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FOIA Number: 2013-0661-F
(3)
FOIA
MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the William J. Clinton
Presidential Library Staff.
Collection/Record Group:
Clinton Presidential Records
Subgroup/Office of Origin:
Americorps
Series/Staff Member:
General Files
Subseries:
OA/ID Number:
24233
FolderID:
Folder Title:
Emergency Projects: Virgin Islands
Stack:
Row:
Section:
Shelf:
Position:
S
66
1
3
1
AGENCY
RENEWALS
NON-RENEWALS
SUPERVISOR
STATE
FOREST SERVICE
Jason Hansen
Dave Johnson
WA
Cheri Ude
Dave Johnson
WA
Dina Kountoupes
Joan McCloud
VT
Daniel Noonan
Mindy Martin
OR
NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE
-what they
being pd
Tim Craddock
WV
Sammy Bousley
IL
Anna Gomes
Leon Martinez
NM
Abby Gage
noted
SC
Mark Van Ramsey
SD
Ryan Webster
Larry Miles
KS
RURAL ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Jim Luvanos
CA
John Glenn
WA
Charolet Merdith
MS
Margaret Peters
AR
AmeriCorps Virgin Islands Recovery
Accomplishments
1. Florence Phillips- Mandal: the first outdoor job; lots of debris and
nowhere to put it; built some stairs
2. Clarence Calistro- Hospital Ground: cleaned debris and garbage
from a local FEMA worker's grandmother's house; cut trees with carpenter's saw!
3. Ricardo Williams- Tutu: cleaned-up trash and debris around house and
helped construct temporary roof to hold tarp
4. Rastafarian Community- Bordeaux Farm: assisted Mennonite
Disaster Service in construction of 9 tent platforms
5. Mariann Batiste- Tutu Valley: the first roof removal; a wonderful and
appreciative person; we figured out that a large crew gets more done than a small
crew??!
6. Emergency response- Dorothea: Bill, along with a FEMA-CR person,
helped a homeless person move their belongings from the road side to a more secure
place
7. Bernadette Gonsalves- Wintberg: general debris removal from
around the house and a very disgusting referigerator
8. Terry and Italia Brunn- Wintberg: general debris clean-up for a nice
couple- Jimmy ramrods for the Seamsters Union.
9. Sean Penn- Coki Point: lots of debris and Scott gets taken to the cleaners
10. Herman Charles- Lower John Dunko: removal of hanging
insulation and damaged ceiling; installation of tarp
11. Viola Liburd- Lower John Dunko: same as Herman Charles, but on
a smaller scale
12. Vivian Queeman- Mahogany Estate: the notorious PVC adventure,
directed by Jimmy, with Scott playing the gopher; removed pile of rubble
13. Beatrice Crime- Contant: three cement block walls that had fallen
were removed making it safe to walk again
14. Patricia Thomas- Contant: removed small amount of garbage and
realized our limitations concerning going onto and fixing roofs
15. Mary Jackson- Contant: removed damaged ceiling tiles and taught us
that we can't staple into metal or glass?
16. Lutheran School- King Quarter: assisted Lutheran's in removing
debris from school
17. Louis Guerrard- Mandal: removed sheet metal from field
18. Rastafarian Community- Bordeaux: Charlet takes stoves and other
goodies to the Rastas, with Brad from FEMA-CR
19. Olivia Maduro- Hospital Ground: removed sheet metal and other
debris from the gut in front of her house; Tim sliced his forearm, and Richard tried
walking on nails
20. Robby La Place- Mandal: the trailer; the mess; the stench; Vontese
wishes she had ten hands; Ana smiles on the front page; Dan is promoted to project
leader; the lunch; Jimmy tests the strength of his shin; twisted steel; hellacious pile
of everything stable and moving; scorpions, tarantulas, and skeletons
21. Edna Callwood- Tutu Valley: another day another roof removed at
record rate; a real sheety day
22. Jocelyn Monsanto- Tutu Valley: Tutu Valley, must be another roof;
a very twisted roof and a couple of trees; John earns trip to FEMA Medical Unit
with sculpted wrist
23. Muriel Brewley- Tutu Highrise: Scott demonstrates the use of a
Coleman stove and lantern; did anybody see his eyebrows?
24. James Webster- Bovoni: Mr. and Mrs. Webster were on hand to direct
the debris removal and sorting; they wanted to save alot of things; quickly
completed.
25. Trinita Hodge- Frydenhoj: removed debris and sorted wood for a
local FEMA person whose house was destroyed except for the bathroom
26. Olivia Maduro- Hospital Ground: Dan, John and Ryan rebuilt the
railings on this wood bridge; it is a good one, and a definite improvement
27. St. Thomas Livestock Association- Bonne Esperance:
lead by ramrod Tim, sheetmetal and other debris is removed from this non-profit's
field; discovered we need monkeys in our tool bag to get sheetmetal out of trees
28. Webb Alick- Estate Tutu: Ana and Mark help Lutherans remove
debris and clean home
29. Ernesto and Ester Van ter Pool- Old Tutu: another assist to
Lutherans for debris removal and clean-up by Ana and Mark
30. Murphy Smith- Queen Quarter: "Scott we need 4 flatheaded
screwdrivers!!!!" application of crowbars negates this previous plea; hardheaded
AmeriCorps members beatdown and shred an entire roof; Tim gets his arm in way
of sheetmetal again.
31. Lillian Lopez- Queen Quarter: removal of fallen branches and a
dead sheetmetal fence and a well-deserved short day
32. Marva Ritter- Tutu Valley: more debris and another roof; all done not
enough tools!
33. George DeWerd- Hull: a fine old man in a sad situation; a beautiful
house that has suffered alot from Marilyn; removed debris, trash and Will done did
what he did; we avoided the pool; for $50 Dan would have been challenged to jump
into the slimy soup, but alas! Dan wasn't there.
34. Judith Goodling- Anna's Retreat: a Lutheran assist debris and
damaged possession removal by the Ana and Mark Show.
35. Stove Demo- St. John: Cheri lends a hand to a small group of elderly
folks on the small island.
36. USDA Food distribution- St. Thomas: help in the warehouse
37. Food Stamp work- St. Croix: Vontese and Yvette wow 'em on St.
Croix and help the USDA finish up their operations there
38. Food Stamp work- St. Thomas: everyone got a shot at this as it went
from day one to last day; assistance was given to USDA personnel in the
certification and distribution process at up to 5 locations
39. Sarah Matthews: Tutu Valley: quick work on a contact made by us
removing part of a roof and clearing a path from the front yard to the backyard
40. Joe Potter- Tutu: yet another Mark and Ryan relief effort removing
damaged furniture with Lutheran help
41. The Hills- Tutu: its getting boring but Mark and Ryan assist the
Lutherans in removal of debris and damaged belongings
42. Leroy Boyce- Litton's Fancy: dancing on the roof by Tim, Jimmy,
Ryan and Abby; reinforcing the roof and re-application of our special off-white tarp
to stop major leaking; return trip on one of the primo jobs of the tour- building a
two-story staircase; cudos to Cherie, Ryan, Tim and Mark
43. Molly Mills- Mafolie: lots of debris from around the house; took two
days and 3 dump trucks to clear it out; one of those days with a VERY SMALL
CREW!!!
44. Stove Demo- Donoe: Charlet and Dina show some scared folk how to use
a Coleman stove and lantern
45. Stove Demo- Oswald Harris Court: more stove and lantern by the
gas appliance queens
46. USDA- ESF 11- Special Project: Cherie hangs in the DFO doing a
few reports for USDA folk
47. Earl Bedford- Bordeaux: the first of many tent platforms and tent
assembly by our crack tent crew of John, Dina and Dan with a one day assist by
Sammy and Will; there are very few flat spots on this island!
48. Olive Patrick- Bordeaux: tent crew number 2 offers their first
rendition of the tent platform while attempting to prove that the platform can be
flipped like a pancake; well.... you know those pancakes that you flip and they kind
of hit the edge?
49. Charles Hughes- Bovoni: a good cleaning of this man's apartment and
a ride to get him certified for Food Stamps; he had only been out of his apartment
once since Marilyn; great job by Yvette, Cherie and Will
50. Fidelia Francis- Nadir: where have you heard this before: Ana and
Mark help Lutherans clean-up debris and trash
51. Konger Gade Parsonage- King Quarter: Mark replants 260 year-
old date palm tree "Markie Palmseed"
52. Frederick Lutheran Church- King Quarter: Ana and Mark
continue their Lutheran ways and chop down a Royal Palm that is obstructing
traffic- proving that what Ana and Mark giveth, A and M take away- the earth
remains in balance
53. Bluebeard Hill Church- King Quarter: removal of branches from
around a church as A and M near the conclusion of their religious quests
54. Reformation Lutheran Church- Tutu; set-up and construction of
platforms to aid church activities as the assist to our Lutheran friends continues to
turn toward a focus away from specific hurricane recovery for needy individuals; it
takes us a while longer to wake-up
55. Reuben Wheatley- Havensight: a small amount of debris and some
branches; referred by letter to FEMA
56. Mary Moorhead- an emergency movement of personal belongings for an
evicted person; Mark creases the loaner van
57. Calvin Wheatley- Crown and Hawk: a mostly destroyed house; we
cleared the property around the house and filled 2 large dumpsters over parts of
three days; Calvin lavished gifts upon our members
58. Margaret Charles- St. John: removed 6 dumptruck loads from home
and yard in 3 and 1/2 hours
59. I. Daniels- St. John: removed debris into dumptruck; how did these St.
John's people come up with one of them? sure could have used them earlier
60. Lutheran assist: the straws that broke the camels back, or certainly
thumped his or her hump; we help clean-up an old place to house volunteers; and
then help clean-up another place where some of them stay; Scott and Bill finally see
the light that several members have been shining into their bleary eyes;
61. Clement Aubin- Contant: the clean-up crew of Charlet, Ana and
Sammy clean walls and other parts of the house, remove some debris and offer
moral support; with an assist by Joycelyn of Community Relations
62. Miriam Waters- Savan: the clean-up crew of C, A and S help this
elderly blind woman spruce up her house
63. Ethel Hamm- Savan: another Coleman Stove demo
64. Roberto Francis- Bordeaux: the tent with the most spectacular view
constructed by the loving hands of Dina, John and Dan- in the wrong place! but all
was not lost, Francis will move it.
65. Nathaniel Meyers- Bordeaux: injury and sickness strikes tent crew #1
leaving only 3; this does not stop Dan, John and Dina; they forge on building one
platform for every three names they collect of people needing their own tent condo
66. Leslie Payton- Fortuna: Tim, Jimmy and Jason construct a tent
platform on a site where Tim had to remove some animal's feces with a decorator
plastic cup before the Senator would proceed with the project; tent is for a Public
Defender who is trying a major murder case
67. Warren Williams- Bordeaux: a tent platform by Dan, Dina and John
(DDJ)
68. Dolly Penn- St. John: heroic work cleaning the very modest digs of this
woman; all furniture was removed, simple shelving was built, and garbage was
hauled away; with help from FEMA-CR, she was given a new small referigerator
and clean linen.
69. Olive Greaves- St. John: removed debris to curbside on the small
island
70. Sylvestor Hamilton- Bordeaux: tent platform and truly nice man by
Tim, Jason and Jimmy (TJJ)
71. Alphonso- Bordeaux: tent crew #1 (DDJ) steeps themselves in tent
platform construction techniques
72. Clarence Cipio- St. John: removed two truck loads of debris from
around St. Ursulas Church
73. Earl Forbes- Bordeaux: DDJ construct a high flying platform; the rock
was a nice touch.
74. Byron Evans- Bordeaux: delivery of tent and platform materials
75. Keith Brown- Bordeaux: DDJ complete the other half of the Forbes-
Brown dual platforms overlooking a rapidly recovering farm
76. Heraldo Richards- Bordeaux: Tim, Cherie and Jason build their first
tent platform
77. Blanca Sandin- Havensight: the recovery crew clears off the first floor
of this once beautiful home; Mrs. Sandin offers her car to Sammy and others to
show her gratitude.
78. Bayside Inn- Bolongo Bay: on two separate days our recovery crew
helps this small business that has helped us so much; general clean-up, painting,
landscaping; thanks to Carol and Brad!!
79. Dead cat- Bordeaux: a rather bloated feline is put to rest in a shallow
unmarked grave; we think it was mostly dead at the time; fresh air blows through
Bordeaux once again; Scott doesn't smell too good however
80. Fitzroy Libord- Bordeaux: two tent platforms by DDJ and TJJ; the
dog-fighting Rastafarian
81. Austin Todman- Smith Bay: a final assist to the Lutherans for a
family that had half of its trailer destroyed; Bill and CR-Dorothy score a
dumptruck from the National Guard; Cherie becomea a truckdriver
82. John Ludvig- Bordeaux: tent platform material delivery
83. Jose Belardo- Bordeaux: tent platform material delivery in the dark by
two zombies
84. Charles Leonard- Bordeaux: tent platform materials delivery
85. Dawn Knight- Bordeaux: tent only delivery
86. William- Bordeaux: TJJ construct a tent platform
87. Phil Pott- Fortuna: tent platform material delivery
88. Derrick Hodge- Fortuna: tent platform material delivery
89. Nevon Larson- Bordeaux: tent platform material delivery with an
assist by Nathaniel
90. Jawini- Bordeaux: tent delivery only
91. Family #1/Tabernacle- Bordeaux: tent delivery
92. Sylvestor Grant- Bordeaux: tent platform materials delivery
93. Jane Doe- Bordeaux: DDJ build an extension onto a Mennonite
constructed tent platform to move tent and avoid the potential of falling rocks; their
last work project
94. Denise Petersen- Bordeaux: tent platform materials delivery
95. Clyde Paris- Bordeaux: tent platform materials delivery
96. Timothy Turnbull- Bordeaux: tent platform materials delivery
97. Family #2/Tabernacle- Bordeaux: tent delivery
98. Family #3/Tabernacle- Bordeaux: tent delivery
99. William White- Bordeaux: tent platform materials delivery
100. Jean Chance- Bordeaux: tent delivery
101. The Tire Incident- Fortuna: what a miserable day! Mark and Scott
wait for lumber that never shows and get a flat tire which takes several attempts to
replace with a spare because the the jack isn't long enough to raise the truck high
enough to get the flat off; the spare is finally put on only to find out that the other
front tire is flat; The TJJ crew rescues us with a trip to the tire repair shop.
V.I. Recovery AmeriCorps Members
Dina Kountoupes
34 Robin Park
Oberlin OH 44074
Tim Craddock
PO Box 244
Barboursville WV 25504
304-743-1533
Jimmy Luevanos
1144 W. Iris St.
Oxnard CA 93033
805-486-7927
Abby Gage
PO Box 12
Cleveland SC 29635
803-836-5647
Ana Gomes
PO Box 3928
Durango CO 81302
Charlet Meredith
acre
702 Woodane Rd
Jackson MS 39206
Mark Van Ravenswaay
RRI Box 396, 407 4th St.
Estelline SD 57234
609-873-2533
Ryan Webster
219 N. Kansas
Oxford KS 67119
William Glenn
1126 S Stanley Ave.
Los Angeles CA 90019
213-938-7398
Jason Hansen
448 Hastings
Port Townsend WA 98368
360-385-3448
Cheri Ude
PO Box 145
Clinton WA 98236
360-341-1630
Yvette Bocz
9604 Ruffner Ave.
N. Hills CA 91343
818-895-6178
Sammy Bausley
7241 Union
Chicago IL 60621
Margaret Peters
35176 Country Rd.
Tyronza AR 72386
501-358-2317
John Glenn
3504 Wilderness DR. S.E.
Olympia WA 98501
360-923-0720
Vontese Crawford
444 S. Kingsley Dr. #208
Los Angeles CA 90020
Alex Gonzalez
710 S. 7th St.
Milwaukee WI 53205
Daniel Noonan
6710 Norview Ct.
Springfield VA 22152
Project Leaders:
Bill Fleeger
5590 Old Hwy 99 S.
Ashland OR 97520
503-899-1812 (w)
503-482-3497 (h)
Scott Burgwin
PO Box 346
Indianola WA 98342
360- 765-2228
Dengue Fever: Update Information for Response Personnel
Introduction:
Dengue fever is common throughout the tropics. and is present every year in the Virgin Islands.
This fact sheet will provide you with important health and safety information while you are
responding to the aftermath of Hurricane Marilyn.
Cause:
Dengue fever is caused by a virus transmitted by the mosquito Aedes aegypti. The mosquito gets
infected by biting a person who is sick with dengue. After about 10 days the infected mosquito
can pass the virus to a susceptible person when it feeds. Several other species of mosquito are
common in the Virgin Islands but none can transmit dengue.
Aedes aegypti is a domestic species. closely associated with human habitation. It breeds in water
in man-made containers, never in ponds or swamps. It is day-active, mainly biting in the
afternoon and early morning. The other common mosquitoes in the Virgin Islands bite at dawn
and dusk. or at night.
