11/5/05 6:36pm

Not much going on these days. We have 5 members at the West and it will soon be six. The date has been set for the closing of the East. If things go well it will be done next week.

The West will close for Thanksgiving and give a well deserved rest to a great number of folks. LSU is playing at home again tonight and some members have been lucky enough to score tickets.

Last nights visit to an alligator farm was enjoyed by many of the members in the West. Some even had their picture taken holding a smaller one.

The cemetery recovery processing is going well, I have been told. Much more to do.

This update will no longer be emailed to our members. Please go to the web site and sign up to be notified when the site changes to read the updates. Every one is well.

11/2/05 9:52pm

I have missed the last few nights and I apologize for that. I have had some problems with my time management since returning from the West. I hope that I will be able to keep this going for as long as is necessary.

I heard yesterday that the East has a date for ending the operation. I sure that all involved will be happy to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

I don’t think that any such date has been set for the West. Many things are left to be done over there.

It was cold and rainy yesterday in the West. Today is just another beautiful day.

Region II has a few members in the West. Some are what is referred to as retreads (back for a second time). I’m sure that all will all do a great job. I spoke with two members from LI and he said that things are going well at the FAC. One more expected soon.

I was able to read the American Funeral Director magazine articles. I thought that they were well written and told the right story. Everyone is well.

10/30/05

Well, I promised no update on Saturday because I was traveling home. It is 1:33AM and I am in the Atlanta Airport. My departure from Baton Rouge was delayed when a truck somehow struck and damaged a wing. I am grateful that the damage was found but extremely unhappy that I missed my connection.

It gets better. Although Delta was willing to issue a voucher for a hotel room, there are none. It seems that there is a NASCAR race here and there is nothing to be had. I am angry and tired. Afraid to fall asleep in this chair, afraid I will miss my 6:50 AM plane. Very tired. To top it off, I got to spend the extra hour with Daylight Savings Time ending. Enough!

What a day. I attended my last 6, 6:30 and 2 o’clock meetings today. Had my last 7AM team meeting and turned over the reins to the man from PA. He will do fine and so will his team. Good bunch of guys and one good lady.

I had my picture taken with the gerbil and the lady who shopped for it. I also had my picture taken with the coroner, the Jazz Doctor. Doc entertained us this morning and educated us about New Orleans funeral customs. He explained that the hymn would be played with reverence until the funeral parade reached the cemetery. Once at the cemetery the phrase “Cut em loose” is spoken and that is when the jazz starts. Everyone enjoyed the rendition.

This must be some sort of therapy for me. As I write this I am felling less angry as I think about my time in the West and the old friends I saw again and the new ones that I made.

I hope the new arrival from Rhode Island is feeling better. Everyone else is well.

To top it all off my bags were not on the flight and had to be delivered to my house.

10/28/05 12:04am

I enjoyed my last 3000 calorie dinner this evening. Hamburgers, broccoli and French fries. The US Forest Service caterer is literally pumping us up. I started my out processing today along with all the anxiety that that brings.

Of course everyone here would like to send their best to everyone at home. Mostly I try by putting something special about them into this piece. I have to say that I have trouble picking out the one unique quality of our big guy from Syracuse. So I won’t.

We had a near tragedy yesterday. One of our MLI’s decided to shred her ID badge while it was attached around her neck. Since the badge is federal property, no judges were willing to rate the shedder dive.

There will be no update tomorrow evening. I will arrive in NY at midnight and then sleep. Everyone is well.

10/27/05 10:39pm

Good evening. It has been a good day here in the West.

Our NY pathologist left today for home and then a visit with her son in the Middle East. She was replaced by another NY pathologist who had his first deployment at the East.

One of our brand spanking new fifty year olds returned today actually looking younger.

Interlopers from the East showed up today for an unannounced tour. I welcomed them graciously and no tricks were pulled. They thought that the No Gerbil signs were quite interesting though. Their Commander stayed home!

We had a warm spell this morning. The temperature at 6 AM was 40 up 1 degree from yesterday. It did turn out to be a beautiful day though.

We had an award ceremony this morning for one of the security folk. It seems that he fell in a hole filled with some nasty water. Once everyone knew he was ok they started rating his dive. He was awarded a silver medal only because he wasn’t a DMORT. Everyone is well.

10/25/05 9:39pm

It started out as a slow news day today but picked up pretty fast at the morning briefing.

After most of the announcements were made a member of the Federal Protective Service appeared on the stage. I was ready for a lecture on some new security procedure. Instead I was called up to the stage and after a short introduction was presented with a fake furry gerbil in a homemade cage. The joke goes on.

In case you think that I am the only one looking over my shoulder, One of the members woke up this morning with his nails painted an adorable shade of pink

Work is still work and the team does it well.

Some members took the same trip I did last Saturday and were happy to be shown around the East site. They were not suspected of any security breaches and had a great time. Everyone is well.

10/24/05 10:56pm

Another slow news day today. The cemetery recovery teams are still out over here in the West. Both the East and West Teams are doing great work.

Recoveries have slowed down on both sides but the forensic folks are still working hard to increase the number of identified.

The weather has changed drastically. It was 41 degrees this morning. Not a lot of fun shaving outside.

Found out that our section admin person is the mother of 13 year old triplets. Wow!

Not much going on here. I’m on the downside of this deployment and praying that the expected rain back home doesn’t flood my basement again. Everyone is well.

10/21-22-23/05 7:56pm

Slow news day today. I have to apologize about Friday. A shrimp got in the way. Yesterday, I was able to visit the East and did not return until late.

