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    FEMA Pauses, Prepares on Thanksgiving

    SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Hundreds of people supporting the recovery efforts in Puerto Rico took time to share a meal and contemplate their work on the island near the Convention Center in San Juan today. The Federal Emergency Management Agency hosted the Thanksgiving meal, but invited all their partner and supporting agencies to attend.

    “Thanksgiving is a time to reflect and be thankful for all that we have accomplished,” said Michael Bryne, FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer for the Puerto Rico hurricane response. “I’m humbled by the capacity and commitment to service of the team working with the people of Puerto Rico.”

    Byrne also cautioned that once the meal is complete, “we’ll roll up our sleeves and get back to work.”

    According to Byrne, both he and Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello thought the shared meal would be a good way to encourage teamwork as well as contemplation of the situation in Puerto Rico.

    “I think that after 63 days it is only right to pause for a while and reflect on all that we have done and all the sacrifices that have gone into this and the work that remains,” said Byrne.

    The events planners anticipated about 650 diners. At least that many, if not more, attended. They represented a variety of agencies including FEMA, Department of Health and Human Services, Army Corps of Engineers, fire departments, police departments and many others.

    “It is a hosted event open to all agencies that are here on island helping with the hurricane relief,” said one event planner.

    That includes members of the Department of Defense.

    “Anywhere soldiers are sent, we have to make if feel like home,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher Brown, the senior enlisted soldier in Puerto Rico.

    Brown calculates this is his fifth Thanksgiving spent away from home and family, but he feels this is a special event because he is here surrounded by and assisting his fellow U.S. citizens.

    Fare was as might be expected – turkey, potatoes, pie – served as a buffet. The accommodations were simple with family style seating. Attendees were asked for donations to finance their food. There was no extravagance, nor was any expected. There was a lot of thankfulness and reflection. And that is what Rossello and Byrne believe will benefit Puerto Rico in the months ahead.

    Story by Maj. Brett Walker, Executive Officer, 65th Press Camp Headquarters
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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 11.23.2017
    Date Posted: 11.24.2017 17:30
    Story ID: 256431
    Location: PR

    Web Views: 124
    Downloads: 0

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