Symptoms of dengue:
Dengue usually begins with a sudden fever. followed by severe headache. joint and muscle pains. A
characteristic rash may appear after a few days. Most patients recover within a week to ten days, but on
rare occasions, the illness may be more severe, with spontaneous bleeding, shock and even death.
There is no vaccine for dengue. Patients should seek medical care. Fever should be controlled
with acetaminophen ('Tylenol') but NOT WITH ASPIRIN. as this may increase the risk of
bleeding. Seek medical care/advice if fever or other symptoms appear; Public Health Service is
providing medical care at various sites including the DFO. If symptoms appear after you return
home. inform your medical care provider of your travel to an endemic dengue area. Information
may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Division of Vector Borne
Infectious Disease Dengue Branch in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The telephone number is (809) 766-
5181.
Prevention:
Space spraying (fogging) from vehicles or aircraft is not effective against Aedes aegypti. The
mosquito is best controlled by eliminating its breeding receptacles or treating them with
insecticide.
Personal protection measures:
Use insect repellent containing DEET (be sure to read the instructions):
Keep mosquitoes out of living/sleeping quarters:
Wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts:
Eliminate all potential breeding receptacles in the area of your working/living area.
U.S. Public Health Service. Centers for Disease Control. San Juan Laboratories
September 27, 1995
VI Disasta 11/20/95 Relief Project DeBruging
609-633-9627
NAME
AGENCY
PHONE#
Donna Heres
USOA/OC-Nett Service
(202) 690-0693
Elizabeth Jones
USDA
202-690-3507
Earl Taylort
Larry WilliAms
FEM A
202-646-2852
USDA/RECD
Connie Rothwell
USDA/CHS
202/690-0514
720-2565
JohN M Seymour
USDA-ForesT Service
703-235-8843
Guanda Veney Fitch
USDA-Forest Service
703-235-8842
Vassilisa Johri
CNS Programs pspecial / Loord Disaster
(202)606-5000 x155
William PLASGER
USFS
(503)899-1812
John
USDA USDA/AmeuCorp - RECD/RHS
(202) 120-4369
202 720-8983
Scott Burgwin
USDA - Forest Service
360-765-2228
Joel Berg
JSDA- Direct of of Nat. serv.
202-760-5746
JOHN Guerre
FEMS (POINT OF CONTACT TO CNS)
302-646-3947
X2852
646 2852
646 64 6 -
2821 282
Not employee -
on - Site Dolothy Andrake
cell 717-439-3202 -
Head of
oping
Harrisburg
Batbara Q Kambouris
RMA
717-671
Bal bigh - of 6754 of
SKK - PAge
419-6314
To: Joel Berg
USDA/AmeriCorps
CC: Vassi Johri
Corporation for National Service
Final Situation Report 11/18
Margaret Peters was the only AmeriCorps member working in the
Food Stamps program this week. She assisted USDA personnel
tracking down duplicate applications.
FEMA project work continued this week with two days spent on St.
John. We stopped accepting referrals for FEMA Community
Relations project work last Saturday. We have 6 outstanding
project referrals we were unable to contact or did not have time
to complete. We are returning these projects to Community
Relations for possible referral to other organizations. However,
we know of no other groups providing the types of service we
performed.
We continued with VOLAG tent erection projects for the
Rastafarian Community. For every tent platform we constructed we
were approached by several other individuals in need. Scott
organized people in the Rastafarian community to build platforms
for themselves and their neighbors. We arranged to have lumber
delivered to a central location in the community where we could
then distribute it to individual project locations. This will
allow the people in the community to help each other after our
departure.
AmeriCorps Members were treated to a recognition ceremony by FEMA
Community Relations and VOLAG. Each received a bag of goodies
from the Island and a certificate signed by James Lee Witt.
The AmeriCorps Hurricane Marilyn Recovery effort has been a
success. In spite of significant challenges, we accomplished a
tremendous amount of work. We would like to thank-you for the
opportunity to have served in this disaster. We leave here with
mixed feelings. We are aware that identified and unidentified
needs continue and that many people will not have access to other
assistance. However, we are proud of the work we have done and
the many individuals and families we have helped. We have made a
difference in peoples lives.
Sincerely,
Wollayn SattBung
Bill Fleeger
Scott Burgwin
AmeriCorps V.I. Recovery leaders
AmeriCorps- Hurricane Marilyn Recovery
U.S. Virgin Islands:
October 16, through November 19, 1995.
As you return to your "normal" lives, know that you have done a good thing
by participating in the hurricane recovery process. You have touched many
lives in the five weeks we have spent here. The projects we have completed
are many and varied, just as the people we have helped. From the debris
removal of a totally destroyed, and stench-ridden, trailer, to the cleaning of
a small apartment of a "Ghandi-like" amputee, to the filing of Food Stamps
certification forms, you have all shown brightly in this great team effort.
You have all done the AmeriCorps name real good. Even as the future of
the program is threatened, you have added another major victory to the
AmeriCorps banner!
Thank you for all you have given.
"YOU CAN NEVER HAVE ENOUGH BUCKETS"
LIGHTS AND VIRTUES
Jackson Browne
Here's to lights and virtues
Here's to truths yet to be known
Knowledge to light the darkness
The search for things of your own
Here's to lights and virtues
Here's to reaching higher ground
A life of hope and purpose
Here's to strength yet to be found
Honor--though it goes unrecognized
and truth-though liars abound
The pleasure of love and friendship
The courage to be alone
PHONE NUMBERS YOU MAY NEED:
Donna Hines- (202) 690-0693 for questions about perdiem, travel and
stipend
Joel Berg- (202) 720-6350 for questions about the future of AmeriCorps
all questions should first be directed to your project sponsor.
"REMEMBER TO LIVE YOUR LIFE ONE DUMPSTER AT A TIME"
-DON'T SQUANDER THE SPACE YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN-
V.I. Recovery AmeriCorps Members
Dina Kountoupes
34 Robin Park
Oberlin OH 44074
Tim Craddock
PO Box 244
Barboursville WV 25504
304-743-1533
Jimmy Luevanos
1144 W. Iris St.
Oxnard CA 93033
805-486-7927
Abby Gage
PO Box 12
Cleveland SC 29635
803-836-5647
Ana Gomes
PO Box 3928
Durango CO 81302
Charlet Meredith
702 Woodane acre Rd
Jackson MS 39206
Mark Van Ravenswaay
RRI Box 396, 407 4th St.
Estelline SD 57234
609-873-2533
Ryan Webster
219 N. Kansas
Oxford KS 67119
William Glenn
1126 S Stanley Ave.
Los Angeles CA 90019
213-938-7398
Jason Hansen
448 Hastings
Port Townsend WA 98368
360-385-3448
Cheri Ude
PO Box 145
Clinton WA 98236
360-341-1630
Yvette Bocz
9604 Ruffner Ave.
N. Hills CA 91343
818-895-6178
Sammy Bausley
7241 Union
Chicago IL 60621
Margaret Peters
35176 Country Rd.
Tyronza AR 72386
501-358-2317
John Glenn
3504 Wilderness DR. S.E.
Olympia WA 98501
360-923-0720
Vontese Crawford
444 S. Kingsley Dr. #208
Los Angeles CA 90020
Alex Gonzalez
710 S. 7th St.
Milwaukee WI 53205
Daniel Noonan
6710 Norview Ct.
Springfield VA 22152
Project Leaders:
Bill Fleeger
5590 Old Hwy 99 S.
Ashland OR 97520
503-899-1812 (w)
503-482-3497 (h)
Scott Burgwin
PO Box 346
Indianola WA 98342
360- 765-2228
Dengue Fever: Update Information for Response Personnel
Introduction:
Dengue fever is common throughout the tropics. and is present every year in the Virgin Islands.
This fact sheet will provide you with im portant health and safety information while you are
responding to the aftermath of Hurricar Marilyn.
Cause:
Dengue fever is caused by a virus transparted by the mosquito Aedex degypu The mosquito gets
infected by biting a person who is sick with dengue. After about 10 days the infected mosquito
can pass the virus to a susceptible perso when it feeds. Several other species of mosquito are
common in the Virgin Islands but none can transmit dengue.
Aedes aegyph is a domestic species. close with human habitation H breeds in water
in man-made containers, never in ponds biting in the
afternoon and early morning. The other
islands bite at dawn
and dusk, or at night.
Symptoms of dengue:
Dengue usually begins with a sudden fever, fill
A
characteristic rash may appear after a few draws
days, but on
rare occasions, the illness may be more severe
There is no vaccine for dengue. Patient
controlled
with acetaminophen ('Tylenol') but NOT
risk of
bleeding. Seek medical care/advice if lieve
Service IS
providing medical care at various sites
you return
home. inform your medical care provider
information
may be obtained from the Centers for Dise
ctor Borne
Infectious Disease Dengue Branch in San
IS (809) 766-
5181.
Prevention:
Space spraying (fogging) from vehicles or
ypt.
The
mosquito is best controlled by eliminating
insecticide.
Personal protection measures:
Use insect repellent containing
Keep mosquitoes out of living
Wear long pants and long-slee
Eliminate all potential breedin
Ining area
U.S. Public Health Service. Centers for D
September 27, 1995
AmeriCorps Virgin Islands Recovery
Accomplishments
1. Florence Phillips- Mandal: the first outdoor job; lots of debris and
nowhere to put it; built some stairs
2. Clarence Calistro- Hospital Ground: cleaned debris and garbage
from a local FEMA worker's grandmother's house; cut trees with carpenter's saw!
3. Ricardo Williams- Tutu: cleaned-up trash and debris around house and
helped construct temporary roof to hold tarp
4. Rastafarian Community- Bordeaux Farm: assisted Mennonite
Disaster Service in construction of 9 tent platforms
5. Mariann Batiste- Tutu Valley: the first roof removal; a wonderful and
appreciative person; we figured out that a large crew gets more done than a small
crew??!
6. Emergency response- Dorothea: Bill, along with a FEMA-CR person,
helped a homeless person move their belongings from the road side to a more secure
place
7. Bernadette Gonsalves- Wintberg: general debris removal from
around the house and a very disgusting referigerator
8. Terry and Italia Brunn- Wintberg: general debris clean-up for a nice
couple- Jimmy ramrods for the Seamsters Union.
9. Sean Penn- Coki Point: lots of debris and Scott gets taken to the cleaners
10. Herman Charles- Lower John Dunko: removal of hanging
insulation and damaged ceiling; installation of tarp
11. Viola Liburd- Lower John Dunko: same as Herman Charles, but on
a smaller scale
12. Vivian Queeman- Mahogany Estate: the notorious PVC adventure,
directed by Jimmy, with Scott playing the gopher; removed pile of rubble
13. Beatrice Crime- Contant: three cement block walls that had fallen
were removed making it safe to walk again
14. Patricia Thomas- Contant: removed small amount of garbage and
realized our limitations concerning going onto and fixing roofs
15. Mary Jackson- Contant: removed damaged ceiling tiles and taught us
that we can't staple into metal or glass?
16. Lutheran School- King Quarter: assisted Lutheran's in removing
debris from school
17. Louis Guerrard- Mandal: removed sheet metal from field
18. Rastafarian Community- Bordeaux: Charlet takes stoves and other
goodies to the Rastas, with Brad from FEMA-CR
19. Olivia Maduro- Hospital Ground: removed sheet metal and other
debris from the gut in front of her house; Tim sliced his forearm, and Richard tried
walking on nails
20. Robby La Place- Mandal: the trailer; the mess; the stench; Vontese
wishes she had ten hands; Ana smiles on the front page; Dan is promoted to project
leader; the lunch; Jimmy tests the strength of his shin; twisted steel; hellacious pile
of everything stable and moving; scorpions, tarantulas, and skeletons
21. Edna Callwood- Tutu Valley: another day another roof removed at
record rate; a real sheety day
22. Jocelyn Monsanto- Tutu Valley: Tutu Valley, must be another roof;
a very twisted roof and a couple of trees; John earns trip to FEMA Medical Unit
with sculpted wrist
23. Muriel Brewley- Tutu Highrise: Scott demonstrates the use of a
Coleman stove and lantern; did anybody see his eyebrows?
24. James Webster- Bovoni: Mr. and Mrs. Webster were on hand to direct
the debris removal and sorting; they wanted to save alot of things; quickly
completed.
25. Trinita Hodge- Frydenhoj: removed debris and sorted wood for a
local FEMA person whose house was destroyed except for the bathroom
26. Olivia Maduro- Hospital Ground: Dan, John and Ryan rebuilt the
railings on this wood bridge; it is a good one, and a definite improvement
27. St. Thomas Livestock Association- Bonne Esperance:
lead by ramrod Tim, sheetmetal and other debris is removed from this non-profit's
field; discovered we need monkeys in our tool bag to get sheetmetal out of trees
28. Webb Alick- Estate Tutu: Ana and Mark help Lutherans remove
debris and clean home
29. Ernesto and Ester Van ter Pool- Old Tutu: another assist to
Lutherans for debris removal and clean-up by Ana and Mark
30. Murphy Smith- Queen Quarter: "Scott we need 4 flatheaded
screwdrivers!!!!" application of crowbars negates this previous plea; hardheaded
AmeriCorps members beatdown and shred an entire roof; Tim gets his arm in way
of sheetmetal again.
31. Lillian Lopez- Queen Quarter: removal of fallen branches and a
dead sheetmetal fence and a well-deserved short day
32. Marva Ritter- Tutu Valley: more debris and another roof; all done not
enough tools!
33. George DeWerd- Hull: a fine old man in a sad situation; a beautiful
house that has suffered alot from Marilyn; removed debris, trash and Will done did
what he did; we avoided the pool; for $50 Dan would have been challenged to jump
into the slimy soup, but alas! Dan wasn't there.
34. Judith Goodling- Anna's Retreat: a Lutheran assist debris and
damaged possession removal by the Ana and Mark Show.
35. Stove Demo- St. John: Cheri lends a hand to a small group of elderly
folks on the small island.
36. USDA Food distribution- St. Thomas: help in the warehouse
37. Food Stamp work- St. Croix: Vontese and Yvette wow 'em on St.
Croix and help the USDA finish up their operations there
38. Food Stamp work- St. Thomas: everyone got a shot at this as it went
from day one to last day; assistance was given to USDA personnel in the
certification and distribution process at up to 5 locations
39. Sarah Matthews: Tutu Valley: quick work on a contact made by us
removing part of a roof and clearing a path from the front yard to the backyard
40. Joe Potter- Tutu: yet another Mark and Ryan relief effort removing
damaged furniture with Lutheran help
41. The Hills- Tutu: its getting boring but Mark and Ryan assist the
Lutherans in removal of debris and damaged belongings
42. Leroy Boyce- Litton's Fancy: dancing on the roof by Tim, Jimmy,
Ryan and Abby; reinforcing the roof and re-application of our special off-white tarp
to stop major leaking; return trip on one of the primo jobs of the tour- building a
two-story staircase; cudos to Cherie, Ryan, Tim and Mark
43. Molly Mills- Mafolie: lots of debris from around the house; took two
days and 3 dump trucks to clear it out; one of those days with a VERY SMALL
CREW!!!
44. Stove Demo- Donoe: Charlet and Dina show some scared folk how to use
a Coleman stove and lantern
45. Stove Demo- Oswald Harris Court: more stove and lantern by the
gas appliance queens
46. USDA- ESF 11- Special Project: Cherie hangs in the DFO doing a
few reports for USDA folk
47. Earl Bedford- Bordeaux: the first of many tent platforms and tent
assembly by our crack tent crew of John, Dina and Dan with a one day assist by
Sammy and Will; there are very few flat spots on this island!
48. Olive Patrick- Bordeaux: tent crew number 2 offers their first
rendition of the tent platform while attempting to prove that the platform can be
flipped like a pancake; well you know those pancakes that you flip and they kind
of hit the edge?