Had a great visit with the Region IV Commander his AO and the WMD AO. The Region IV commander fixed me up with a greeting that I and the members accompanying me will never forget. I can tell you first hand that the US Marshals are a tough bunch when they are alerted to the fact that you might be a gerbil smuggler. It all turned out well and we were able to travel back to Mississippi after a great meal at the site and still laughing.

Things in the East have slowed down some and there are many fewer members there then here. To the best of my knowledge, only two Region II members are in the East. One of them is a brand spanking new 50 year old, today. She and her husband are deployed together and he told me that as a present he let her sleep until 5:05 AM this morning. What a romantic!

In the West, things are moving along at a slow pace also. I loose my admin person tomorrow. She is going home to Michigan and her family. I will be sad to see her go but happy that she was here to help me learn my job. Our new admin is confidant that she is up to speed and we will go onward. Everyone is well

Cookie’s Farewell to DMORT at St. Gabriel

Crazy, I’m crazy for being so lonely
Crazy, Crazy for being so blue.
I knew St. Gabriel Camp wasn’t pretty
But someday, We’d have double room, bunk beds, too.

Worry, Why do I let myself worry?
Wondering, Why in the world am I here?

FEMA, why can’t I please have clean toilets?
I’ crazy for joining and crazy for staying.
And crazy for loving you.

Crazy, for thinking that there’d be no spiders.
I’m crazy, thinking that things would run smoothe.

I’m crazy for swatting and crazy for scratching
And I’m crazy for twelve hour days.

Crazy, for sweating inside of my Ty-Veks
I’m crazy for wearing St. Gabriel cologne.
Crazy for sleeping inside of a classroom
Sleeping in a small cot all alone.

Crazy, waiting for hurricane Wilma
Crazy, crazy to be in her path.
My love, is wasting away here with DMORT
I’m crazy for T-shirts, showers, and car pools,
And I’m crazy for FEEEE MAAAS Rules.

(Written by Cookie with help from Tristin, Pat, BIG Dave with Russell on the guitar and Tom as a backup singer)

10/20/05 10:34PM

Another slow news day today. We have been entertained at the lately morning meeting by a couple of beautiful voices. The day that one of the Deputy Commanders left, he was serenaded by his AO and this morning we did karaoke at 6:30 AM. A couple of members wrote a song about our special place to the tune of Crazy. The song was put on the TV screen and we got to sing along. It was great. I will send it along some night soon when I have a chance to type it up.

The pathology, anthro, odont and MLI section have been kicking butt with their great work. They should be very proud of the work they are doing. All stations are contributing greatly to the mission and should and are proud of their work.

I did some trading today. It was a little like a baseball trade. I’ll give you 2 of these for one of these. It works for everyone and everyone’s needs are met. I wasn’t involved in this one but we even had a trade between the East and West tonight. I’ll give you one admin for 1 DNA.

Two members from the East came to pick her up. I asked about the East and was tolod that while the cemetery mission is on going, it is rather slow over there. I asked them to carry my greetings and best wishes back to Mississippi.

Tonight as last night the bagpipes can be heard over the generators. One of the members plays for his and our entertainment. I’m convinced that there will be a parade around the camp one night reminesent of the parade we had around the indoor pool at a training many years ago. Everyone is well.

10/19/05 10:39pm

Another slow news day today. I am starting to think that it is a good thing. Before I was deployed I used to wonder how the news could be that slow. I have found out that most of the same things go on day after day. Sure there are wrinkles and some of the wrinkles are deeper than others but there isn’t anything that we can’t fix

The other night I wanted to let everyone know that there was a brand spanking new fifty year old amongst us but she returned home to Texas before I could let everyone know.

As on every deployment we start the morning off with the group meeting. The pledge of allegiance is first and is followed by a moment of silence for the victims. This is standard.
One tradition that is new is a patriotic or otherwise inspiring song. We are led by a man with a great voice and encouraged to join in. It is an inspiring way to start the day.

This morning we were all shown a powerpoint presentation put together by one of the members. It was about the work that we do and how and why we do what we do. I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house. Still no word from the East. Every one is well.

10/18/05 11:02pm

Well, the news is about the same. We in the West were visited by the boss today; it was good to see him again. Still no contact with the East.

If you think I wasn’t tired last night listen to this. I wrote the update, saved it and then went on line to read a few emails and send the update. I didn’t realize that I didn’t send it until I put my head on the pillow. I made a management decision to go to sleep.

More comings and goings here today. I understand that today was the first time in a while that we had more come in than go out.

The weather here is still hot in the day and cold at night. We had a 40 degree difference today and expect the same tomorrow.

The great work and dedication to the mission is evedicenced here every minute of every day. We have the best folks in the world as DMORT Team members. When a mass fatality incident occurs, there is no country on the face of this earth that shows more respect and care for identification of it’s dead.

Everyone should know that the Sopranos have left the building. Everyone is well.

10/17/05 11:02pm

Not a lot of news today. I greeted a visitor from the East today and asked for some news. He told me that things are going well over there. I gave him my number here and asked if he would have some one call me.

I remembered how much I hate the button fly on these BDU’s. Just another thing to get readjusted to.

My section is quite busy as all of the sections are. Amazing how much great work is being done by great people.

An administrative note; Please make sure that your banking information is up to date. If it isn’t and you are deployed you are asking for extended period of anguish. Everyone is well.

10/16/05 11:35pm

Well not a lot of news today. I still can’t reach the East. I will find a way very soon. I can’t stand not knowing what is going on.

I’m having a little trouble with the time change and it is only one hour. Went to bed early and woke up at 4 AM. Wide awake! Nothing to do. Nobody else awake. Showers don’t open until 5 AM.

