Courtesy Photo | The city of New Orleans after being hit by natural disaster, Hurricane Katrina....... read more read more
Pfc. Jacqueline M. Hawe
82nd Airborne Division Public Affairs Office
NEW ORLEANS, La.-- As soon as a chair is open, it is occupied again by another displaced American rescued by one of the many helping hands of American Soldiers and Airmen.
The Convention Center, located downtown is the main collection point for evacuees to go to, said 1st Lt. Derek Parker, a Physician Assistant for 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division. Paratroopers from 2nd Battalion, 505th PIR are patrolling the center and also directing the evacuees to where they need to go, he said.
"With so many different agencies working to help the evacuees it makes it easier to have one key location for the evacuees to link up with rescuers to get them to safety," Parker explained.
"Ninety-five percent of the people we see everyday are just evacuees," said Parker. "The other five percent are in need of medical care."
If someone is in need of medical care the convention center offers a handful of professionals, said Parker.
Medical professionals helping support hurricane relief operations come from all over the country, said Parker. There are medical students, nurses, and medics from all branches of the service.
"I am very grateful to all the help we have received in this mission, especially to the civilian volunteers.
"The 82nd has been like a god send," said Melissa Bowers, a civilian volunteer from Harrison Medical Center in Bremerton, Wash. "They have been able to get us whatever we need to complete our mission."
The National Guard has also been a huge help, she said.
Once the evacuees are screened for medical issues they are sent to a white tent where they will wait for transportation to take them to the New Orleans International Airport, said Staff Sgt. Juan Almonte, a combat medic with 2nd Battalion, 505th PIR.
From the airport the evacuees are sent to safety, said Parker.
Most people were afraid to leave because they didn't want to leave their pets behind, said Maj. Amy Hannah, the Task Force All American Public Affairs Officer.
"Now looking around the convention center you could see a variety of animals, from lizards to cats; birds to dogs," said Hannah.
With numbers of agencies working together, evacuees are able to get to the convention center, receive medical attention, and finally be transported to the New Orleans International Airport where they will be flown to safety.
"I am extremely pleased with how this effort has come together," said Task Force All American Commanding General, Maj. Gen. William B. Caldwell, IV.
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| Date Taken: | 09.10.2005 |
| Date Posted: | 09.10.2005 11:20 |
| Story ID: | 2964 |
| Location: | NEW ORLEANS, LA, US |
| Web Views: | 188 |
| Downloads: | 139 |
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