49. Charles Hughes- Bovoni: a good cleaning of this man's apartment and
a ride to get him certified for Food Stamps; he had only been out of his apartment
once since Marilyn; great job by Yvette, Cherie and Will
50. Fidelia Francis- Nadir: where have you heard this before: Ana and
Mark help Lutherans clean-up debris and trash
51. Konger Gade Parsonage- King Quarter: Mark replants 260 year-
old date palm tree "Markie Palmseed"
52. Frederick Lutheran Church- King Quarter: Ana and Mark
continue their Lutheran ways and chop down a Royal Palm that is obstructing
traffic- proving that what Ana and Mark giveth, A and M take away- the earth
remains in balance
53. Bluebeard Hill Church- King Quarter: removal of branches from
around a church as A and M near the conclusion of their religious quests
54. Reformation Lutheran Church- Tutu; set-up and construction of
platforms to aid church activities as the assist to our Lutheran friends continues to
turn toward a focus away from specific hurricane recovery for needy individuals; it
takes us a while longer to wake-up
55. Reuben Wheatley- Havensight: a small amount of debris and some
branches; referred by letter to FEMA
56. Mary Moorhead- an emergency movement of personal belongings for an
evicted person; Mark creases the loaner van
57. Calvin Wheatley- Crown and Hawk: a mostly destroyed house; we
cleared the property around the house and filled 2 large dumpsters over parts of
three days; Calvin lavished gifts upon our members
58. Margaret Charles- St. John: removed 6 dumptruck loads from home
and yard in 3 and 1/2 hours
59. I. Daniels- St. John: removed debris into dumptruck; how did these St.
John's people come up with one of them? sure could have used them earlier
60. Lutheran assist: the straws that broke the camels back, or certainly
thumped his or her hump; we help clean-up an old place to house volunteers; and
then help clean-up another place where some of them stay; Scott and Bill finally see
the light that several members have been shining into their bleary eyes;
61. Clement Aubin- Contant: the clean-up crew of Charlet, Ana and
Sammy clean walls and other parts of the house, remove some debris and offer
moral support; with an assist by Joycelyn of Community Relations
62. Miriam Waters- Savan: the clean-up crew of C, A and S help this
elderly blind woman spruce up her house
63. Ethel Hamm- Savan: another Coleman Stove demo
64. Roberto Francis- Bordeaux: the tent with the most spectacular view
constructed by the loving hands of Dina, John and Dan- in the wrong place! but all
was not lost, Francis will move it.
65. Nathaniel Meyers- Bordeaux: injury and sickness strikes tent crew #1
leaving only 3; this does not stop Dan, John and Dina; they forge on building one
platform for every three names they collect of people needing their own tent condo
66. Leslie Payton- Fortuna: Tim, Jimmy and Jason construct a tent
platform on a site where Tim had to remove some animal's feces with a decorator
plastic cup before the Senator would proceed with the project; tent is for a Public
Defender who is trying a major murder case
67. Warren Williams- Bordeaux: a tent platform by Dan, Dina and John
(DDJ)
68. Dolly Penn- St. John: heroic work cleaning the very modest digs of this
woman; all furniture was removed, simple shelving was built, and garbage was
hauled away; with help from FEMA-CR, she was given a new small referigerator
and clean linen.
69. Olive Greaves- St. John: removed debris to curbside on the small
island
70. Sylvestor Hamilton- Bordeaux: tent platform and truly nice man by
Tim, Jason and Jimmy (TJJ)
71. Alphonso- Bordeaux: tent crew #1 (DDJ) steeps themselves in tent
platform construction techniques
72. Clarence Cipio- St. John: removed two truck loads of debris from
around St. Ursulas Church
73. Earl Forbes- Bordeaux: DDJ construct a high flying platform; the rock
was a nice touch.
74. Byron Evans- Bordeaux: delivery of tent and platform materials
75. Keith Brown- Bordeaux: DDJ complete the other half of the Forbes-
Brown dual platforms overlooking a rapidly recovering farm
76. Heraldo Richards- Bordeaux: Tim, Cherie and Jason build their first
tent platform
77. Blanca Sandin- Havensight: the recovery crew clears off the first floor
of this once beautiful home; Mrs. Sandin offers her car to Sammy and others to
show her gratitude.
78. Bayside Inn- Bolongo Bay: on two separate days our recovery crew
helps this small business that has helped us so much; general clean-up, painting,
landscaping; thanks to Carol and Brad!!
79. Dead cat- Bordeaux: a rather bloated feline is put to rest in a shallow
unmarked grave; we think it was mostly dead at the time; fresh air blows through
Bordeaux once again; Scott doesn't smell too good however
80. Fitzroy Libord- Bordeaux: two tent platforms by DDJ and TJJ; the
dog-fighting Rastafarian
81. Austin Todman- Smith Bay: a final assist to the Lutherans for a
family that had half of its trailer destroyed; Bill and CR-Dorothy score a
dumptruck from the National Guard; Cherie becomea a truckdriver
82. John Ludvig- Bordeaux: tent platform material delivery
83. Jose Belardo- Bordeaux: tent platform material delivery in the dark by
two zombies
84. Charles Leonard- Bordeaux: tent platform materials delivery
85. Dawn Knight- Bordeaux: tent only delivery
86. William- Bordeaux: TJJ construct a tent platform
87. Phil Pott- Fortuna: tent platform material delivery
88. Derrick Hodge- Fortuna: tent platform material delivery
89. Nevon Larson- Bordeaux: tent platform material delivery with an
assist by Nathaniel
90. Jawini- Bordeaux: tent delivery only
91. Family #1/Tabernacle- Bordeaux: tent delivery
92. Sylvestor Grant- Bordeaux: tent platform materials delivery
93. Jane Doe- Bordeaux: DDJ build an extension onto a Mennonite
constructed tent platform to move tent and avoid the potential of falling rocks; their
last work project
94. Denise Petersen- Bordeaux: tent platform materials delivery
95. Clyde Paris- Bordeaux: tent platform materials delivery
96. Timothy Turnbull- Bordeaux: tent platform materials delivery
97. Family #2/Tabernacle- Bordeaux: tent delivery
98. Family #3/Tabernacle- Bordeaux: tent delivery
99. William White- Bordeaux: tent platform materials delivery
100. Jean Chance- Bordeaux: tent delivery
101. The Tire Incident- Fortuna: what a miserable day! Mark and Scott
wait for lumber that never shows and get a flat tire which takes several attempts to
replace with a spare because the the jack isn't long enough to raise the truck high
enough to get the flat off; the spare is finally put on only to find out that the other
front tire is flat; The TJJ crew rescues us with a trip to the tire repair shop.
To: Joel Berg
USDA/AmeriCorps
CC: Vassi Johri
Corporation for National Service
Final Situation Report 11/18
Margaret Peters was the only AmeriCorps member working in the
Food Stamps program this week. She assisted USDA personnel
tracking down duplicate applications.
FEMA project work continued this week with two days spent on St.
John. We stopped accepting referrals for FEMA Community
Relations project work last Saturday. We have 6 outstanding
project referrals we were unable to contact or did not have time
to complete. We are returning these projects to Community
Relations for possible referral to other organizations. However,
we know of no other groups providing the types of service we
performed.
We continued with VOLAG tent erection projects for the
Rastafarian Community. For every tent platform we constructed we
were approached by several other individuals in need. Scott
organized people in the Rastafarian community to build platforms
for themselves and their neighbors. We arranged to have lumber
delivered to a central location in the community where we could
then distribute it to individual project locations. This will
allow the people in the community to help each other after our
departure.
AmeriCorps Members were treated to a recognition ceremony by FEMA
Community Relations and VOLAG. Each received a bag of goodies
from the Island and a certificate signed by James Lee Witt.
The AmeriCorps Hurricane Marilyn Recovery effort has been a
success. In spite of significant challenges, we accomplished a
tremendous amount of work. We would like to thank-you for the
opportunity to have served in this disaster. We leave here with
mixed feelings. We are aware that identified and unidentified
needs continue and that many people will not have access to other
assistance. However, we are proud of the work we have done and
the many individuals and families we have helped. We have made a
difference in peoples lives.
Sincerely,
Wollayn Sattburg
Bill Fleeger
Scott Burgwin
AmeriCorps V.I. Recovery leaders
AmeriCorps- Hurricane Marilyn Recovery
U.S. Virgin Islands:
October 16, through November 19, 1995.
As you return to your "normal" lives, know that you have done a good thing
by participating in the hurricane recovery process. You have touched many
lives in the five weeks we have spent here. The projects we have completed
are many and varied, just as the people we have helped. From the debris
removal of a totally destroyed, and stench-ridden, trailer, to the cleaning of
a small apartment of a "Ghandi-like" amputee, to the filing of Food Stamps
certification forms, you have all shown brightly in this great team effort.
You have all done the AmeriCorps name real good. Even as the future of
the program is threatened, you have added another major victory to the
AmeriCorps banner!
Thank you for all you have given.
"YOU CAN NEVER HAVE ENOUGH BUCKETS"
LIGHTS AND VIRTUES
Jackson Browne
Here's to lights and virtues
Here's to truths yet to be known
Knowledge to light the darkness
The search for things of your own
Here's to lights and virtues
Here's to reaching higher ground
A life of hope and purpose
Here's to strength yet to be found
Honor--though it goes unrecognized
and truth-though liars abound
The pleasure of love and friendship
The courage to be alone
PHONE NUMBERS YOU MAY NEED:
Donna Hines- (202) 690-0693 for questions about perdiem, travel and
stipend
Joel Berg- (202) 720-6350 for questions about the future of AmeriCorps
all questions should first be directed to your project sponsor.
"REMEMBER TO LIVE YOUR LIFE ONE DUMPSTER AT A TIME"
-DON'T SQUANDER THE SPACE YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN-
V.I. Recovery AmeriCorps Members
Dina Kountoupes
34 Robin Park
Oberlin OH 44074
Tim Craddock
PO Box 244
Barboursville WV 25504
304-743-1533
Jimmy Luevanos
1144 W. Iris St.
Oxnard CA 93033
805-486-7927
Abby Gage
PO Box 12
Cleveland SC 29635
803-836-5647
Ana Gomes
PO Box 3928
Durango CO 81302
Charlet Meredith
702 Woodane acre Rd
Jackson MS 39206
Mark Van Ravenswaay
RRI Box 396, 407 4th St.
Estelline SD 57234
609-873-2533
Ryan Webster
219 N. Kansas
Oxford KS 67119
William Glenn
1126 S Stanley Ave.
Los Angeles CA 90019
213-938-7398
Jason Hansen
448 Hastings
Port Townsend WA. 98368
360-385-3448
Cheri Ude
PO Box 145
Clinton WA 98236
360-341-1630
Yvette Bocz
9604 Ruffner Ave.
N. Hills CA 91343
818-895-6178
Sammy Bausley
7241 Union
Chicago IL 60621
Margaret Peters
35176 Country Rd.
Tyronza AR 72386
501-358-2317
John Glenn
3504 Wilderness DR. S.E.
Olympia WA 98501
360-923-0720
Vontese Crawford
444 S. Kingsley Dr. #208
Los Angeles CA 90020
Alex Gonzalez
710 S. 7th St.
Milwaukee WI 53205
Daniel Noonan
6710 Norview Ct.
Springfield VA 22152
Project Leaders:
Bill Fleeger
5590 Old Hwy 99 S.
Ashland OR 97520
503-899-1812 (w)
503-482-3497 (h)
Scott Burgwin
PO Box 346
Indianola WA 98342
360- 765-2228
Dengue Fever: Update Information for Response Personnel
Introduction:
Dengue fever is common throughout the tropics. and is present every year in the Virgin Islands.
This fact sheet will provide you with important health and safety information while you are
responding to the aftermath of Hurricane Marilyn.
Cause:
Dengue fever is caused by a virus transmitted by the mosquito Aedes aegypu The mosquito gets
infected by biting a person who is sick with dengue. After about 10 days the infected mosquito
can pass the virus to a susceptible person when it feeds. Several other species of mosquito are
common in the Virgin Islands but none can transmit dengue.
Aedes aegyph is a domestic species. closely associated with human habitation. 11 breeds in water
In man-made containers, never in ponds or swamps. It IS day-active, mainly biting in the
afternoon and early morning. The other common mosquitoes in the Virgin Islands bite at dawn
and dusk, or at night.
Symptoms of dengue:
Dengue usually begins with a sudden fever. followed by severe headache. joint and muscle pains. A
characteristic rash may appear after a few days. Most patients recover within a week to ten days. but on
rare occasions, the illness may be more severe, with spontaneous bleeding, shock and even death.
There is no vaccine for dengue. Patients should seek medical care. Fever should be controlled
with acetaminophen ('Tylenol') but NOT WITH ASPIRIN. as this may increase the risk of
bleeding. Seek medical care/advice if fever or other symptoms appear: Public Health Service is
providing medical care at various sites including the DFO. If symptoms appear after you return
home. inform your medical care provider of your travel to an endemic dengue area. Information
may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Division of Vector Borne
Infectious Disease Dengue Branch in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The telephone number is (809) 766-
5181.
Prevention:
Space spraying (fogging) from vehicles or aircraft is not effective against Aedes aegypti. The
mosquito is best controlled by eliminating its breeding receptacles or treating them with
insecticide.
Personal protection measures:
Use insect repellent containing DEET (be sure to read the instructions):
Keep mosquitoes out of living/sleeping quarters:
Wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts;
Eliminate all potential breeding receptacles in the area of your working/living area.
U.S. Public Health Service. Centers for Disease Control. San Juan Laboratories
September 27, 1995
AmeriCorps Virgin Islands Recovery
Accomplishments
1. Florence Phillips- Mandal: the first outdoor job; lots of debris and
nowhere to put it; built some stairs
2. Clarence Calistro- Hospital Ground: cleaned debris and garbage
from a local FEMA worker's grandmother's house; cut trees with carpenter's saw!
3. Ricardo Williams- Tutu: cleaned-up trash and debris around house and
helped construct temporary roof to hold tarp
4. Rastafarian Community- Bordeaux Farm: assisted Mennonite
Disaster Service in construction of 9 tent platforms
5. Mariann Batiste- Tutu Valley: the first roof removal; a wonderful and
appreciative person; we figured out that a large crew gets more done than a small
crew??!
6. Emergency response- Dorothea: Bill, along with a FEMA-CR person,
helped a homeless person move their belongings from the road side to a more secure
place
7. Bernadette Gonsalves- Wintberg: general debris removal from
around the house and a very disgusting referigerator
8. Terry and Italia Brunn- Wintberg: general debris clean-up for a nice
couple- Jimmy ramrods for the Seamsters Union.
9. Sean Penn- Coki Point: lots of debris and Scott gets taken to the cleaners
10. Herman Charles- Lower John Dunko: removal of hanging
insulation and damaged ceiling; installation of tarp
11. Viola Liburd- Lower John Dunko: same as Herman Charles, but on
a smaller scale
12. Vivian Queeman- Mahogany Estate: the notorious PVC adventure,
directed by Jimmy, with Scott playing the gopher; removed pile of rubble
13. Beatrice Crime- Contant: three cement block walls that had fallen
were removed making it safe to walk again
14. Patricia Thomas- Contant: removed small amount of garbage and
realized our limitations concerning going onto and fixing roofs
15. Mary Jackson- Contant: removed damaged ceiling tiles and taught us
that we can't staple into metal or glass?
16. Lutheran School- King Quarter: assisted Lutheran's in removing
debris from school
17. Louis Guerrard- Mandal: removed sheet metal from field
18. Rastafarian Community- Bordeaux: Charlet takes stoves and other
goodies to the Rastas, with Brad from FEMA-CR
19. Olivia Maduro- Hospital Ground: removed sheet metal and other
debris from the gut in front of her house; Tim sliced his forearm, and Richard tried
walking on nails
20. Robby La Place- Mandal: the trailer; the mess; the stench; Vontese
wishes she had ten hands; Ana smiles on the front page; Dan is promoted to project
leader; the lunch; Jimmy tests the strength of his shin; twisted steel; hellacious pile
of everything stable and moving; scorpions, tarantulas, and skeletons
21. Edna Callwood- Tutu Valley: another day another roof removed at
record rate; a real sheety day
22. Jocelyn Monsanto- Tutu Valley: Tutu Valley, must be another roof;
a very twisted roof and a couple of trees; John earns trip to FEMA Medical Unit
with sculpted wrist
23. Muriel Brewley- Tutu Highrise: Scott demonstrates the use of a
Coleman stove and lantern; did anybody see his eyebrows?
24. James Webster- Bovoni: Mr. and Mrs. Webster were on hand to direct
the debris removal and sorting; they wanted to save alot of things; quickly
completed.
37. Food Stamp work- St. Croix: Vontese and Yvette wow 'em on St.
Croix and help the USDA finish up their operations there
38. Food Stamp work- St. Thomas: everyone got a shot at this as it went
from day one to last day; assistance was given to USDA personnel in the
certification and distribution process at up to 5 locations
39. Sarah Matthews: Tutu Valley: quick work on a contact made by us
removing part of a roof and clearing a path from the front yard to the backyard
40. Joe Potter- Tutu: yet another Mark and Ryan relief effort removing
damaged furniture with Lutheran help
41. The Hills- Tutu: its getting boring but Mark and Ryan assist the
Lutherans in removal of debris and damaged belongings
42. Leroy Boyce- Litton's Fancy: dancing on the roof by Tim, Jimmy,
Ryan and Abby; reinforcing the roof and re-application of our special off-white tarp
to stop major leaking; return trip on one of the primo jobs of the tour- building a
two-story staircase; cudos to Cherie, Ryan, Tim and Mark
43. Molly Mills- Mafolie: lots of debris from around the house; took two
days and 3 dump trucks to clear it out; one of those days with a VERY SMALL
CREW!!!