Showered but no breakfast because I was not going to be late for my first daily 6 AM meeting. Team meeting at 6:30. Section chief meeting after the Team meeting. Be at work for 7 for my own first meeting with my team. Finally ate around 8:30. Lunch at 1:30. Planning meeting at 2. A lot of work done today by the team.

Some of the strike team members returned from west Louisiana. Many gator stories.

All the dentists say hello to their wives and children. I’ll leave it to you to know who put me up to this one.

10/15/05 11:03pm

Well it is another slow news day today. Sorry about missing last night but between packing, saying goodbye to my family and the six inches of water in my basement I ran out of time.

I have deployed to St. Gabriel and arrived safely along with one of our Region II members who I met up with in Atlanta. The operation here is so extensive that I haven’t taken it all in yet. I have my duty assignment and will start tomorrow.

It’s great to see so many old friends and I hope to make many more. The van that picked me up at the airport even had a seat reserved with my name on it.

I am finding out first hand why I couldn’t get much news from the West. There are only two spots that I can get enough of a signal out to make a call and have had no luck reaching the East or my wife in the north. I assume everyone is well.

10/13/05 11:01pm

Another slow news day.

Things are going well on both sides of the river. Strike teams are working the cemetery recovery and have received many compliments about their work.

The new tent is described as wonderful. Everyone is well.

10/12/05 9:54pm

Not too much in the way of news again today. I hear that there was a cold spell in the West. The temperature dropped to 80 degrees. Everyone was freezing. Things are better now, it’s back in the nineties. Everyone is well.

In the East things are moving right along. Another Katrina recovery today. Things are going well with the expanded mission. I started using the “expanded mission” term back before the media was aware of the DMORT cemetery recovery teams. I don’t think that I need to use it any more. One cemetery almost finished, six more to go. Everyone is well.

I will be deploying to St. Gabriel on Saturday. I hope to be able to keep up the updates. If I am unable to do one on Saturday night, I hope you understand.

10/10/05 8:48pm

Not much news today.

Things are going full speed ahead on both sides of the river. The new tent is being erected today and hopefully will be operational tomorrow.

Those members who would like to redeploy; please do not call the Operations Support Center. Please email Kevin & Kathy the dates when you are available. If you have already let us know, your names and dates have been forwarded to the OSC.

If your availability changes, please notify us immediately. Everyone is well.

There will be no update tomorrow evening. I will be in Albany meeting with NYSEMO and NY Homeland Security. I will have one on Wednesday.

10/9/05 2:55pm

Well another slow news day.

Operations are still going strong on both sides of the river. A lot of folks going and coming.

Seems food service may not be what is has been in the West. May be some of the same trouble in the East. I’m sure that something can be worked out.

I guess that I should clear up some confusion about the grandson. Anne & Cliff are the proud grandparents not Kevin and Kathy. Kevin’s younger sons are all to young and the older one is in the seminary, studying to be a priest. I thank everyone for the congratulatory messages.

I failed to mention the updated information posted on the web regarding Incident Stress management. Whether you fell you have it or not, everyone including your family and sometimes your coworkers is effected by a deployment. Do yourself a favor and read through the materials provided. If you do need help, please get help.

10/8/05 9:54pm

Things are well on both sides of the river.

It would seem that the numbers have increased in the West. Expanded operations are ongoing.

In the East, everyone is awaiting the new tent. The large tent must come down as it has been reclaimed by its owner. Operations continue full steam ahead. Everyone is well.

We were blessed with 0ur fourth grandchild last evening. Michael John Lent Jr. was born last night at 7:32 PM. He weighed in at 10 lbs 2 oz’s and is 22” long. Mom, dad and baby are all fine. His big sister Taylor is thrilled.

10/6/05 9:47pm

Not much news tonight.

Both sides of the river are working hard. Last nights social gathering in the East resulted in a decorating party. The fact that the decorations at the entrance and on the SUV were toilet paper is beside the point. Good clean fun was had by all.

Just a couple of admin notes. If you are called to deploy and that person cannot or does not give you a travel authorization # it is not from the OSC. Please write down the name of anyone who calls you to deploy. If you find yourself in this position – find me. If I can’t be found call the OSC (800-872-6367) and report the information.

To all the forensic dentists: If you heard about a deployment schedule just for dentists and your name somehow appears on the schedule, you are not to deploy unless you are called by the OSC.

For those deployed to St. Gabriel, the # to call for transportation from the airport is:
504-202-4688. Everyone is well.

Tomorrow the new grandchild arrives!

10/5/05 9:27pm

Things are still going well on both sides of the river.

I have not written much about the folks who are working Family Assistance. From everything that I have heard, we should all be very proud of the work these folks have done and will continue to do. A new FAC is being set up in the West at a former sporting goods store and many agencies will share the space. It will be a little like one stop shopping and that is great.

I hear that the dog mascot at the West site has been adopted. The work there is still going full bore. The West also has an expanded mission and that is going well after some wrinkles were worked out.

The East is doing well also. The local, state and federal law enforcement agencies have welcomed the support of DMORT and a great working relationship has sprung up.

Members are reminded that if they receive a call from the Operations Support Center requesting them to deploy the Regional Commander or AO must be notified of the call. Available members names have been submitted to the OSC and they are making the notification calls.

A personal note; if one of these nights very soon there is no update, blame it on my oldest daughter. She is 3 days overdue with our 4th grandchild and I may not have time for the update the day the baby is born. Everyone is well.

10/4/05 10:04pm

Well things are hopping on both sides of the river now.

