members.”
The group went from each operation table and was provided a quick overview, while at the logistics table, a Google map of Tuscaloosa, AL was posted on the wall and the youth looked at in fascination. “One of the boys related how most of the homes in his neighborhood had been destroyed,” said Ms. Kozel, “seeing that map, he could really relate to the tornado’s aftermath.”
When they got to the Mental Health table, Lyle O’Neill, a mental health volunteer, provided the youth with pamphlets in dealing with emotional after effects of a disaster. “Mental health is here for the clients, and just as well for the volunteers who are working hard, long hours,” said Mr. O’Neill. “Thank you for being here, you can’t ever be prepared, but you boys will be the leaders or our communities.”
“This was nice to see all the different stations and what each department does,” said Bernard Hayes, 14. “I can now see how each department gets the things out that need distributing. Looking at the map, hit home how extensive the damage was.” “I learned a lot I really didn’t know,” said Don Garder, 15. “It helped me seeing how all the different jobs help just as much as the other, working together to help the residents. Jessie really took her time at each station explaining how each department ran.” “It’s amazing how so many people come from their daily lives from all over the county to help us,” said Jonathan Rice, 17. “I could understand clearly how Mr. O’Neill explained the importance of stuffed animals for the children and how it gets their minds off the disaster.”
Carolyn SherwinWestchester Red Cross Volunteer