44. Stove Demo- Donoe: Charlet and Dina show some scared folk how to use
a Coleman stove and lantern
45. Stove Demo- Oswald Harris Court: more stove and lantern by the
gas appliance queens
46. USDA- ESF 11- Special Project: Cherie hangs in the DFO doing a
few reports for USDA folk
47. Earl Bedford- Bordeaux: the first of many tent platforms and tent
assembly by our crack tent crew of John, Dina and Dan with a one day assist by
Sammy and Will; there are very few flat spots on this island!
48. Olive Patrick- Bordeaux: tent crew number 2 offers their first
rendition of the tent platform while attempting to prove that the platform can be
25. Trinita Hodge- Frydenhoj: removed debris and sorted wood for a
local FEMA person whose house was destroyed except for the bathroom
26. Olivia Maduro- Hospital Ground: Dan, John and Ryan rebuilt the
railings on this wood bridge; it is a good one, and a definite improvement
27. St. Thomas Livestock Association- Bonne Esperance:
lead by ramrod Tim, sheetmetal and other debris is removed from this non-profit's
field; discovered we need monkeys in our tool bag to get sheetmetal out of trees
28. Webb Alick- Estate Tutu: Ana and Mark help Lutherans remove
debris and clean home
29. Ernesto and Ester Van ter Pool- Old Tutu: another assist to
Lutherans for debris removal and clean-up by Ana and Mark
30. Murphy Smith- Queen Quarter: "Scott we need 4 flatheaded
screwdrivers!!!!" application of crowbars negates this previous plea; hardheaded
AmeriCorps members beatdown and shred an entire roof; Tim gets his arm in way
of sheetmetal again.
31. Lillian Lopez- Queen Quarter: removal of fallen branches and a
dead sheetmetal fence and a well-deserved short day
32. Marva Ritter- Tutu Valley: more debris and another roof; all done not
enough tools!
33. George DeWerd- Hull: a fine old man in a sad situation; a beautiful
house that has suffered alot from Marilyn; removed debris, trash and Will done did
what he did; we avoided the pool; for $50 Dan would have been challenged to jump
into the slimy soup, but alas! Dan wasn't there.
34. Judith Goodling- Anna's Retreat: a Lutheran assist debris and
damaged possession removal by the Ana and Mark Show.
35. Stove Demo- St. John: Cheri lends a hand to a small group of elderly
folks on the small island.
36. USDA Food distribution- St. Thomas: help in the warehouse
flipped like a pancake; well you know those pancakes that you flip and they kind
of hit the edge?
49. Charles Hughes- Bovoni: a good cleaning of this man's apartment and
a ride to get him certified for Food Stamps; he had only been out of his apartment
once since Marilyn; great job by Yvette, Cherie and Will
50. Fidelia Francis- Nadir: where have you heard this before: Ana and
Mark help Lutherans clean-up debris and trash
51. Konger Gade Parsonage- King Quarter: Mark replants 260 year-
old date palm tree "Markie Palmseed"
52. Frederick Lutheran Church- King Quarter: Ana and Mark
continue their Lutheran ways and chop down a Royal Palm that is obstructing
traffic- proving that what Ana and Mark giveth, A and M take away- the earth
remains in balance
53. Bluebeard Hill Church- King Quarter: removal of branches from
around a church as A and M near the conclusion of their religious quests
54. Reformation Lutheran Church- Tutu; set-up and construction of
platforms to aid church activities as the assist to our Lutheran friends continues to
turn toward a focus away from specific hurricane recovery for needy individuals; it
takes us a while longer to wake-up
55. Reuben Wheatley- Havensight: a small amount of debris and some
branches; referred by letter to FEMA
56. Mary Moorhead- an emergency movement of personal belongings for an
evicted person; Mark creases the loaner van
57. Calvin Wheatley- Crown and Hawk: a mostly destroyed house; we
cleared the property around the house and filled 2 large dumpsters over parts of
three days; Calvin lavished gifts upon our members
58. Margaret Charles- St. John: removed 6 dumptruck loads from home
and yard in 3 and 1/2 hours
59. I. Daniels- St. John: removed debris into dumptruck; how did these St.
John's people come up with one of them? sure could have used them earlier
60. Lutheran assist: the straws that broke the camels back, or certainly
thumped his or her hump; we help clean-up an old place to house volunteers; and
then help clean-up another place where some of them stay; Scott and Bill finally see
the light that several members have been shining into their bleary eyes;
61. Clement Aubin- Contant: the clean-up crew of Charlet, Ana and
Sammy clean walls and other parts of the house, remove some debris and offer
moral support; with an assist by Joycelyn of Community Relations
62. Miriam Waters- Savan: the clean-up crew of C, A and S help this
elderly blind woman spruce up her house
63. Ethel Hamm- Savan: another Coleman Stove demo
64. Roberto Francis- Bordeaux: the tent with the most spectacular view
constructed by the loving hands of Dina, John and Dan- in the wrong place! but all
was not lost, Francis will move it.
65. Nathaniel Meyers- Bordeaux: injury and sickness strikes tent crew #1
leaving only 3; this does not stop Dan, John and Dina; they forge on building one
platform for every three names they collect of people needing their own tent condo
66. Leslie Payton- Fortuna: Tim, Jimmy and Jason construct a tent
platform on a site where Tim had to remove some animal's feces with a decorator
plastic cup before the Senator would proceed with the project; tent is for a Public
Defender who is trying a major murder case
67. Warren Williams- Bordeaux: a tent platform by Dan, Dina and John
(DDJ)
68. Dolly Penn- St. John: heroic work cleaning the very modest digs of this
woman; all furniture was removed, simple shelving was built, and garbage was
hauled away; with help from FEMA-CR, she was given a new small referigerator
and clean linen.
69. Olive Greaves- St. John: removed debris to curbside on thesmall
island
70. Sylvestor Hamilton- Bordeaux: tent platform and truly nice man by
Tim, Jason and Jimmy (TJJ)
1.Alphonso- Bordeaux: tent crew #1 (DDJ) steeps themselves in tent
platform construction techniques
72. Clarence Cipio- St. John: removed two truck loads of debris from
around St. Ursulas Church
73. Earl Forbes- Bordeaux: DDJ construct a high flying platform; the rock
was a nice touch.
74. Byron Evans- Bordeaux: delivery of tent and platform materials
75. Keith Brown- Bordeaux: DDJ complete the other half of the Forbes-
Brown dual platforms overlooking a rapidly recovering farm
76. Heraldo Richards- Bordeaux: Tim, Cherie and Jason build their first
tent platform
77. Blanca Sandin- Havensight: the recovery crew clears off the first floor
of this once beautiful home; Mrs. Sandin offers her car to Sammy and others to
show her gratitude.
78. Bayside Inn- Bolongo Bay: on two separate days our recovery crew
helps this small business that has helped us so much; general clean-up, painting,
landscaping; thanks to Carol and Brad!!
79. Dead cat- Bordeaux: a rather bloated feline is put to rest in a shallow
unmarked grave; we think it was mostly dead at the time; fresh air blows through
Bordeaux once again; Scott doesn't smell too good however
80. Fitzroy Libord- Bordeaux: two tent platforms by DDJ and TJJ; the
dog-fighting Rastafarian
81. Austin Todman- Smith Bay: a final assist to the Lutherans for a
family that had half of its trailer destroyed; Bill and CR-Dorothy score a
dumptruck from the National Guard; Cherie becomea a truckdriver
82. John Ludvig- Bordeaux: tent platform material delivery
83. Jose Belardo- Bordeaux: tent platform material delivery in the dark by
two zombies
84. Charles Leonard- Bordeaux: tent platform materials delivery
85. Dawn Knight- Bordeaux: tent only delivery
86. William- Bordeaux: TJJ construct a tent platform
87. Phil Pott- Fortuna: tent platform material delivery
88. Derrick Hodge- Fortuna: tent platform material delivery
89. Nevon Larson- Bordeaux: tent platform material delivery with an
assist by Nathaniel
90. Jawini- Bordeaux: tent delivery only
91. Family #1/Tabernacle- Bordeaux: tent delivery
92. Sylvestor Grant- Bordeaux: tent platform materials delivery
93. Jane Doe- Bordeaux: DDJ build an extension onto a Mennonite
constructed tent platform to move tent and avoid the potential of falling rocks; their
last work project
94. Denise Petersen- Bordeaux: tent platform materials delivery
95. Clyde Paris- Bordeaux: tent platform materials delivery
96. Timothy Turnbull- Bordeaux: tent platform materials delivery
97. Family #2/Tabernacle- Bordeaux: tent delivery
98. Family #3/Tabernacle- Bordeaux: tent delivery
99. William White- Bordeaux: tent platform materials delivery
100. Jean Chance- Bordeaux: tent delivery
101. The Tire Incident- Fortuna: what a miserable day! Mark and Scott
wait for lumber that never shows and get a flat tire which takes several attempts to
replace with a spare because the the jack isn't long enough to raise the truck high
enough to get the flat off; the spare is finally put on only to find out that the other
front tire is flat; The TJJ crew rescues us with a trip to the tire repair shop.
Vi Disasta 11/20/95 Relief Project Debrefing
NAME
AGENCY
PHONE#
Donna Heres
USDA/OC-Nate Service
(202) 690-0693
elizabedh Jones
USDA
202-690-3507
Earl
Larry WilliAms
FEM A
202-646-2852
USDA/RECD
Connie Rothwell
202/690-0514
USDA/CHS USDA KHS
720-2565
JohN M Seymour
USDA-Forest Service
703-235-8843
Guanda Veney -Fitch
USDA-Forest Service
703-235-8842
Vassilisa Johri
CNS. corgams special / Loord Disaster
(202)606-5000 x155
William PLASSER
USFS
(503)899-1812
Katherine Gilney
John P
USDA USDA/Ameu Corp - RECD/RMS
(202) 120-4369
202 720-8983
Scott Burgwin
USDA - Forest Service
360-765-2228
Joel Berg
JSDA. Dirsct or of Nat. Serv.
202-760-5746
down Guerre
FEMS (POINT OF CONTACT TO CNS)
302-646-3947
to
mustion
Direct reposit
CASH
NAT AMA IN ERICORP
UNITED
STATES
DEPARTMENT
OF AGRICULTURE
OCTOBER 26, 1995
TO:
Martha Phipps, Clark Ray, Charlie Rawls
FROM:
Elizabeth Jones Eg
RE:
Audio Conference on Virgin Islands Disaster Relief Team
We expect the AmeriCorps Members in the Virgin Islands to return to the Mainland
on or around November 20, 1995. Due to budgetary restraints, they will go directly
home from St. Thomas, and there will be no chance for us to hold a Washington
ceremony to recognize their efforts. Therefore, we would like to propose a audio
teleconference with our Members that would both attract regional media coverage and
demonstrate our appreciation for their service.
We propose that Secretary or the Deputy Secretary would have a ten to fifteen minute
conference call with the Members on any day between November 17 or November 21
--- either immediately before or immediately after they return to the mainland. We
would provide an audio feed of the program to local radio stations and newspapers
from the hometowns of the Members. The discussion would focus on both the effort
in the Virgin Islands and the previous year's accomplishments of the members in their
local areas. Such an event should make news in the small and medium markets that
we would target --- such as Medford, Oregon. This event could, albeit subtly,
highlight the negative impact of Republican budget cuts in rural areas.
Whether or not we can have such conference call, we hope that each Member serving
in the Islands would receive a Certificate of Appreciation signed by the Secretary.
These Certificates would not necessitate a monetary award.
If you have any questions please call me at 690-3507. Thanks for your help.
CC: Tom Amontree
FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY
To:
Peg Rosenberry, Hank Oltmann, Steve Selby
From:
Vassilisa Johri
Re:
Virgin Islands Disaster Project de-briefing
Date:
November 20, 1994
This morning, the USDA Office of Community and National Service
conducted a Virgin Islands Disaster Relief Project de-briefing with
representatives from FEMA, USDA, the Corporation, and the two project
leaders, Bill Fleeger and Scott Burgwin. Yesterday marked the closing date for
the project's five-week tour of service, and eighteen AmeriCorps Members
headed home. Participants discussed what went right and what went wrong,
and provided opportunities for Bill and Scott to voice their concerns and
recommendations with representatives from all three organizations
involved.
When a national disaster occurs, the Federal Response Plan, coordinated by
FEMA, goes into effect. Twenty-eight federal agencies and the American Red
Cross work under 12 Emergency Support Functions, or ESFs, to assist local
resources (Some examples of ESFs are Transportation, Mass Care, Fire
Fighting, and Energy). Bill explained that the AmeriCorps team essentially
worked on three different types of projects. They assisted the USDA, which
oversees ESF 11 (Food), with food and food stamp distribution; they worked
on tasks assigned by FEMA's Community Relations cadre dealing with debris
removal and assistance to the elderly and disabled; and they assisted with
various projects through the Voluntary Organizations (VOLAGS) including
tent erection for the Rastafarian Community. In total, the team completed
101 projects under extremely dangerous conditions. Terrain was
exceptionally steep and the team needed to be careful of sharp objects,
tarantulas, scorpions, and infectious diseases. Luckily, Members completed
their tour with only minor injuries. The team endured harsh weather and a
significant portion of their stay was without electricity or hot water.
This project is a perfect example of AmeriCorps' capacity to "get things done"
even when logistical support is not available. The team worked six days a
week. The 19 Members were described as "outstanding and incredible." They
were known as "Angels" by the Islanders. But even with this positive image,
the project leaders noted that it was sometimes difficult to keep people
motivated under such severe circumstances. Bill and Scott created small
summaries for each project accomplished to remind the team of their
achievements and their reason for being there (see attached).
RECOMMENDATIONS
Bill mentioned three areas that needed improvement. He felt that if these
three points were not addressed, future disaster efforts would be seriously
jeopardized, and should not even be attempted. The three areas are:
1) Financial Support
2) Member Selection
3) Relationship to FEMA
Financial Support. Bill stated that accessing travel money, procurement, and
stipends for the Members were all problematic. Money for travel and
stipends did not come through when expected. In fact, stipends were received
by Members only a few days before the end of their tour, and Bill had to set up
a personal bank account to receive government funds. Project goals and team
morale were threatened because appropriate mechanisms for money transfer
were not in place. It fueled confusion among the Members, and
complications within the Corps. Logistics need to be a high priority, and an
implementation and planning network needs to be in place before people
leave for assignments.
Joel Berg faulted personnel from the Rural Economic and Community
Development (RECD) office who were involved in the initial project
planning meeting before the Corporation and FEMA became involved. He
explained that he had stated that his staff would not have the resources to
head the logistics of this operation. He requested three full-time staff people
from RECD, however, RECD did not follow through, leaving Donna Hines to
head logistics among her other priorities. Another problem arose through
the Rural Housing and Community Development Service (RHCDS)
Vermont office that was originally designated to handle budget concerns and
financial transactions (USDA responsibility for the Virgin Islands is through
the Vermont state agency). The Vermont office paid one invoice, but then
delayed processes by questioning the validity of basic expenditures. Midway
through the project, USDA decided to handle finance and payment from
Washington. Although the switch was made to expedite matters, the initial
Vermont office delay, as well as, yet another task assigned to USDA's
overburdened staff, detained funds from reaching the project and its
Members in a timely fashion.
Payroll coordination was "nightmarish" because AmeriCorps Members came
from different states and programs, some of which were funded directly,
others of which were sub grantees through other organizations. Donna added
that part of the slow passage of funds to Members was due to caution in
getting money to the appropriate people. In the future, additional staff would
be necessary to take on project logistics. The lack of follow-up by RECD to
ensure adequate staffing seriously affected the project.
It was suggested that USDA (ESF 11) at the Disaster Field Office (DFO) could
have been better utilized as an on-the-ground contact. Also, USDA HQ did
not work with its emergency management coordinator who already has a
rapport with FEMA, and is familiar with Federal Response Plan procedures
(including mission assignment and procurement). Bill suggested using direct
deposits for stipends. John Guerre reiterated the importance of having
someone at the disaster immediately following its occurrence to set up
logistics and partnerships. I expressed that the Corporation was committed to
that, and until a protocol is in place, myself, and possibly one other person
will take on that responsibility.
To ensure the success of a disaster response project, an emergency
management coordinator who has knowledge about the Corporation,
FEMA/the Federal Response Plan, and disasters would need to be sent to the
disaster immediately after its occurrence. This person would work with
FEMA at the DFO for 2-3 weeks setting up the project. The coordinator
should be a person with work/supervisor experience who can identify needs.
Since the coordinator will require knowledge over a variety of topics, it is
advisable to have two people fill this role together until one person can focus
on all the areas. Also, since disasters are unpredictable, and identified
coordinators may not always be available, a pool of people who can be called
upon should be identified.
Member Selection. Bill stated that all of the Members chosen were
impressive, however there were some who were not appropriately chosen for
the strenuousness of the project: some arrived without proper equipment
and gear. It was learned that some Members nominated themselves as
opposed to being nominated by their Project Managers. Also, some Members
were not physically or emotionally capable to do the work (One Member was
only 30 days into recovery from alcoholism. Others had pre-existing injuries,
or simply could not do manual labor in the intense heat.) Overall, 14 of 19
Members were well chosen. Some project managers did not choose Members
according to the request sent to them from Joel's office, which described ideal
candidates, and the conditions under which the Members were expected to
work. Instead, some Members were chosen because they would enjoy the
experience or because they had a close relationship to their project manager.