I spoke with a few of the members in the West tonight and all were happy with the way things are going. The West has always had the best food provided by the Forest Service caterers. Tonight I understand that roast pork was the main course. Communications are still very difficult in the West but we manage to have a decent conversation, which means that I think it was roast pork.

The East is back working and processing full speed ahead. Many of the folks didn’t get back to the hotel until 8:30 or so.

The expanded mission is going very well also. Missing records were found today that should help tremendously. Much work is still to be done.

I was very glad to hear the spirit in the voices of the members on both sides of the river. The members are all proud to be part of the mission and prouder of the work that is being accomplished. I keep thinking about the PGA commercial where they say ”these guys are good”. Let me tell you something “our guys (and ladies) are great. Everyone is well.

10/3/05 9:18pm

Some good news tonight. The new East Morgue is up and running. Some folks worked all night Saturday to accomplish this feat. From what I hear everyone likes the layout.

The expanded mission is still moving slowly, but moving.

Members are still at the same hotel. On Saturday some of the dentists rode over to the West Morgue just to look at the facilities there and talk shop with their colleagues.

Things at the West Morgue are still Green. More Region II folks will be reporting there during this week. I was glad to send greetings to some old friends through one of our members in the West. Everyone is well.

The Commanders will be attempting to plan out the deployments for the next month. If you have deployed and would like to go back, please email the AO with your dates. If you have not deployed yet and can see a 2 week window, please let the AO know.

We have not lost your previous answers to the polling. Things change and we need to know about it. Thank you for your efforts. Everyone is well.

10/2/05 8:59pm

Well the pace is picking up at the East Morgue. A full day of work was done by all. There were some releases done today and everyone feels good about that. The new facility is running well as folks get used to the new set up. I haven’t heard any complaints.

The expanded mission is still on hold awaiting the arrival of some heavy equipment. Hopefully it should be starting up again this week.

A brand spanking new 50 year old arrived at the East site today. We had a tough time holding her back from deployment. Her husband was planning a big surprise party for her and all she wanted to do was be deployed. She now has her wish.

Spoke to a member on the West side tonight. They are all doing well over there. Everyone is very busy.

For those of you who are available and have not yet deployed – It will happen soon.

10/1/05 8:14pm

Another slow news day. There is still some more equipment still to be delivered to the East Morgue. I understand that more tents and a building for IR have to be set up. The expectation is that the East Morgue will be fully operational on Sunday afternoon.

The members continue to live in the hotel while new housing sites are investigated. The expanded mission has been on hold but will get underway again soon.

Things are good at the West Morgue. Additional Region II members will be rotating into the St. Gabriel site next week.

9/30/05 8:23pm

Slow news day again today.

IR has 2 computers up and running at the East Morgue. Some identifications and releases were done today. I heard that a second tent has been delivered and is going up at the new site. Many of the members are staying busy with “make work projects”. I understand the hopes are to have the new morgue operational by the end of the weekend.

No news again from the west. They are operational and all are working hard over there. Everyone is well.

9/29/05 8:02pm

Not a lot of news tonight. This is not necessarily a bad thing though.

The East Morgue is still not operational. It is expected to be up and running by the end of the week. In the meantime members are keeping busy washing cars and finding other tasks to keep busy.

The pool at the hotel is now open. That’s good news for those who have suits. The weather today is hot and I’m told 100% humidity (but it isn’t raining).

The West Morgue is fully operational and processing cases.

9/28/05 8:18pm

Not a lot to talk about tonight. Work is progressing on the new East Morgue site. One tent is up more to come. Everyone is well and still at the hotel.

No news from the West. A few Region 2 members will be reporting there soon.

Only 2 members had responded this morning to my request to check in with Kevin and Kathy to let them know about their availability. Please send the information.

9/27/05 10:39pm

Well things are still pretty slow on the Eastside. Some work is being done at the morgue and also the job of packing up for the move to the new site is ongoing. The added mission is also being worked. IR is doing it the old fashioned way by hand with no computers.

The Westside is back in full operation. As they say on the conference call “Everything is green”.

I understand that the First Lady is scheduled to pay a visit to the hotel tomorrow. I know that the President is aware of DMORT and the great work that is being done on both sides of the river by the DMORT Teams.

Those members who would like to redeploy, please shoot Kevin and Kathy an email as to when you would like to go back. Those who have stated that they are not available, I would ask that if your status changes, please email Kevin and Kathy with your available dates. For those who are available, we will get to you I’m sure. Not all disciplines have been tapped as yet.

Please remember, if you do not get a call from the Operations Support Center, you may havewrong information. If you are called and “deployed” by anyone other that the OSC, please contact me and we will get it straightened out.

More news from the Westside will be posted on the site separately so make sure you look for it. Everyone is well.

9/26/05 9:03pm

Well, some news from the West Morgue tonight. They are back in full operation today and were expecting some recoveries. It is hot and humid, nothing new. The Family Assistance group is still busy.

On the Eastside, the final paperwork for the new facility was expected to be completed today. Folks are still at the Imperial Palace.

The expanded mission was resumed today. Everyone on both sides is fine.

9/25/05 7:32pm

Not too much to report this evening. Another stand down day for most at the East Morgue. A new site has been found and the move will begin shortly. The site is approximately 5 miles from the old one. The site has a much better infrastructure than the airport and security will be a lot easier to maintain.

To our deployed folks and those who may be deploying; please remember the rules regarding the wearing of your uniform and what you can and can’t do in uniform. Purchase of alcoholic beverages and or consumption of alcoholic beverages in uniform is strictly forbidden.

I would also like to remind you about conversations that may be inappropriate for others to overhear. Just like Las Vegas, what happens at the East Morgue stays at the East Morgue.

