20 June 2008

Update from Major David Miller, MOWG/PAD

- Was onsite all day today. Started the day sitting in on the daily 9am situation briefing by the EMA Director with all agencies present. They appreciate our photos but lamented the fact that they are received the next day and not within a preferred window of 3 hours.

- An agency liaison (Brad Sanker) was placed at the local EOC which greatly facilitated interagency communication and the transfer of recon photos.

- Main function today was traffic control, parking, and communication with the aircrews and ground staff. Kudos to all involved for getting the job done, rotating crews, and making sure all were hydrated. It went very smoothly. Cadets also functioned as Honor Guards with US and State flags at the entrance to the Winfield High School for the Governor/Sen. Bond/Congressman Akin; and two performed the same honor guard duty for the Governor's press conference, standing on either side of him throughout his appearance.

- Three sorties today, two for flood recon, and the third and last flying a FEMA representative/photographer and the Mayor of the town of Foley.

- Wing commander flew in and was present for several hours, including our meeting with Governor Blunt who stopped by our area and spoke with the cadets.

- In addition, both Senator Kit Bond and Congressman Todd Akin also toured the area and stopped by our area to meet and greet and pose for pictures. Both were very supportive and appreciative of our efforts on behalf of the flood relief.

- Specifically interacted with CNN (Aaron Cooper), CBS, NBC, ABC, Fox, KTRS radio, and Associated Press reporters. Also worked closely today with Terry and Jessica Wenschel of the Governor's Office, Mike DuBois of Sen. Bond's office, and James Mitas of Congressman Akin's office, and a Mo National Guard PAO.

To finish the day, I spoke directly with Fox reporter John Auble who wants to do an "after action" story next week on what CAP did for flood relief. Also worked closely with Andy Binder, Lincoln County PIO.

- We continue to be listed in the daily SEMA situation report.

This ends my direct involvement with the flood relief efforts. I will be at Lee C. Fine in the morning to serve as Graded SAREX PAO. Will put together further media releases and overall article for the Wing website and CAP News Online. I was very impressed by the overall response to this natural disaster. Kudos to all involved, especially Lt. Cols. Rice and Rugh who oversaw the entire mission.

V/R,
David

David A. Miller, Maj, CAP
Asst. PAO, MOWG