Project managers were allowed to recommend candidates with relatively little
oversight from USDA because of time constraints in identifying Members for
the team (there were only a few days available to access the end-of-year
funds). In the future, we should not allow as much leeway in the selection
process. Candidates should go through a pre-identification process, and even
if they are recruited locally, they should not be selected locally. Project
managers should interview each of their candidates. Expectations for the
project would also need to be better articulated and stressed. This would
require a better information flow, detailing what Members are getting into,
what they need to bring, and what their travel arrangements will be.
Conversely, the Project Leaders, in this case, Bill and Scott, would need more
information about the Members. Bill suggested that a person who
understands Corporation programs, especially AmeriCorps, and the needs at
the national level; as well as knowing what is needed in a disaster should
oversee the selection process.
Relationship with FEMA. Although our new partnership with FEMA is
positive and cooperative, Bill and Scott experienced some frustration with
FEMA Community Relations personnel at the DFO. This can be attributed to
misinformation or lack of information at the ground level. Barbara
Kambouris, who succeeded John Guerre as Deputy Director of the
Community Relations (CR) cadre, was not familiar with the recent MOU, nor
was she able to identify a capacity in which USDA AmeriCorps could fit into
the already operating Federal Response Plan. Since the team arrived after
FEMA issued initial mission assignments, CR maintained that, without a
mission assignment, FEMA would only be able to identify tasks, but not
provide supplies, equipment, and other resources. CR would not be able to
provide resources and materials to undertake those tasks. This was a point of
frustration for Bill and Scott, since resources were available, but not accessible.
Ironically, since most agencies work through mission assignments and
funding from FEMA; the fact that this project used end-of-year funds from
Undersecretary Long-Thompson's office (RECD), making it financially self-
sufficient, actually complicated matters. FEMA was unable to mission assign
the project, partially because USDA had already been mission assigned
through ESF 11, and because mission assignment was not easily attainable in
the later stages of the recovery process (the A*USDA team arrived when the
Federal Response Plan was four weeks into recovery). Eventually, Bill and
Scott were able to obtain tools, supplies, and equipment, some of which was
through the DFO in an "unofficial" capacity. As Scott and Bill explained it,
"The more we did, the more we accomplished, the more good press we
received, the more resources became available."
There was some initial "turfism" that emerged from the confusion of
AmeriCorps' role. Barbara was unclear as to why the team was there at all
since they did not fit into any one clear ESF. Also, it was unclear as to
whether the team would work through CR or through ESF 11, USDA. Both
CR and USDA were under the impression that the team would be working
exclusively for them. They compromised by assigning 5 Members to ESF 11
and 14 Members to CR.
It was a pre-requisite for the team to be "self-sufficient," however, Bill found
that the term was so loosely defined that he was expected to have resources
available in a "resource-scarce" environment. Bill and Scott were required to
create an operation plan and mission statement. It was decided that in the
future, these materials would be established by the disaster coordinator who
arrives immediately after the disaster has occurred.
Bill and Scott created a significant rapport with the VOLAGS. VOLAGS
helped the team with the acquisition of tools and supplies. The team's work
with VOLAGS raised the question, "Where should Corporation programs fit
into the Federal Response Plan? Under which ESF should they work?"
Ideally, Bill suggested that Corporation programs be put under a separate ESF
for Emergency Service Functions that can work across various other ESFs.
John Guerre hoped that the Corporation would soon become an official
signatory of the Federal Response Plan, making it the 29th agency.
The project leaders chosen for this project needed to be informed, resourceful,
and able to handle the stress of putting the concrete logistics together on the
ground level. Bill and Scott did an outstanding job. They were thorough and
productive in their efforts while still keeping in mind the importance of the
image of AmeriCorps, and respecting its partnership with FEMA. They were
wholeheartedly concerned about the well being of their Members, and they
demonstrated sincere efforts to help the Virgin Island community.
Many of the mechanisms that were out of place were directly due to the
unique circumstances of this project: the fact that this opportunity arose when
a formal protocol with FEMA had not yet been devised, the complication of
an outside funding source other than FEMA, and the nature of a catastrophic
disaster on an island without easy access to external resources. Despite these
internal glitches, the A*USDA disaster response project was very successful.
The Virgin Islanders had considerable praise for the team's work, and
requested an AmeriCorps team that could provide a continuing presence in
disaster assistance on the Islands. Ultimately, a strong working relationship
was established with FEMA as well as with the Voluntary Organizations.
We did not do any media outreach for this project and told USDA not to as
well. This did not stop one local newspaper in Kansas from doing an article
on a hometown Member. While we did not do any national press, the feeling
in the Virgin Islands was so positive that the "Virgin Islands Daily" wrote a
front page article. FEMA also featured AmeriCorps on their Recovery
Channel. This channel was the only televised transmission available on the
islands. It provides information and updates on the recovery process. This
media coverage was overwhelmingly positive. Some of the video footage is
truly compelling, and could be useful in the future for PSAs, recruitment
videos, etc. Who should I contact within the Corporation about possible use
of this footage and other positive aspects of this disaster activity?
Enclosed:
Final Situation Report
Attendance List
Cc:
Shirley Sagawa
Jay Toscano
Tracy Gray
Joel Berg
Donna Hines
William Fleeger
Scott Burgwin
John Guerre
Larry Williams
V.I. DISASTER RELIEF PROJECT DE-BRIEFING
ATTENDANCE
NAME
AGENCY
Donna Hines
USDA/OC-Nat'l Service
Elizabeth Jones
USDA
Larry Williams
FEMA
Earl Taylor II
USDA/RECD
Connie Rothwell
USDA/RHS
John M. Seymour
USDA-Forest Service
Guanda Veney-Finch
USDA-Forest Service
Vassilisa Johri
CNS-PPD/Disaster Coordination
William Fleeger
USDA-Forest Service
Katherine Gibney
USDA/AmeriCorps
John P. Penticot
USDA/RECD/RHS
Scott Burgwin
USDA-Forest Service
Joel Berg
USDA/ Dtr., Nat'l Service
John Guerre
FEMA (CNS Point-of Contact)
To: Joel Berg
USDA/AmeriCorps
CC: Vassi Johri
Corporation for National Service
Final Situation Report 11/18
Margaret Peters was the only AmeriCorps member working in the
Food Stamps program this week. She assisted USDA personnel
tracking down duplicate applications.
FEMA project work continued this week with two days spent on St.
John. We stopped accepting referrals for FEMA Community
Relations project work last Saturday. We have 6 outstanding
project referrals we were unable to contact or did not have time
to complete. We are returning these projects to Community
Relations for possible referral to other organizations. However,
we know of no other groups providing the types of service we
performed.
We continued with VOLAG tent erection projects for the
Rastafarian Community. For every tent platform we constructed we
were approached by several other individuals in need. Scott
organized people in the Rastafarian community to build platforms
for themselves and their neighbors. We arranged to have lumber
delivered to a central location in the community where we could
then distribute it to individual project locations. This will
allow the people in the community to help each other after our
departure.
AmeriCorps Members were treated to a recognition ceremony by FEMA
Community Relations and VOLAG. Each received a bag of goodies
from the Island and a certificate signed by James Lee Witt.
The AmeriCorps Hurricane Marilyn Recovery effort has been a
success. In spite of significant challenges, we accomplished a
tremendous amount of work. We would like to thank-you for the
opportunity to have served in this disaster. We leave here with
mixed feelings. We are aware that identified and unidentified
needs continue and that many people will not have access to other
assistance. However, we are proud of the work we have done and
the many individuals and families we have helped. We have made a
difference in peoples lives.
Sincerely,
Willayn Sattburg
Bill Fleeger
Scott Burgwin
AmeriCorps V.I. Recovery leaders
AmeriCorps- Hurricane Marilyn Recovery
U.S. Virgin Islands:
October 16, through November 19, 1995.
As you return to your "normal" lives, know that you have done a good thing
by participating in the hurricane recovery process. You have touched many
lives in the five weeks we have spent here. The projects we have completed
are many and varied, just as the people we have helped. From the debris
removal of a totally destroyed, and stench-ridden, trailer, to the cleaning of
a small apartment of a "Ghandi-like" amputee, to the filing of Food Stamps
certification forms, you have all shown brightly in this great team effort.
You have all done the AmeriCorps name real good. Even as the future of
the program is threatened, you have added another major victory to the
AmeriCorps banner!
Thank you for all you have given.
"YOU CAN NEVER HAVE ENOUGH BUCKETS"
LIGHTS AND VIRTUES
Jackson Browne
Here's to lights and virtues
Here's to truths yet to be known
Knowledge to light the darkness
The search for things of your own
Here's to lights and virtues
Here's to reaching higher ground
A life of hope and purpose
Here's to strength yet to be found
Honor-though it goes unrecognized
and truth-though liars abound
The pleasure of love and friendship
The courage to be alone
PHONE NUMBERS YOU MAY NEED:
Donna Hines- (202) 690-0693 for questions about perdiem, travel and
stipend
Joel Berg- (202) 720-6350 for questions about the future of AmeriCorps
all questions should first be directed to your project sponsor.
"REMEMBER TO LIVE YOUR LIFE ONE DUMPSTER AT A TIME"
-DON'T SQUANDER THE SPACE YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN-
V.I. Recovery AmeriCorps Members
Dina Kountoupes
34 Robin Park
Oberlin OH 44074
Tim Craddock
PO Box 244
Barboursville WV 25504
304-743-1533
Jimmy Luevanos
1144 W. Iris St.
Oxnard CA 93033
805-486-7927
Abby Gage
PO Box 12
Cleveland SC 29635
803-836-5647
Ana Gomes
PO Box 3928
Durango CO 81302
Charlet Meredith
702 Woodane acre Rd
Jackson MS 39206
Mark Van Ravenswaay
RRI Box 396, 407 4th St.
Estelline SD 57234
609-873-2533
Ryan Webster
219 N. Kansas
Oxford KS 67119
William Glenn
1126 S Stanley Ave.
Los Angeles CA 90019
213-938-7398
Jason Hansen
448 Hastings
Port Townsend WA, 98368
360-385-3448
Cheri Ude
PO Box 145
Clinton WA 98236
360-341-1630
Yvette Bocz
9604 Ruffner Ave.
N. Hills CA 91343
818-895-6178
Sammy Bausley
7241 Union
Chicago IL 60621
Margaret Peters
35176 Country Rd.
Tyronza AR 72386
501-358-2317
John Glenn
3504 Wilderness DR. S.E.
Olympia WA 98501
360-923-0720
Vontese Crawford
444 S. Kingsley Dr. #208
Los Angeles CA 90020
Alex Gonzalez
710 S. 7th St.
Milwaukee WI 53205
Daniel Noonan
6710 Norview Ct.
Springfield VA 22152
Project Leaders:
Bill Fleeger
5590 Old Hwy 99 S.
Ashland OR 97520
503-899-1812 (w)
503-482-3497 (h)
Scott Burgwin
PO Box 346
Indianola WA 98342
360- 765-2228
Dengue Fever: Update Information for Response Personnel
Introduction:
Dengue fever IS common throughout the tropics. and is present every year in the Virgin Islands.
This fact sheet will provide you with important health and safety information while you are
responding to the aftermath of Hurricane Marilyn.
Cause:
Dengue fever is caused by a virus transmitted by the mosquito Aedes aegypn The mosquito gets
infected by biting a person who is sick with dengue. After about 10 days the infected mosquito
can pass the virus to a susceptible person when it feeds. Several other species of mosquito are
common in the Virgin Islands but none can transmit dengue.
Aedes aegyph is a domestic species. closely associated with human habitation. 11 breeds III water
In man-made containers, never in ponds or swamps. It IS day-active. mainly biting in the
afternoon and early morning. The other common mosquitoes in the Virgin Islands bite at dawn
and dusk. or at night.
Symptoms of dengue:
Dengue usually begins with a sudden fever. followed by severe headache. joint and muscle pains. A
characteristic rash may appear after a few days. Most patients recover within a week to ten days. but on
rare occasions, the illness may be more severe, with spontaneous bleeding, shock and even death.
There is no vaccine for dengue. Patients should seek medical care. Fever should be controlled
with acetaminophen ('Tylenol') but NOT WITH ASPIRIN. as this may increase the risk of
bleeding. Seek medical care/advice if fever or other symptoms appear: Public Health Service IS
providing medical care at various sites including the DFO. If symptoms appear after you return
home. inform your medical care provider of your travel to an endemic dengue area. Information
may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Division of Vector Borne
Infectious Disease Dengue Branch in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The telephone number is (809) 766-
5181.
Prevention:
Space spraying (fogging) from vehicles or aircraft is not effective against Aedes aegypti. The
mosquito is best controlled by eliminating its breeding receptacles or treating them with
insecticide.
Personal protection measures:
Use insect repellent containing DEET (be sure to read the instructions):
Keep mosquitoes out of living/sleeping quarters:
Wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts:
Eliminate all potential breeding receptacles in the area of your working/living area.
U.S. Public Health Service. Centers for Disease Control. San Juan Laboratories
September 27, 1995
AmeriCorps Virgin Islands Recovery
Accomplishments
1. Florence Phillips- Mandal: the first outdoor job; lots of debris and
nowhere to put it; built some stairs
2. Clarence Calistro- Hospital Ground: cleaned debris and garbage
from a local FEMA worker's grandmother's house; cut trees with carpenter's saw!
3. Ricardo Williams- Tutu: cleaned-up trash and debris around house and
helped construct temporary roof to hold tarp
4. Rastafarian Community- Bordeaux Farm: assisted Mennonite
Disaster Service in construction of 9 tent platforms
5. Mariann Batiste- Tutu Valley: the first roof removal; a wonderful and
appreciative person; we figured out that a large crew gets more done than a small
crew??!
6. Emergency response- Dorothea: Bill, along with a FEMA-CR person,
helped a homeless person move their belongings from the road side to a more secure
place
7. Bernadette Gonsalves- Wintberg: general debris removal from
around the house and a very disgusting referigerator
8. Terry and Italia Brunn- Wintberg: general debris clean-up for a nice
couple- Jimmy ramrods for the Seamsters Union.
9. Sean Penn- Coki Point: lots of debris and Scott gets taken to the cleaners
10. Herman Charles- Lower John Dunko: removal of hanging
insulation and damaged ceiling; installation of tarp
11. Viola Liburd- Lower John Dunko: same as Herman Charles, but on
a smaller scale
12. Vivian Queeman- Mahogany Estate: the notorious PVC adventure,
directed by Jimmy, with Scott playing the gopher; removed pile of rubble
13. Beatrice Crime- Contant: three cement block walls that had fallen
were removed making it safe to walk again
14. Patricia Thomas- Contant: removed small amount of garbage and
realized our limitations concerning going onto and fixing roofs
15. Mary Jackson- Contant: removed damaged ceiling tiles and taught us
that we can't staple into metal or glass?
16. Lutheran School- King Quarter: assisted Lutheran's in removing
debris from school
17. Louis Guerrard- Mandal: removed sheet metal from field
18. Rastafarian Community- Bordeaux: Charlet takes stoves and other
goodies to the Rastas, with Brad from FEMA-CR
19. Olivia Maduro- Hospital Ground: removed sheet metal and other
debris from the gut in front of her house; Tim sliced his forearm, and Richard tried
walking on nails
20. Robby La Place- Mandal: the trailer; the mess; the stench; Vontese
wishes she had ten hands; Ana smiles on the front page; Dan is promoted to project
leader; the lunch; Jimmy tests the strength of his shin; twisted steel; hellacious pile
of everything stable and moving; scorpions, tarantulas, and skeletons
21. Edna Callwood- Tutu Valley: another day another roof removed at
record rate; a real sheety day
22. Jocelyn Monsanto- Tutu Valley: Tutu Valley, must be another roof;
a very twisted roof and a couple of trees; John earns trip to FEMA Medical Unit
with sculpted wrist
23. Muriel Brewley- Tutu Highrise: Scott demonstrates the use of a
Coleman stove and lantern; did anybody see his eyebrows?
24. James Webster- Bovoni: Mr. and Mrs. Webster were on hand to direct
the debris removal and sorting; they wanted to save alot of things; quickly
completed.