The minimum team predeployed to Dallas is moving to Houston. All of the Management Support Teams in Texas are consolidating in Houston. There is no, thank God, DMORT mission in Texas.

Everyone is still well and hoping to get back to work soon.

9/24/05 9:18pm

Everyone came through the storm and is ok. No work for most today while the East Morgue facility is being evaluated for safety. I understand that the winds did some damage to the building.

I spoke to a Team member at the West Morgue tonight and they fared well. The rain was pretty heavy all day but has stopped for now. The high winds that caused a power outage overnight have subsided. The day was spent by some cleaning up from the storm.

Region II has more replacements traveling tomorrow and a few coming home. I wish them all Godspeed.

9/23/05 8:21pm

Well, in true DMORT fashion we finally got into a hotel. As I reported yesterday the entire group has moved to the Imperial Gardens Hotel in Biloxi. Accommodations are a lot better than the members are used to down there. The hotel is giving discount rates for food and everyone is eating well. The power goes out frequently and one member had to walk 23 stories down for lunch. Needless to say he waited for the power on the way back.

Winds this afternoon were approximately 40 miles per hour and the rain was coming down in buckets. It was not a steady rain.

The Teams in the West have also shutdown their operation. They are staying in an air-conditioned school building and doing ok at last report.

Kenyon has also suspended operation until the storm is over.

Everyone seems to be doing fine. Morale is high. I am sure they will all be fine.

9/22/05 8:27pm

Well our folks have been very busy today. Securing equipment, their own things, computers etc. Eats have been on the fly. Some wind and heavy rain today. It was quite dark and overcast at 7 PM.

Out folks will be traveling to Biloxi (approx. 15 miles) for the night and maybe to ride out the storm. They will be staying in a hotel and will be safe from the weather. The hotel where they will stay has been one of the MST command posts for about a week now so they are not going into an unknown situation and will have plenty of support. The DMAT team will be traveling and staying with our folks.

The expanded mission went well today but was hampered by the lack of equipment.

Have not heard of what is happening at the West Morgue but be sure that plans have been in place and will be used when and if it becomes necessary. More when I hear it.

9/21/05 11:25pm

Well, I promised an address for mailing to our teammates and relatives at the East Morgue. Here it is:

Name of Individual
DMORT
C/O Air National Guard
Combat Readiness Center
4715 Hewes Ave Bldg 146
Gulfport, MS 39507-4324

 This address can be used to send only Fedex or UPS packages or letter envelopes. No regular mail.

I understand the expanded mission went well today. More about that soon.

Dinner tonight was meatloaf from Cracker Barrel. The heat is still pounding away at our folks. Everyone is safe.

A standby mission was ordered for Hurricane Rita today. A team has been prepositioned along with some DMAT assets to respond to any call for assistance. DMORT is standing tall along with all the other National Disaster Medical System Teams.

Not too much from the West. They are as you can understand extremely busy and still working in difficult conditions. Everyone was presented with a new pair of boots this morning.

Thanks for the assistance with getting in touch with our teammates in the West. Someone even posted a sign requesting Region II members to get in touch with me.

9/20/05 9:57pm

Well, Tropical Storm Rita has caused an evacuation plan to be put in place if necessary. My understanding is that everyone will be moved to Jackson, Mississippi. There will be plenty of lead-time if necessary. Everyone will be safe.

Talk about a slice of home. I understand that 5 pizzas were FedEx’d from NYC today. I’m sure that they needed to be heated up again but what a great gesture. Dinner tonight was beef stew. No one is owning up to the preparation.

There is mail service available and I apologize for not letting everyone know. UPS and FedEx are delivering. I will have the address for you tomorrow.

Some more Region II folks have been notified to deploy as replacements. More will be called.

9/19/05 9:44pm

Another slow news day today. I still can’t raise anyone on the West side. If you have a friend or family member from Region II over at the West Morgue, please ask them to give me a call.

The heat was quite unbearable today but every one made it through ok. Hamburgers, hot dogs and french fries were on the menu tonight, courtesy of Region I.

A few of our members have been contacted for deployment over the next week or so. That to me, folks, means that the mission is ongoing. The speed for the most part has slowed to a crawl but there is plenty of work to be done. You can just imagine the size of the databases that are being kept.

9/18/05 8:36pm

Not much again tonight.

Dinner was made by the outgoing DMAT Team. Brisket and shrimp cocktail were on the menu.

The DMAT Team is being replaced so that they can go hurricane chasing. The new showers at the East Morgue are still working fine.

I promise more tomorrow. I’ll find a way to reach the folks in the West. Just got an email from one of the members in the West. Some members were treated to a helicopter view of the devastation today.

Everyone is fine or you can be sure that I would have heard otherwise.

9/17/05 9:33pm

Another slow news day. It was quite hot in Biloxi today. Temps around 95 and quite humid. Everyone was given the afternoon off.

The dentists did the cooking tonight. I understand it was quite a smorgasbord.

Everyone is doing fine. There has been a lot of great work done down there by a lot of great people. Wish I could say more, and I will someday.

Just by the way, prayer works. The missing bags showed up the next day. Thank you God.

9/16/05 9:41 pm

Slow news day today. Most of the folks who went over to the West Morgue are coming back east for out-processing on their way home.

Region II has 12 members at the East Morgue and 7 members at the West. I am not counting those in transit in or out.

I understand that lunch was provided by a local church, although I can’t find anyone who owns up having any. Talking about owning up to things, dinner tonight was cabbage and sausage. There won’t be any denying who ate dinner.