37. Food Stamp work- St. Croix: Vontese and Yvette wow 'em on St.
Croix and help the USDA finish up their operations there
38. Food Stamp work- St. Thomas: everyone got a shot at this as it went
from day one to last day; assistance was given to USDA personnel in the
certification and distribution process at up to 5 locations
39. Sarah Matthews: Tutu Valley: quick work on a contact made by us
removing part of a roof and clearing a path from the front yard to the backyard
40. Joe Potter- Tutu: yet another Mark and Ryan relief effort removing
damaged furniture with Lutheran help
41. The Hills- Tutu: its getting boring but Mark and Ryan assist the
Lutherans in removal of debris and damaged belongings
42. Leroy Boyce- Litton's Fancy: dancing on the roof by Tim, Jimmy,
Ryan and Abby; reinforcing the roof and re-application of our special off-white tarp
to stop major leaking; return trip on one of the primo jobs of the tour- building a
two-story staircase; cudos to Cherie, Ryan, Tim and Mark
43. Molly Mills- Mafolie: lots of debris from around the house; took two
days and 3 dump trucks to clear it out; one of those days with a VERY SMALL
CREW!!!
44. Stove Demo- Donoe: Charlet and Dina show some scared folk how to use
a Coleman stove and lantern
45. Stove Demo- Oswald Harris Court: more stove and lantern by the
gas appliance queens
46. USDA- ESF 11- Special Project: Cherie hangs in the DFO doing a
few reports for USDA folk
47. Earl Bedford- Bordeaux: the first of many tent platforms and tent
assembly by our crack tent crew of John, Dina and Dan with a one day assist by
Sammy and Will; there are very few flat spots on this island!
48. Olive Patrick- Bordeaux: tent crew number 2 offers their first
rendition of the tent platform while attempting to prove that the platform can be
25. Trinita Hodge- Frydenhoj: removed debris and sorted wood for a
local FEMA person whose house was destroyed except for the bathroom
26. Olivia Maduro- Hospital Ground: Dan, John and Ryan rebuilt the
railings on this wood bridge; it is a good one, and a definite improvement
27. St. Thomas Livestock Association- Bonne Esperance:
lead by ramrod Tim, sheetmetal and other debris is removed from this non-profit's
field; discovered we need monkeys in our tool bag to get sheetmetal out of trees
28. Webb Alick- Estate Tutu: Ana and Mark help Lutherans remove
debris and clean home
29. Ernesto and Ester Van ter Pool- Old Tutu: another assist to
Lutherans for debris removal and clean-up by Ana and Mark
30. Murphy Smith- Queen Quarter: "Scott we need 4 flatheaded
screwdrivers!!!!" application of crowbars negates this previous plea; hardheaded
AmeriCorps members beatdown and shred an entire roof; Tim gets his arm in way
of sheetmetal again.
31. Lillian Lopez- Queen Quarter: removal of fallen branches and a
dead sheetmetal fence and a well-deserved short day
32. Marva Ritter- Tutu Valley: more debris and another roof; all done not
enough tools!
33. George DeWerd- Hull: a fine old man in a sad situation; a beautiful
house that has suffered alot from Marilyn; removed debris, trash and Will done did
what he did; we avoided the pool; for $50 Dan would have been challenged to jump
into the slimy soup, but alas! Dan wasn't there.
34. Judith Goodling- Anna's Retreat: a Lutheran assist debris and
damaged possession removal by the Ana and Mark Show.
35. Stove Demo- St. John: Cheri lends a hand to a small group of elderly
folks on the small island.
36. USDA Food distribution- St. Thomas: help in the warehouse
flipped like a pancake; well you know those pancakes that you flip and they kind
of hit the edge?
49. Charles Hughes- Bovoni: a good cleaning of this man's apartment and
a ride to get him certified for Food Stamps; he had only been out of his apartment
once since Marilyn; great job by Yvette, Cherie and Will
50. Fidelia Francis- Nadir: where have you heard this before: Ana and
Mark help Lutherans clean-up debris and trash
51. Konger Gade Parsonage- King Quarter: Mark replants 260 year-
old date palm tree "Markie Palmseed"
52. Frederick Lutheran Church- King Quarter: Ana and Mark
continue their Lutheran ways and chop down a Royal Palm that is obstructing
traffic- proving that what Ana and Mark giveth, A and M take away- the earth
remains in balance
53. Bluebeard Hill Church- King Quarter: removal of branches from
around a church as A and M near the conclusion of their religious quests
54. Reformation Lutheran Church- Tutu; set-up and construction of
platforms to aid church activities as the assist to our Lutheran friends continues to
turn toward a focus away from specific hurricane recovery for needy individuals; it
takes us a while longer to wake-up
55. Reuben Wheatley- Havensight: a small amount of debris and some
branches; referred by letter to FEMA
56. Mary Moorhead- an emergency movement of personal belongings for an
evicted person; Mark creases the loaner van
57. Calvin Wheatley- Crown and Hawk: a mostly destroyed house; we
cleared the property around the house and filled 2 large dumpsters over parts of
three days; Calvin lavished gifts upon our members
58. Margaret Charles- St. John: removed 6 dumptruck loads from home
and yard in 3 and 1/2 hours
59. I. Daniels- St. John: removed debris into dumptruck; how did these St.
John's people come up with one of them? sure could have used them earlier
60. Lutheran assist: the straws that broke the camels back, or certainly
thumped his or her hump; we help clean-up an old place to house volunteers; and
then help clean-up another place where some of them stay; Scott and Bill finally see
the light that several members have been shining into their bleary eyes;
61. Clement Aubin- Contant: the clean-up crew of Charlet, Ana and
Sammy clean walls and other parts of the house, remove some debris and offer
moral support; with an assist by Joycelyn of Community Relations
62. Miriam Waters- Savan: the clean-up crew of C, A and S help this
elderly blind woman spruce up her house
63. Ethel Hamm- Savan: another Coleman Stove demo
64. Roberto Francis- Bordeaux: the tent with the most spectacular view
constructed by the loving hands of Dina, John and Dan- in the wrong place! but all
was not lost, Francis will move it.
65. Nathaniel Meyers- Bordeaux: injury and sickness strikes tent crew #1
leaving only 3; this does not stop Dan, John and Dina; they forge on building one
platform for every three names they collect of people needing their own tent condo
66. Leslie Payton- Fortuna: Tim, Jimmy and Jason construct a tent
platform on a site where Tim had to remove some animal's feces with a decorator
plastic cup before the Senator would proceed with the project; tent is for a Public
Defender who is trying a major murder case
67. Warren Williams- Bordeaux: a tent platform by Dan, Dina and John
(DDJ)
68. Dolly Penn- St. John: heroic work cleaning the very modest digs of this
woman; all furniture was removed, simple shelving was built, and garbage was
hauled away; with help from FEMA-CR, she was given a new small referigerator
and clean linen.
69. Olive Greaves- St. John: removed debris to curbside on thesmall
island
70. Sylvestor Hamilton- Bordeaux: tent platform and truly nice man by
Tim, Jason and Jimmy (TJJ)
71. Alphonso- Bordeaux: tent crew #1 (DDJ) steeps themselves in tent
platform construction techniques
72. Clarence Cipio- St. John: removed two truck loads of debris from
around St. Ursulas Church
73. Earl Forbes- Bordeaux: DDJ construct a high flying platform; the rock
was a nice touch.
74. Byron Evans- Bordeaux: delivery of tent and platform materials
75. Keith Brown- Bordeaux: DDJ complete the other half of the Forbes-
Brown dual platforms overlooking a rapidly recovering farm
76. Heraldo Richards- Bordeaux: Tim, Cherie and Jason build their first
tent platform
77. Blanca Sandin- Havensight: the recovery crew clears off the first floor
of this once beautiful home; Mrs. Sandin offers her car to Sammy and others to
show her gratitude.
78. Bayside Inn- Bolongo Bay: on two separate days our recovery crew
helps this small business that has helped us so much; general clean-up, painting,
landscaping; thanks to Carol and Brad!!
79. Dead cat- Bordeaux: a rather bloated feline is put to rest in a shallow
unmarked grave; we think it was mostly dead at the time; fresh air blows through
Bordeaux once again; Scott doesn't smell too good however
80. Fitzroy Libord- Bordeaux: two tent platforms by DDJ and TJJ; the
dog-fighting Rastafarian
81. Austin Todman- Smith Bay: a final assist to the Lutherans for a
family that had half of its trailer destroyed; Bill and CR-Dorothy score a
dumptruck from the National Guard; Cherie becomea a truckdriver
82. John Ludvig- Bordeaux: tent platform material delivery
83. Jose Belardo- Bordeaux: tent platform material delivery in the dark by
two zombies
84. Charles Leonard- Bordeaux: tent platform materials delivery
85. Dawn Knight- Bordeaux: tent only delivery
86. William- Bordeaux: TJJ construct a tent platform
87. Phil Pott- Fortuna: tent platform material delivery
88. Derrick Hodge- Fortuna: tent platform material delivery
89. Nevon Larson- Bordeaux: tent platform material delivery with an
assist by Nathaniel
90. Jawini- Bordeaux: tent delivery only
91. Family #1/Tabernacle- Bordeaux: tent delivery
92. Sylvestor Grant- Bordeaux: tent platform materials delivery
93. Jane Doe- Bordeaux: DDJ build an extension onto a Mennonite
constructed tent platform to move tent and avoid the potential of falling rocks; their
last work project
94. Denise Petersen- Bordeaux: tent platform materials delivery
95. Clyde Paris- Bordeaux: tent platform materials delivery
96. Timothy Turnbull- Bordeaux: tent platform materials delivery
97. Family #2/Tabernacle- Bordeaux: tent delivery
98. Family #3/Tabernacle- Bordeaux: tent delivery
99. William White- Bordeaux: tent platform materials delivery
100. Jean Chance- Bordeaux: tent delivery
101. The Tire Incident- Fortuna: what a miserable day! Mark and Scott
wait for lumber that never shows and get a flat tire which takes several attempts to
replace with a spare because the the jack isn't long enough to raise the truck high
enough to get the flat off; the spare is finally put on only to find out that the other
front tire is flat; The TJJ crew rescues us with a trip to the tire repair shop.
AmeriCorps- Hurricane Marilyn Recovery
U.S. Virgin Islands:
October 16, through November 19, 1995.
As you return to your "normal" lives, know that you have done a good thing
by participating in the hurricane recovery process. You have touched many
lives in the five weeks we have spent here. The projects we have completed
are many and varied, just as the people we have helped. From the debris
removal of a totally destroyed, and stench-ridden, trailer, to the cleaning of
a small apartment of a "Ghandi-like" amputee, to the filing of Food Stamps
certification forms, you have all shown brightly in this great team effort.
You have all done the AmeriCorps name real good. Even as the future of
the program is threatened, you have added another major victory to the
AmeriCorps banner!
Thank you for all you have given.
"YOU CAN NEVER HAVE ENOUGH BUCKETS"
LIGHTS AND VIRTUES
Jackson Browne
Here's to lights and virtues
Here's to truths yet to be known
Knowledge to light the darkness
The search for things of your own
Here's to lights and virtues
Here's to reaching higher ground
A life of hope and purpose
Here's to strength yet to be found
Honor--though it goes unrecognized
and truth--though liars abound
The pleasure of love and friendship
The courage to be alone
PHONE NUMBERS YOU MAY NEED:
Donna Hines- (202) 690-0693 for questions about perdiem, travel and
stipend
Joel Berg- (202) 720-6350 for questions about the future of AmeriCorps
all questions should first be directed to your project sponsor.
"REMEMBER TO LIVE YOUR LIFE ONE DUMPSTER AT A TIME"
-DON'T SQUANDER THE SPACE YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN-
DEC V4 95
9:58 NO.002 P.02
TO: Joel Berg
USDA AmeriCorps
CC: Vassilisa Johri
Corporation for National Service
Americorps Hurricane Marilyn Recovery Effort
Final Report 12/1/95
On the night of September 15th, Hurricane Marilyn struck the Virgin
Islands. The greatest impact was on the island of St. Thomas. The
following is taken from a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA),
Hurricane Marilyn synopsis.
Impacts to the environment were evident. Trees and
shrubs were defoliated, flooding was extensive and H
mosquito problem was an imminent threat. Debris from
damaged and destroyed housing. fallen trees, boats
tossed onto Veterans Drive and downed utility poles and
wires created a challenge. The assessment revealed that
70% of the homes on St. Thomas received roof and water
damage and less than 10% were destroyed. There was no
power. Poles and wires were down, generators were
flooded or destroyed and transformers were out. Private
cisterns were contaminated from debris and raw sewage
which had been dumped on roofs. Water and sewage plants
were not functional. leakage from sewer pipes entered
bay areas and contaminated beaches.
The St. Thomas hospital had no power or generator
capabilities and the medical supply warchouse was
damaged with All supplies lost or unusable. Ground
transportation was halted as roads were blocked with
debris. A large number of private vohicles were damaged
or destroyed and gasoline availability was extremely
limited. Control towers were destroyed. runway lights
were nonoperational and debris was scattered on runways
bringing air transportation to a virtual hall.
Communication systems were heavily damaged with no long
distance service, no radio or television and no
satellite dishes. Seventeen schools sustained damage.
Food warehouses were extensively damaged and food. water
and ice were identified as immediate needs.
AmeriCorps Project Leaders arrived in St. Thomas on October 12th.
Although the situation had stabilized, basic services on St. Thomas
were still extremely limited or non-exsistant. Materials, supplies,
lodging and transportation were scarce. Mosquitoes were still a
problem. Six AmeriCorps Members arrived on St. Thomas on October 16th
for immodiate placement in the USDA emergency food distribution and
food stamp program. The remaining 13 Members arriving on the 19th and
20th of October were either integrated into the food stamp program or
assigned to the "Recovery Crew".
AmeriCorps Members were housed at the Bayside Inn which is primarily a
fitness center with several guest rooms. Members slept 3 or 4 to
small rooms or on the gym floor. A portable generator served as an
alarm clock and provided electricity for cold showers and toast. The
generator was also run for several hours each evening. With the help
of FEMA and the Army Corps of Engineers, an Industrial generator
providing hot water, refrigeration. and air conditioning, was secured
three weeks into our stay. Commercial power was restored to the
Bayside 3 days prior to our departure.
AmcriCorps Members worked six days a week in 90+ degree weather and
high humidity. Heat exhaustion. protruding nails, knife-like edges on
galvanized sheet metal roofing. steep and uncertain terrain, heavy
twisted steel beams, scorpions, tarantulas, and dengue fever were all
routine hazards. Despite the major environmental and logistical
challenges, the entire AmeriCorps team displayed perseverance.
stamina, flexibility, and tolerance working through obstacles which
would have thwarted ordinary effort.
AmeriCorps Members assisted USDA personnel in emergency food
distrubution and were instrumental in processing applications and
total YI
$13,728,953
pr million +
St
34,410
disbursing $11,332,811 dollars in emergency food stamps to 28,408
households (86,818 persons) in the Virgin Islands. AmeriCorps members
also provided comfort to clients waiting in long lines and assited
with general administrative and organizational support.
Working from FEMA Community Relations referruls, AmeriCorps Recovery
Crews cleared storm debris at 42 seperate sites, primarily the homes
and yards of elderly or disabled victims. This debris removal
involved tearing apart entire roofs blown onto houses and into yards.
Sorting through household debris and fermenting refrigerators.
separating metal, wood, and rubbish for pick-up at the curb or loading
directly into a dumptruck for removal to the landfill. AmeriCorps
Members armed with mops. buckets, and disinfectant improved household
living conditions and sanitation for 15 elderly or disabled storm
victims. Members improved safe access to two separate homes by
repairing bridge railings for an olderly widow injured in the storm at
one site, removing and replacing a hazardous storm damaged staircase
for A low income family at another. AmeriCorps responded to 3
emergency calls helping homeless or evicted persons secure and
transport their belongings. AmeriCorps Members demonstrated the safe
and proper use of gas stoves and lanterns to over 100 Virgin
Islanders. (Stoves and lanterns were widely distributed early in the
disaster and there were numerous reports of injuries. including the
severe burning of a young child. due to improper use of these portable
gas appliances.)
Working with FEMA's Volunteer Agency Coordinator, AmeriCorps supplied
platform construction materials and tents to 19 families and built 25
platforms with tents, temporarily housing small farmers whose homes
were completely destroyed in the storm. AmeriCorps Members also
worked alongside volunteer organizations such as the Lutheran Disaster
Service and the Mennonitos. Last, but not least, AmeriCorps Members
replanted a 260 year old palm tree uprooted by the storm.
We departed St. Thomas on the 19th of November with mixed feelings.
We were aware that identified and unidentified needs continued in this
disaster and that many people would not have access to other
assistance. However, we were proud of the work we had done and the
many individuals and families we helped. Every member of the Virgin
Islands Recovery Effort displayed the true ethic of service. Putting
their own lives on hold, sacrificing personal comfort, and dedicating
100 percent of their effort to helping others in need. We made a
difference in peoples lives.
As the result of the AmeriCorps Hurricane Marilyn Recovery Effort many
valuable lessons were learned regarding the deployment of AmeriCorps
Mombers in disaster situations. The success of future endeavors could
be facilitated by a coordinated planning effort integrating the
following issues into a national and regional AmeriCorps disaster
response plan. First, a clear and formal relationship should be
established with The Federal Emergency Management Agency. Second,
AmeriCorps project coordinators should be on-site soon as possible
after the disaster. Third, administrative and financial support
procedures and responsibilities should be delegated and in place prior
to deployment. Fourth, Member selection criteria should be developed
and screening should occur with disaster coordinator involvement.