For everyone who just got home – the hot showers are supposed to be installed tomorrow.

9/15/05 11:59pm

News from the West Morgue is nonexistent tonight. Communications are very difficult from here to there. I hope that they are better from there to home.

Spaghetti was the dinner tonight but no one would own up to being incharge of the cooking.

Data input is still going strong on both the dental and FAC side. I understand that amazingly many dental records have been provided for comparison.

I still have not found out if the bags showed up in Baton Rouge yet. I’ll try again tomorrow.

Some new Region II folks arrived at the East morgue today and will be assigned to their workstation tomorrow.

New friendships have been made that will continue by phone and email. I have heard from some of the returnees and all have told me how proud they were to have been able to deploy. I have said it before and will say it again that I have heard nothing but praise for not only the members as professionals but for the work that was done and will continue to be done by all DMORTS.

9/14/05 9:40 pm

Over the next few days many of our members who left on the initial deployment will be returning home. For family members, I ask you to be gentle. For friends, be a friend. They have all seen things that you have seen on TV but not up close and personal. The whole psychology of a deployment can be difficult.

Dinner tonight was supposed to be catfish or tilapia. My source wasn’t sure.

The day was spent by most of the mortuary officers restocking morgue supplies. The dentists and anthro’s were doing their thing and the IR folks were typing away.

Spoke to one of our folks who just arrived for deployment at the West Morgue. The airline lost her bags. Looks like I’ll be on the phone to the Pope and St. Jude again. We have several folks working on the Westside. I have spoken to a few of them and they are still safe and doing well. Most are working on the recovery side; some are working in the morgue. Our recovery folks are staying on a cruise ship down in New Orleans. They are not getting the usual amenities but have a bed and a shower. No bars, no gambling or entertainment.

9/13/05 9:00 pm

Another slow news day today. I understand that everyone is still doing well.

The Information Resource (IR) tent was set up today. The post mortem data that was entered on the VIP (Victim Information Program) forms for each deceased must be input into the computers. Data searches using the ante mortem and post mortem information collected at the FAC’s will be made. This is not an identification program but a data matching program. Searches will yield likely matches.

Dinner tonight was 80 Pizza Hut pizzas. I could say something about a slice of home but I won’t.

The folks have been very happy to have had the VA1 Strike Team (DMAT) with them to assist with any possible medical emergencies that could come up. The Team is rotating out and will be replaced by another group from Virginia. They were checking blood pressure and taking pulses and just generally watching over the DMORTS as medical support. They meshed so well with the DMORTs that I understand as part of their out processing the had to be deMortised.

We have rotated in some new Region II members today and our original group will be leaving over the next few days.

9/12/05 9:11 pm

Not too much in the way of news tonight. The folks are still working hard and making the DMORT mission a success.

I don’t have any word from the folks who went to St. Gabriel. Communications are much tougher on that side of the River. I’ll pass on any info when I hear from them.

Region II was in charge of the cooking tonight. No further comments at this time.

A great human interest story happened at the FAC the other day. A 5 year old and his dog were reunited to the cheers of all involved. Last evening the teams were treated to some South Carolina barbeque. That I understand was actually brought down from some where in the Charleston area. I could be wrong about that.

One of our Region II members turned the BIG 30 yesterday. Her folks are living down there and she was able to spend some time with them. I understand that there was also a cake. Happy Birthday, you know who you are.

The shower truck is still working well and mirrors have been hung on the fence so those with hair can make a straight part again and shaving isn’t the nightmare that it had been.

Our “other AO” has asked me to thank everyone who responded to her latest request for your contact information. I think that you all know now how important it is to keep your information up to date.

Just to show that more than ourselves and our families are interested in us, I received this in an email today:

“Great updates and information. At Mass this morning I asked my community
to daily remember the efforts spearheaded by your leadership. If there
are any babies to baptize when I'm down...The Pope did hear your
message...he was busy, I hope writing a big check for relief efforts,,,”

Father Denny Hayes

Thank you Father.

Your efforts are not going unnoticed.

 9/11/05 8:52 PM

Another slow news day. The replacements being sent to the East Morgue will be traveling over the next few days. We will be expecting our first group back this week also.

A Memorial Service was held this morning for the Victims of the World Trade Center Bombing and a moment of silence was observed during the service.

I have not heard from the members who are working on the recovery in New Orleans. It is to early.

9/10/05 11:00 PM

Well, I do have some news tonight. Region II members continue to shine at the East Morgue. Our members continue to draw accolades from the members of other regions and their supervisors.

True to my philosophy of no names, I can report that one of the Region II members received the great news yesterday that he is to become a father. We wish he, his wife and child all the best.

Yesterday’s conference call resulted in Region II deploying 5 members to the West Morgue operations to assist with the recovery effort initiative. Last evening at the evening briefing, volunteers were requested for reassignment to the West Morgue to join members from the other Regions who would be deploying for the initiative. Seven members volunteered and left this morning for the Baton Rouge area. All arrived safely this afternoon. I expect that most of the 12 will be working recovery tomorrow with the 82nd Airborne Division. I heard this evening from one of the members traveling to Baton Rouge. He arrived safely but guess what didn’t. When he called and explained that all his clothing, etc was lost and the airline didn’t seem interested, I told him that I would call the Pope and St. Jude and have some prayers said. Before I could get through to them, he called me back to let me know the luggage would be on the next flight. Sometimes even the threat of prayer works.

Today 7 members were contacted to deploy as replacements for our members who will have completed their deployment next week. I will probably learn about more notifications tomorrow and pass the numbers on.

A milestone was achieved today. A shower trailer was opened at the East Morgue to cheers. No more need to drive miles for a shower. The TSA and FAA may have something to do with getting the showers installed after someone who forgot the airport was open to commercial traffic drove across an open runway. No planes or drivers were in danger. It just caused a few strange blips on the radar.

Tonight, I understand that some of the Region IV folks decided to show off their cooking skills and served up a hearty meal to everyone.

Since notifications for deployment seem to now be handled by the OSC, I would like to request that when you are notified to please contact me to let me know. I would also like to request that you forward me a copy of the e ticket when it is emailed to you. I would also like to hear from you when you reach your destination so that we can report that anonymously you have reached your destination safely.

Please make sure that Kevin and Kathy, our “other AO” have your correct contact information. If you have a second or new email address you should provide that also. I know it is a pain but you can imagine the frustration when we try to reach old disconnected numbers. I thank you for your efforts to keep your records up to date.

Those of you who have notified us of your availability to be deployed, your names are submitted each day to the OSC on an updated roster. The necessary replacements are chosen from that roster by OSC. If your status changes, for whatever reason, you must contact us ASAP. Folks do get sick, things at home change, things happen. We will work with you to get a new date or remove you from the available roster.

If any family members are having trouble reaching a deployed member, please let me know and I will do my best to get them a message.

I just had a thought. One day I will have to go back and fill in all the names that I have left out. What a job that will be!

Just heard from the guys at the West Morgue. They are all together and looking forward to starting work tomorrow.

9/9/05 11:10PM

Well it was a slow news day again today until 3:45 PM. I received the email from the Operations Support Team. I received the email just before you did and had no knowledge of the subject until the call started. I am sorry for those who did not know about it or have the time to join in and will try and give a synopsis.

Our leadership requested the membership to join in the call. This was the first time that a request for an all hands conference call was issued. I knew that the subject had to be a hot one. A request to increase the DMORT response in New Orleans resulted in the conference call.

The call went out for all mortuary officers who were available to be deployed to St. Gabriel, LA. These MO’s were requested to assist the 82nd Airborne Division who are tasked with body recovery in and around NO. The request was expanded to include Death Investigators and law enforcement personnel. The names of our Region II members who fit the job request and had reported that they were deployable have been submitted to the Operations Support Center. Please do not call them if you are just reading this message. I know that the email says to call if there are any questions but since we have submitted our roster, I would prefer that you call or email me.

If you are called directly by the OSC and asked to deploy, you must call or email me, I do not care what time it is, and follow any instructions you are given to the letter. If I am called to notify you of a deployment, I will email or tell you the information that I have including phone numbers.

When you are deployed, DO NOT TRAVEL IN UNIFORM. You will have plenty of time to change once you reach your destination. A new listing of “STUFF” to bring has been emailed and posted. For those who are members of NAME, a letter from your President has been posted on the website.

No changes in the operation of the East morgue have been reported to me. I will be monitoring emails and will be at home or on the cell for the weekend.

9/8/05 10:00PM

I tried hard to find some news to share but have none. Sometimes that’s a good thing. Things are going well and the deployed members are all doing well.

9/7/05 10:00PM

Well, another slow news day today. Every day I try to get this out early and I obviously am not doing a good job. I will try harder. I try and wait until the last minute to see if there is any more news to share.

The morgue is fully operational and everyone is working their 12 hour day shift. The weather is still hot. More tents arrived and are being set up. The tents are air conditioned. I understand that the members from Region I hosted a barbaque. Ipass these little tidbits on so that the families and members at home know that conditions are getting better little by little.

We had a Commanders conference call today. I was amazed to find out that between all the NDMS Response Teams there are almost 3 thousand of us members on deployment.
Most of that number are from the DMAT side. We will be having conference calls each day to help us understand how things are going.

There are a number of Family Assistance Centers (FAC) set up in our area. These centers are used by families to initiate the process of reporting the ante mortem information that is so vital to even have a chance to identify the deceased. Other agencies are usually housed with the FAC so that families don’t have to go from office to office.

Sorry that WABC chose not to run the piece on DMORT today. Maybe it’s their way of increasing their ratings by teasing us. I will try and find out if they scrubbed it for good. I get numerous calls from the media each day. My response is the same to each call. They must call our main number and ask for our Public Information Officer. One of the reasons that no names are mentioned here is that media would be hounding the families of our members and that’s just not fair.

It is with sadness that I report the death of the mother of one of our deployed members. I understand that it was not sudden but was not expected as quickly as it occurred. A concerted effort was made to get him home as quickly as possible. His DMORT friends made sure that he was at the airport with a ticket home as quickly as humanly possible. I mention this because I want you all to know of the bond we have as Members of the DMORT Team.

I am sure that I speak for all of us when I say that our thoughts, prayers and hope are with him and his family.

9/6/2005 10:10 PM

I am sorry that this is so late. I was hoping to have more news for everyone.

The morgue in Biloxi-Gulfport is fully operational. The coroner released a count today of 143 bodies. This was released at a news conference, so there is no secret about it and the information can be shared.

I spoke with the Region IV Commander this afternoon and he had nothing but praise for our Region II folks and all the DMORTS. He told me that he was proud and honored to be working with such a great group of professionals.

He told me that a tent was being erected for the female members and they would also be getting cots. The guys will have to wait a couple of days. He assured me that they are on the way.

As long as the folks don’t mind driving for their shower, they can get one. One or some of the DMORTS purchased clothes washer and dryer and it was delivered today. They expect to have a tent city set up by the weekend.

They are working on a way to get mail deliveries to our folks. So watch for that news. I hope that as things get better, the communications get better and folks are able to call their families.