Despite numerous challenges, the Virgin Islands Recovery Effort
clearly demonstrated AmeriCorps capability for service in a disaster
environment. Disaster work connects AmeriCorps to the goals of
national and community service in a very direct and meaningful way.
On bchalf of the entire AmeriCorps Hurricane Marilyn Recovery Team, we
would like to thank you for this opportunity to serve. We look
forward to being of assistance in the future.
Sincerely,
William Fleeger
Scott Burgwin
AmeriCorps V.I. Recovery Leaders
To:
Harris Wofford
Through:
Shirley Sagawa
From:
Peg Rosenberry
CORPORATION
Date:
October 10, 1995
FOR NATIONAL
SERVICE
Re:
New Disaster Response Initiatives
We recently awarded a grant to the American Red Cross for a Rapid Response
Corps that will be based in Los Angeles. The LA chapter of the Red Cross has
recruited 42 AmeriCorps Members who will be trained in various aspects of
emergency response and recovery, and deployed anywhere in the nation, or
its territories, when a disaster occurs. The Red Cross had been unable to
implement a "team-based" approach to shelter management and other
volunteer disaster efforts because of the individual recruitment nature of
their current disaster response network and the highly-skilled nature of their
work. Skilled volunteers in mass care, family services, disaster
communication, computer operations, and mental health are also difficult to
find and in short supply. With this Rapid Response AmeriCorps program,
the Red Cross will be able to send experienced and skilled teams of
AmeriCorps Members to disaster sites who have already worked together and
developed an efficient and effective approach to disaster management. The
program will serve as a demonstration for expansion to other Red Cross
chapters.
Forty-two AmeriCorps Members will work throughout the Los Angeles basin
continuing recovery work from the 1994 earthquake, providing earthquake
preparedness training to underserved populations and responding to
disasters in California. The 42 Members are divided into six teams situated in
3 sectors of the Los Angeles area Each team has at least one bilingual
English/Spanish speaker. Following their training graduation on October 11,
1995, teams will be sent to assist in the Virgin Islands and the states affected by
Hurricane Opal.
In addition, the Corporation recently signed a Memorandum of
Understanding with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
This new partnership allows FEMA to call upon Corporation programs - --
Senior Corps, Americorps, and Learn and Serve America -- to assist in disaster
relief efforts. FEMA will reimburse Corporation programs for their costs
incurred during disaster assistance. This reimbursement will vary, but it may
cover stipends, tools, equipment, lodging and transportation.
1201 New York Avenue. NW
Washington, DC 20525
Telephone 202-606-5000
Getting Things Done.
AmeriCorps. National Service
Learn and Serve America
National Senior Service Corps
At the time of a disaster, the most connected resources are at the state and local
level. Therefore, we are developing an emergency response plan for all the
Corporation programs that will be coordinated at the state level. The
Corporation is creating a disaster response protocol that will describe the
procedures to follow when FEMA requests disaster assistance. This procedure
will also identify key points of contact throughout the process. Currently, the
Corporation is working with the USDA to send an "All-Stàr" team comprised
of veteran and second-year USDA AmeriCorps Members to assist FEMA in the
Virgin Islands. The team is scheduled to leave on a five-week tour of duty on
the 19th of October.
:
VIRGINISLANDS
USDA/CNS Disaster Relief
Trip Report
St. THOMAS
The island is beginning tohave, on the surface, a semblance of normalcy. Most roads are
now passable. VITEL claims that 40% of phone service has been restored (vigorously
contested figures in the media). Each night, more lights are seen on the hillsides (both from
generators and the utility service), and is moving from the downtown area out. The
downtown is first because it is the economic center of an island 100% dependent on tourism
and related services. The US Military is moving down to the docks for extraction. Houses
which are livable have blue tarpaulins covering the roofs. And, the first cruise ship is
scheduled for docking on October 26. Many of the larger employers are beginning to call
back their workers for clean-up and preparation for a season they hope to salvage.
On a micro-scale, things are much different. While the US government and NGO agencies
are taking up some of the employment slack, and FEMA is providing emergency food and
supplies, most families are suffering greatly. Yet, since the hurricane there has been a spirit
of optimism which is just now beginning to wane. This may be attributable to being in the
'waiting' period. The emergency is over and the day to day grind of returning to normalcy
is seeming to take a long time. Also, the gap between those who have adequate resources
and those who are at the mercy of the relief effort, is becoming more evident. The families
who are trying to sleep in the dark and heat are becoming resentful of the drone of
generators, air conditioners, and bright lights from their neighbors.
FEMA
Operating out of the Frenchman's Reef Hotel on St. Thomas, FEMA provides overall
supervision and coordination of all aspects of the hurricane disaster relief -- directing the
efforts of all US agencies and coordinating work with VOLAG's (volunteer agencies).
CNS
Based on a successful, though informal relationship in the past, CNS only recently took
steps to formalize a relationship with FEMA through a Memorandum of Understanding.
Operationalizing this relationship requires an issuance of a Mission Assignment Statement
to CNS from FEMA. This was not done for St. Thomas because the effort was well
underway when CNS and USDA undertook their joint project.
USDA
USDA's Mission Assignment in the Virgin Islands consists of feeding centers, food stamps,
and emergency allocations for several agency programs (housing, water, etc.).
USDA AmeriCorps
Because the USDA AmeriCorps program works with many of the above programs, it was
most efficient to tie in with their ongoing projects. When USDA projects were not
available, FEMA's Community Relations staff provided assignments garnered from
VOLAG and local organizations.
RECD
Of the 400 RHCDS loans on St. Thomas, at least 50% are extensively damaged; requiring
$25-50,000 to repair. The local staff have processed 210 applications for $15,000 each.
However, FEMA's emergency grants of $15,000 have to be utilized first. They are still
processing, so RHCDS is on hold until FEMA is finished. At this point RHCDS will begin
to escrow additional money to complete the repairs. It is said that FEMA is searching for
one major contractor to do all their rehabilitation work.
Vermont State RECD Office
The administrative and program staff of the Vermont State Office provided, and are
continuing to provide, support and guidance for this effort. Protocols for administrative
support have been established. All ongoing costs associated with the Virgin Islands
AmeriCorps effort are being processed through this office.
AmeriCorps Members
Very capably led by Forest Service employees William Fleeger and Scott Burguin, the initial
contingent of six AmeriCorps Members were quickly assigned to food stamp processing and
food distribution, both on St. Thomas and St. Croix. Early reports were filled with praise for
the Member's efforts. Especially notable were the Member's knowledge of the work, their
bi-lingual and interpersonal skills, as well as their high level of enthusiasm and energy.
Lessons Learned
The USDA AmeriCorps Office should continue to a significant role in disaster relief for
four reasons:
It provides a avenue for our Department and agencies to establish a high-profile
through which we can target our critical programs to those most in need;
It fosters inter-agency cooperation and integration;
It further develops a capability for which there is a long-term demand;
It provides a critical developmental opportunity to our AmeriCorps Members.
2
The USDA AmeriCorps Office should maintain, over time, a core of staff knowledgeable
in disaster relief to lead efforts of this type. It would be most effective if this staff came
from projects similar to those required in emergency situations (food, construction, etc.).
The USDA AmeriCorps office, despite limited staff, put this entire effort on the ground
in a very short time.
Recruitment of AmeriCorps Members for emergency relief should focus heavily on those
with knowledge and experience in the programs required. Additional skills which
enhance the Member's success are appropriate linguistic capacity and an ability to exist
with minimum amenities.
Whenever possible, USDA AmeriCorps efforts should be part of the USDA/FEMA
Mission Assignment or, secondarily, through the CNS/FEMA memorandum. The
current project was undertaken without Mission Assignment. At the lower operations
levels, this did not present a problem. At an administrative level, without this Mission
Assignment, FEMA is not able to provide support to the effort. With Mission
Assignment, FEMA will not only provide critical support, it will also pay for the entire
effort.
SUMMARY
Although less than a week old, the RECD commitment to provide substantive disaster relief
to the Virgin Islands is paying dividends.
Three USDA Mission areas are working cooperatively with little to no problems;
All of the USDA agencies on the ground in St. Thomas have blended seamlessly, each
contributing their human and logistical support to solve problems and meet critical
needs;
Customers on the ground began receiving assistance within hours of the Members
landing on St. Thomas and St. Croix;
USDA AmeriCorps is receiving recognition and high praise from island residents, USDA
staff, and other cabinet departments for their work in providing food for needy island
residents and home debris removal and basic habitation..
3
11/11/95 SAT 17:37 FAX 809 693 0901
ST THOMAS DFO
002
To: Joel, Lerg
USDA/AmeriCorps
CC: Vassi Johri
Corporation for National Service
Situation Report 11/11
Our work in Food Stamps phased down to three members this week.
ESF #11 will be demobilized. and the Territorial Government is
assuming the operation. The Food Stamp program was invaluable to
us in this effort. We were not only able to provide a much need
service to victims of this disaster. but also allowed us to offer
members project diversity and a break from field work.
Community Relations projects are continuing with work beginning on
St. John next week. We have been able to acquire material and
supplies to accomplish higher skill level projecis involving light
carpentry. roof covering and building stairs. The placement of
members with Community Relations field workers has been positive.
Some members have enjoyed the opportunity to perform outreach work,
and Community Relations field workers have been impressed with the
motivation and skills of our members Community Relations Field-
workers have requested specific members to accompany them and be
involved with special projects.
We have constructed 4 of 14 tent platforms for the Rastafarian
community for VOLAG. Waddy Gonzales VOLAC Coordinator has given
us a vehicle (an almost brand new GSA Ford F150 5 passenger pick-
up). lumber. plywood. and other materials. VOLAG has been very
helpful in providing support for this and other projects.
The Members travel monies were deposited in my account on monday.
The bank did not have sufficient travelers checks on hand to handle
that amount of disbursement. We had a certified check written to
the American Express office and disbursed the funds through their
office.
PHOTOCOPY
PRESERVATION
11/11/95 SAT 17:38 FAX 809 693 0901
ST THOMAS DFO
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003
It was not the intention of our last situation report to lay blame
on any individual for the lack of organizational forethought
leading to the delay of members travel monies. We realize the
tremendous effort Elizabeth Jones. Connie Rockwell, and Donna Hines
put into making these monies flow as quickly as possible. We know
that without their efforts we would still be broke. However, it
was our intention to inform you of our predicament and express our
feelings about being placed in this situation. We offer three
specific suggestions to prevent this situation from happening in
the future. First. dedicate one person to provide financial
support to this type of operation. This person should be available
throughout the duration of service and this responsibility should
take priority over other work. Second, require all, program
sponsors to provide advance travel monies prior to sending Members
on assignment. Four of our arriving members had their travel
monies handled solely by program sponsors, five others received
some amount of travel advance prior to departing Third formalize
AmeriCorps relationship to FEMA allowing access to imprest and
procurement funds already in place.
We have had numerous inquiries about continued AmeriCorps presence
in the Virgin Islands. We would appreciate any information you
could provide us regarding planned or ongoing AmeriCorps programs
on the Islands.
We would like to request a listing of Members travel arrangements
as soon as possible. We will continue with project work through
Friday. Members will have Friday afternoon. Saturday and Sunday
Morning off. We will prepare a document recounting major issues
with recommendations for future operations. we look forward to
Joel's visit. especially if he brings money.
Sincerely
WSHarg William Fleeger
Scott Burgwin
AmeriCorps V.I. Recovery Leaders
PHOTOCOPY
PRESERVATION
VIRGINISLANDS
USDA/CNS Disaster Relief
Trip Report
St. THOMAS
The island is beginning tohave, on the surface, a semblance of normalcy. Most roads are
now passable. VITEL claims that 40% of phone service has been restored (vigorously
contested figures in the media). Each night, more lights are seen on the hillsides (both from
generators and the utility service), and is moving from the downtown area out. The
downtown is first because it is the economic center of an island 100% dependent on tourism
and related services. The US Military is moving down to the docks for extraction. Houses
which are livable have blue tarpaulins covering the roofs. And, the first cruise ship is
scheduled for docking on October 26. Many of the larger employers are beginning to call
back their workers for clean-up and preparation for a season they hope to salvage.
On a micro-scale, things are much different. While the US government and NGO agencies
are taking up some of the employment slack, and FEMA is providing emergency food and
supplies, most families are suffering greatly. Yet, since the hurricane there has been a spirit
of optimism which is just now beginning to wane. This may be attributable to being in the
'waiting' period. The emergency is over and the day to day grind of returning to normalcy
is seeming to take a long time. Also, the gap between those who have adequate resources
and those who are at the mercy of the relief effort, is becoming more evident. The families
who are trying to sleep in the dark and heat are becoming resentful of the drone of
generators, air conditioners, and bright lights from their neighbors.
FEMA
Operating out of the Frenchman's Reef Hotel on St. Thomas, FEMA provides overall
supervision and coordination of all aspects of the hurricane disaster relief -- directing the
efforts of all US agencies and coordinating work with VOLAG's (volunteer agencies).
CNS
Based on a successful, though informal relationship in the past, CNS only recently took
steps to formalize a relationship with FEMA through a Memorandum of Understanding.
Operationalizing this relationship requires an issuance of a Mission Assignment Statement
to CNS from FEMA. This was not done for St. Thomas because the effort was well
underway when CNS and USDA undertook their joint project.
USDA
USDA's Mission Assignment in the Virgin Islands consists of feeding centers, food stamps,
and emergency allocations for several agency programs (housing, water, etc.).
USDA AmeriCorps
Because the USDA AmeriCorps program works with many of the above programs, it was
most efficient to tie in with their ongoing projects. When USDA projects were not
available, FEMA's Community Relations staff provided assignments garnered from
VOLAG and local organizations.
RECD
Of the 400 RHCDS loans on St. Thomas, at least 50% are extensively damaged; requiring
$25-50,000 to repair. The local staff have processed 210 applications for $15,000 each.
However, FEMA's emergency grants of $15,000 have to be utilized first. They are still
processing, so RHCDS is on hold until FEMA is finished. At this point RHCDS will begin
to escrow additional money to complete the repairs. It is said that FEMA is searching for
one major contractor to do all their rehabilitation work.
Vermont State RECD Office
The administrative and program staff of the Vermont State Office provided, and are
continuing to provide, support and guidance for this effort. Protocols for administrative
support have been established. All ongoing costs associated with the Virgin Islands
AmeriCorps effort are being processed through this office.
AmeriCorps Members
Very capably led by Forest Service employees William Fleeger and Scott Burguin, the initial
contingent of six AmeriCorps Members were quickly assigned to food stamp processing and
food distribution, both on St. Thomas and St. Croix. Early reports were filled with praise for
the Member's efforts. Especially notable were the Member's knowledge of the work, their
bi-lingual and interpersonal skills, as well as their high level of enthusiasm and energy.
Lessons Learned
The USDA AmeriCorps Office should continue to a significant role in disaster relief for
four reasons:
It provides a avenue for our Department and agencies to establish a high-profile
through which we can target our critical programs to those most in need;
It fosters inter-agency cooperation and integration;
It further develops a capability for which there is a long-term demand;
It provides a critical developmental opportunity to our AmeriCorps Members.
2
The USDA AmeriCorps Office should maintain, over time, a core of staff knowledgeable
in disaster relief to lead efforts of this type. It would be most effective if this staff came
from projects similar to those required in emergency situations (food, construction, etc.).
The USDA AmeriCorps office, despite limited staff, put this entire effort on the ground
in a very short time.
Recruitment of AmeriCorps Members for emergency relief should focus heavily on those
with knowledge and experience in the programs required. Additional skills which
enhance the Member's success are appropriate linguistic capacity and an ability to exist
with minimum amenities.
Whenever possible, USDA AmeriCorps efforts should be part of the USDA/FEMA
Mission Assignment or, secondarily, through the CNS/FEMA memorandum. The
current project was undertaken without Mission Assignment. At the lower operations
levels, this did not present a problem. At an administrative level, without this Mission
Assignment, FEMA is not able to provide support to the effort. With Mission
Assignment, FEMA will not only provide critical support, it will also pay for the entire
effort.
SUMMARY
Although less than a week old, the RECD commitment to provide substantive disaster relief
to the Virgin Islands is paying dividends.
Three USDA Mission areas are working cooperatively with little to no problems;
All of the USDA agencies on the ground in St. Thomas have blended seamlessly, each
contributing their human and logistical support to solve problems and meet critical
needs;
Customers on the ground began receiving assistance within hours of the Members
landing on St. Thomas and St. Croix;
USDA AmeriCorps is receiving recognition and high praise from island residents, USDA
staff, and other cabinet departments for their work in providing food for needy island
residents and home debris removal and basic habitation..
3
10/30/95 mon 16:17 FAX 809 693 0901
ST THOMAS DFO
5.