A few days ago, I exchanged emails with Barbara Butcher, Director of Investigations at OCME, NYC. As we draw near to that infamous day, 9/11, many memories of that deployment will flash in our heads. I would like to share what Barbara wrote to me: “It’s amazing to think of the things we all went through together, and heartening to know that we are a Family who can count on one another; a rare breed of folks. Please be careful out there and know that we will walk there if we have to help you guys out.” We should all be proud of what we do and how we do it.

I’d like to end on a lighter note – the latrine has a name, the Katrina Latrina

9/5/2005 9:34 PM

I understand that processing began today after a couple of glitches. The recovery teams were out with their Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) NMERT (for dcon) and local law enforcement partners.

There was a rumor that the President would stop at the morgue today, but that didn’t happen. I don’t have anything else to report except that everyone is still safe. Hope to have more for you tomorrow.

9/5/2005 8:26 AM

All of our Region II folks have arrived safely in Biloxi. The processing did not begin yesterday as hoped, generator and water problems. Processing is hopefully to begin today. Job assignments have been made and members will be working the usual 12 hour shifts. DMORT will be participating in the recovery operation. This will not be a fulltime task and will be rotated among the members.

The single porta john has been assigned for the ladies and a latrine has been built for the guys. The path to the latrine is lighted at night by portable lighting normally used to designate a landing are for helicopters. I understand that the research necessary for the placement of the latrine was done by a Region I anthropologist.

I will post separately, a list of suggested items to take along if you are deployed. This list is posted on the Region 4 website and I admit to stealing it.

9/4/2005 12:09 PM

I just received a call from the members who are traveling to the Air Station. They have been on the road for about two hours and are in a convoy along with some Disaster Medical Assistance Teams (DMAT), Their ETA at the air station is about 6:00PM. All our region II folks will all then be on station at the temporary morgue site.

I have been able to speak with command staff at the air station this morning and was informed that the temporary morgue will be operational today. I’m sure everyone will be happy to start the processing.

Conditions are still primitive there. Communications are still spotty. Everyone at the air station finally had the opportunity to take a shower last night. I also understand that coffee was available for those who wanted it. They are still eating MREs though.

For those members who are deployed: Please remember to call your family at least once a day if you can. If you can’t make contact and feel that I can help- contact me through Susan or Kevin.

9/4/2005 11:37 AM

Last evening, I spoke with Pat Kauffman, Region III Commander. Pat is still in Anniston, AL. Our Region II folks who traveled yesterday will be traveling to Biloxi today.

An update as to where everyone is. The temporary morgue is set up at the Biloxi Gulfport Air National Guard Station. Our folks are also there. The Management Support Team (MST) is located approximately 15 miles away at Keesler Air Force Base. The Family Assistance Team is also on their way to Gulfport. I am unsure as to where they will be set up, but is will be in the Biloxi area.

9/3/2005 4:43 PM

I just received an update about the West morgue. It is set up in St. Gabriel, Louisiana. The staffing is by Regions 5, 6, 7, 8 and the WMD Team. Communications are challenging for them also.

Region II members who arrived in Anniston will overnight there and move to Biloxi on Sunday.

To our families at home, please feel free to call on me at any time night or day. If you have a concern or just want to verify something you heard, I will do what I can.

More news tomorrow.

9/3/2005 1:20:54 PM

Many of the Team that traveled early in the day have arrived safely at Keesler Air Force Base outside of Biloxi. Those that arrived late in the day overnighted in Anniston and will travel to Keesler today.

The Family Assistance Team has activated 2 of our members. I am not sure where they will end up yet.

Conditions at Kessler are difficult to say the least. The temporary morgue has not been completely set up as I write. There is no fuel for the generators. Our members are eating MREs and sleeping where they can.

Cell phone service is spotty at best. Before I forget, anyone deploying should bring along a car charger for their cell phone. I hope that conditions will improve rapidly and soon.

At this time, I do not have any information about needs for additional members. Please do not call NDMS Hq’s. I think that you understand that they are quite busy. If you feel that you are out of the loop and want to talk to someone, please call me.

These updates will also be posted on the website (www.dmort2.org) daily. I realize that it may be easier than email but we will do both.

Update 9/2/05

I would like to thank the families of our deployed team members for sharing them with us for a while. It is far from easy for both them and those at home. At this time we have 27 members, either on the ground or traveling to Anniston Alabama. The Noble Training Center in Anniston is being used as a staging area. Our members will be moving to wherever the temporary morgue site is established. Transportation and security will be provided for them.

This group is comprised of forensic dentists, mortuary officers, pathologists and an anthropologist. I have been called by one of our mortuary officers who will be deployed with the Family Assistance Team. He is on his way to Jackson, Mississippi. The normal deployment time is 14 days. I do not expect nor do I have any knowledge or expect that the deployment will be any longer. The identification process will be long and arduous. Many team members from all over the country will be rotating in. The Regions that have sent members are I,II,IV,V,VI,VII and VIII.

For our members who have volunteered but did not go on the first go round, your names have been submitted to the Operation Support Center. I will be contacted by the OSC prior to anyone being activated. I will contact you and give you all the information that I can prior to you leaving. Make sure that you have an adequate supply of any prescription medications and vitamins. If you have uniforms –great, if you do not, casual slacks and golf shirts will be fine. Comfortable shoes are a must. If we are sending a group, as we did this time, I will have a conference call prior to departure.

Cell phone service is spotty at best and very difficult in Biloxi, Mississippi where the temporary is being set up. For those of you who might find it easier to check a website, the updates will be posted each time. I will try to have an update every day.

Cliff Oldfield