002
To: Joel Berg
USDA/AmeriCorps
CC: Vassi Johri
Corporation for National Service
PHOTOCOPY
AmeriCorps V.I. Recovery Effort
PRESERVATION
Situation Report 10/28/95
The commitment of nine members to the USDA Food Stamp program
continues with only minor changes. As the major rush passed this
week. only four members are required now on Saturday's. The
remaining five members were utilized for FEMA projects. AmeriCorps
members assisted in setting up and staffing certification sites,
dispersal of food stamps and providing comfort and direction to
clients waiting in line. USDA personnel continue to be very
helpful to our over-all effort and express their appreciation for
the quality and quantity of work performed by our members.
We have completed 19 of 25 projects referred by FEMA Community
Relations field workers. These projects have primarily involved
cleaning debris from what remains of the homes and yards of elderly
or disabled individuals We have also helped other persons and
families without resources to perform this type of work. This is
tremendously hard. and dangerous work. As usual. AmeriCorps
members have performed admirably in the field under very stressful
conditions.
The balance struck between the Food Stamps program and FEMA
projects has worked out well. Because of the heat and the
dangerous nature of the field work, we have set up a rotation
schedule so that three members from the Recovery Crew rotate on to
10/30/95 MON 16:18 FAX 809 693 0901
ST THOMAS DFO
5.
003
the Food Stamp Crew every third day. This rotation schedule allows
members a much needed break from the field as well as a little
project diversity. We have also been completing projects nearly as
fast as FEMA can refer them. We would not be able to keep all 19
members busy relying solely on FEMA referrals. The projects FEMA
has been referring to us have been good. Dorothy Andrake has been
an excellent project contact. We have still had trouble convincing
her supervisors that it is alright to offer minimal support for
projects. It felt like a major victory when we convinced Tom
Sciandra. Community Relations Coordinator, to let us use his GSA
pick-up (which mostly remains parked all day at the DFO) for a
debris removal project. But as far as purchasing small amounts of
lumber or nails. forget it. The frustrating thing about this is
that right next door in VOLAG they are giving these things away to
other volunteer agencies. Waddy Gonzales, VOLAG coordinator has
been very interested in working with us and is trying to arrange to
give us a vehicle and materials to do tent erection projects (his
term) Community Relations is aware of this, and I think this may
be a source of tension between departments.
Another discouraging situation occurred on Thursday. Last week,
Dorothy refer us to the Nature Conservancy, an approved VOLAG group
as a possible source for tools, as we were unable to request them
through FEMA. The Nature Conservancy has two native AmeriCorps
members working on St. Croix renovating a historic sugar
plantation. I spoke with Carol Mayes, Nature Conservancy
Coordinator and she offered to allow us to use what limited tools
they might have. I offered, in return, that we might be able to
send several of our members over for one or two days to work with
their AmeriCorps members. We both agreed that this would be a
positive connection for both our efforts. We made the mistake of
telling Dorothy and she checked with her supervisors, AI Hahn and
Tom Sciandra, to see if it would be alright. She returned saying
that their opinion was that this would seriously compromise our
relationship with FEMA. Because the Nature Conservancy is a
private-non-profit and this work was pre-disaster we could expect
PHOTOCOPY
PRESERVATION
10/30/95 MON 16:19 FAX 809 693 0901
ST THOMAS DFO
1
004
big trouble if we went ahead with this plan. This unneighborly
attitude reenforces our experience with FEMA Community Relations.
Where I come from, it is downright rude not to return help offered
by your neighbors and friends. We experienced the same attitude
when we arrived. We could help Community Relations by giving them
the ability to respond to situations of need in the field, however
they would not assist us in anyway.
We have received some very good publicity of our work. Yvette Bocz
was interviewed on a local radio station about her work in the Food
Stamp program. We were featured on the front page of the Virgin
Islands Daily News (copy enclosed). There will also be an article
on our work in the next edition of the Recovery Times.
We have had four members injured in the field. Tim Craddock
received a laceration on his arm requiring three stitches. Richard
Torres stepped on a nail. Jimmy Louvanos smashed his shin with a
three pound maul. I shut John Glenn's fingers in the van door.
All of those injured are filling out a Federal CA-1 form. These
incidents are discouraging. Scott and T have stressed safety from
the beginning. We continue to make it the highest priority in the
field. We will continue to work with the members and ourselves to
look out for each other and perform our work as safely as possible.
The generator should be installed at the Bayside tomorrow. I will
try to establish a bank account so that the member's travel
allowances can be transferred here as soon as possible. Scott and
I are floating them until then.
Please send more money,
Sincerely
WSHeer Bill Fleeger
Septtbing
Scott Burgwin
AmeriCorps V.I. Recovery Leaders
PHOTOCOPY
PRESERVATION
From:
1 National Service
To:
jberg
Date:
10/30/95 5:47pm
Subject:
VI trip, etc
First, I just spoke with Grace Sheffey (FCS' Disaster
Coordinator), who hears that our folks are doing GREAT!. This is
from the Regional Disaster Coordinator (Pat Cumiskey), who has
just come back from a week down there. Grace is going to get a
memo from Pat attesting to the good work the anti-hunger team is
doing.
Second, I talked with Bill F. about your trip down there. He's
happy for you to come, and we agreed that the best time would be
for you to travel down on the 12th and return on the 14th. You
should be able to stay at the same place the Members are staying
(but in your own room!) ; if the travel times are still the same,
you'll get there a little after 2:00 p.m. on Sunday and can stay
at least half a day on Tuesday. Does this work for you? Also,
does the money come out of your regular AmeriCorps account, or
(if we can afford it) out of the RECD VI fund?
AmeriCorps- Virgin Island/ Hurricane Marilyn Recovery
Welcome to the U.S. Virgin Islands and the hurricane recovery
effort! You are on the island of St. Thomas, which was the hardest
hit of the three main islands. The other islands are St. John and
St. Croix. You may get the opportunity to work on or visit these
islands during your 5 week stay.
You are entering an area and a project that will challenge you as
an individual and us as an organization. Our role in the larger
recovery effort is evolving, therefore flexibility, as well as hard
work will help to keep us focused. Our primary goal is to help the
islands along in the recovery process.
This undoubtedly will be an experience that we will all remember
for the rest of our lifes. We intend to be a shining example of
"getting things done" as we represent not only ourselves, but the
larger AmeriCorps program across the United States.
The following are some details about our stay here that will assist
you in getting settled in and the right mind frame to survive. More
will come later in person and as we all learn about the environment
we find ourselves in.
SAFETY
As always this number one. The normal safety procedures will be
followed for work in the field. While doing physical labor such as
debris clean-up, light carpentry, or warehouse work we will wear
hardhat, gloves, long pants and work boots. While in transit by
motor vehicle we will wear seat belts. Riding in the back of a
pick-up is a no-no. Letting fellow team members know where we are
going is a must. The buddy system will be in effect.
There are safety concerns that are related more specifically to
being on St. Thomas. The traffic situation here demands that you
pay attention if you are driving or working near a roadway. The
first obvious thing is that you drive on the left. "hug the left"
is the battle cry of the new-to-the-islands driver. The roads are
narrow and steep in places, and there are many traffic back-ups.
This is not a place to space-out while driving.
Personal safety is a concern in some areas of the island at night.
These will be pointed out as the need arises. Suffice to say that
like back home this island has its rough places; the disaster has
only heightened the problems. The main concern is that you keep
your possessions secure at all times.
There are mosquitos here. One type is your regular run-of-the-mill
mosquito that hangs-out at dusk and dawn and generally may just
harrass you at night; the other is a special one that likes dawn
and daytime primarily, and can carry with it a virus that causes
dengue fever. Dengue fever is a severe flu-like experience. More
information is attached. Insect repellent at all times is the rule.
One with DEET in it is recommended, although DEET is a "can be
hazardous to your health" ingredient.
THE STAFF
Bill Fleeger and Scott Burgwin are the project leaders. We work as
a team in planning this adventure, and will continue to do so with
divided responsibilities as the project develops. Concerns,
questions and suggestions can be brought to either. For official
purposes Bill is designated as the Project Leader, mainly because
he is a hell of a guy. Bill is from the Rogue River National Forest
in Oregon where he is the AmeriCorps Project Manager. Scott is from
the Olympic National Forest in Washington state where he is the
Trails and Wilderness Coordinator for his Ranger District, and is
the Forest's AmeriCorps Project Coordinator. Scott is obviously a
collector of titles so if you have any to suggest please feel free.
WHERE WE ARE STAYING
We are staged at: Bayside Inn
7140 Bolongo Bay
St. Thomas, Virgin Islands 00802
Phones are iffy at present. There is a cell phone at the Inn; the
number is: 1-809-690-4859. We are still working on a phones that
can be used to phone home. Did you bring a calling card?
WATER
This is a safety and a conservation issue. We need to be drinking
plenty of water everyday, and we need to remind each other to drink
regularly. Do not wait until you get thirsty. The heat will bite
you with, if you are lucky, heat exhaustion with its alternating
nausea and intestinal cramps, dizziness, and general bad mood.
Don't mess with this!
At the Inn the water is not drinkable at present. There is also a
conservation concern because water comes from sisterns that collect
rainwater off of roofs, most of which are damaged on the island.
The owners of the Inn will explain for us the conservation measures
we will need to be taking.
FOOD
We are arranging for you to receive $50/day for food and other
personal items. The Inn will provide breakfast, bag lunch, and
dinner, which will have a price for you to pay. There are other
food options around that you may choose to use. We will make a
daily list of those eating at the Inn to aid the cook in planning.
The $50 "per diem" will be issued weekly, at least this is the
current plan. If you have special dietary needs please let yourself
be heard.
Some of you have received per diem already and this will need to be
accounted for so that duplication does not happen.
LAUNDRY
There are some possibilities, none too great at this point, but we
are working on it. If we are able to obtain a generator for the Inn
then laundry can be done there for a fee.
WORK SCHEDULE
Our basic daily schedule is: 0630 breakfast
0700 briefing on days work
0730 leave for worksites
1730 end work- return "home"
1800ish debrief as teams come in
1900 dinner
2000 group meeting when needed
schedules will vary according to project and many other factors
that have not even been dreamed of yet.
We expect to have one day off each week, usually Sunday. This may
vary according to project needs.
THE WORK
Four or five of our team will be committed to aiding USDA Food and
Consumer Services staff on food stamp and food distribution. This
effort may last the entire duration of our mission. The remaining
members will likely work on a variety of projects with primary
emphasis on debris clearing and light carpentry repairs on houses.
Many adventures await us.
LOCAL CULTURE
More information will come verbally, and from other sources, but a
beginning point for survival here has to 'do with how we greet local
people, or "islanders". The traditional greeting is- "good morning-
good afternoon- good evening- good night", depending on the time of
day. Rushing right to business without the greeting a sincere "how
are you" can be interpreted as rude. Look people in the eye when
you talk, and listen when they talk. Almost everyone speaks
English, although a local English dialect may be hard to understand
at first.
WILDLIFE
Other than mosquitos, some wildlife of interest are: lizards,
aflying cockroach, iguanas (big lizards with striped tails that are
herbavores, so unless your name is Herb, they are harmless, but
impressive), mongooses, or is it mongeese, many other fine
specimens yet to be discovered by this yanqui. THERE ARE NO
POISONOUS SNAKES!!
THE BEACHES
Have all been cleared for swimming.
and much more
95 17:30 202 702 4614
USDA NAT SER OFF +++ CORP NATL SVC
$
003
USDA AmeriCorps Virgin Islands Disaster Relief Team
Jason Hansen-WA
Abby Gage-SC
Tim Craddock-WV
Dan Noonan-OR
Dina Koutoupes-NH
Vontese Crawford-CA
Will Glen-CA
Richard Torres-CA
Alex Gonzalez-WI
Mark Van Ravensway-SD
Ryan Webster-KS
Jimmy Luvanos-CA
Charlet Meredith-MS
Margaret Peters-AR
John Glenn-WA
Ana Gomez-NM
Sammy Bausky-IL
Yvette Boez- - CA
Dengue Fever: Update Information for Response Personnel
Introduction:
Dengue fever is common throughout the tropics. and is present every year in the Virgin Islands.
This fact sheet will provide you with important health and safety information while you are
responding to the aftermath of Hurricane Marilyn.
Cause:
Dengue fever is caused by a virus transmitted by the mosquito Aedes aegypti. The mosquito gets
infected by biting a person who is sick with dengue. After about 10 days the infected mosquito
can pass the virus to a susceptible person when it feeds. Several other species of mosquito are
common in the Virgin Islands but none can transmit dengue.
Aedes aegypti is a domestic species. closely associated with human habitation. It breeds in water
in man-made containers, never in ponds or swamps. It is day-active, mainly biting in the
afternoon and early morning. The other common mosquitoes in the Virgin Islands bite at dawn
and dusk. or at night.
Symptoms of dengue:
Dengue usually begins with a sudden fever. followed by severe headache. joint and muscle pains. A
characteristic rash may appear after a few days. Most patients recover within a week to ten days, but on
rare occasions, the illness may be more severe, with spontaneous bleeding, shock and even death.
There is no vaccine for dengue. Patients should seek medical care. Fever should be controlled
with acetaminophen ('Tylenol') but NOT WITH ASPIRIN. as this may increase the risk of
bleeding. Seek medical care/advice if fever or other symptoms appear: Public Health Service is
providing medical care at various sites including the DFO. If symptoms appear after you return
home. inform your medical care provider of your travel to an endemic dengue area. Information
may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Division of Vector Borne
Infectious Disease Dengue Branch in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The telephone number is (809) 766-
5181.
Prevention:
Space spraying (fogging) from vehicles or aircraft is not effective against Aedes aegypti. The
mosquito is best controlled by eliminating its breeding receptacles or treating them with
insecticide.
Personal protection measures:
Use insect repellent containing DEET (be sure to read the instructions):
Keep mosquitoes out of living/sleeping quarters:
Wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts:
Eliminate all potential breeding receptacles in the area of your working/living area.
U.S. Public Health Service. Centers for Disease Control. San Juan Laboratories
September 27, 1995
October 23, 1995
To:
Vassi Johri, Steve Selby
From:
Joel Berg 1B
8 pages, including this cover
Attached is the latest report from the Virgin Islands. As you will read, Bill is being a
real good trooper not complaining too loudly about having to work without the official
tasking from FEMA.
However, please note their statement: "Expending our limited funds to duplicate
resources already available to FEMA seriously jeopardizes our ability to maintain a five
week mission especially if that mission involves purchasing truck loads of lumber.
Self sufficiency becomes a euphemism for inefficiency." (My emphasis.)
Can we try another attempt to get an official tasking from FEMA?
It seems nuts for us to use our scarce funds to purchase stuff they already have!
10/23/95 MON 13:02 FAX 809 693 0901
ST THOMAS DFO
THE
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Disaster Field Office
St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
AGENCY FEDERAL LEOP
Tel:1-804-693-0634
Fax 1-804-693-0901
Fax Transmission
To: Noel Berg
Fax Number:
202-720-4614
Department:
Telephone Number:
USDA/AmeriCorps
202-690-0693
From:
Fax Number:
Bill FLEEgER ESF #11
809-693-0901
Telephone Number:
No OF PAGES: 7
809-693-0531
Message:
Situation Report 10/22/95
Sent by:
Date:
Time:
AM/PM.
10/23/95 MON 13:03 FAX 809 693 0901
ST THOMAS DFO
002
To: Joel Berg
USDA/AmeriCorps
CC: Vassi Johri
Corporation for National Service
AmeriCorps Situation Report 10/22/95
All members have arrived and have been assigned to projects. We
have committed nine members, to the USDA Food Stamp program and ten
seenate
members to FEMA Community Relations projects. Work in the Food
Stamp effort consists of transferring certification information to
computer, providing comfort to clients waiting in long lines, and
general administrative and organizational support. The Food
Distribution program is being phased out and Food Stamps will be
made available to disaster victims of St. Thomas on Wendsday. It
is anticipated that there will be over $500,000 dollars worth of
Food stamps distributed by Friday. This has been an enormous
effort and AmeriCorps members have provided invaluable assistance
keeping this program organized and proceeding as smoothly as
possible. The USDA Food Stamp sponsors have been very impressed
with the quality and quantity of the work our members have
performed. They have also been very helpful to our overall effort
10/23/95 MON 13:04 FAX 809 693 0901
ST THOMAS DFO
003
by allowing us to utilize space, phones, and computers at the
already crowded ESF #11 desk in the DFO and assisting us with
transporting members to and from work.
We are beginning to work the kinks out of a very problematic
relationship with FEMA. When Scott and I arrived there was a lot
of confusion about our administrative relationship to FEMA. the
types of work would we be able to perform and logistically support,
and the process for Community Relations workers to refer projects
to AmeriCorps. Initially, Barbara Kambouris, Deputy Director of
Community Relations, was under the impression that our entire team
would be serving at discretion of her department. This caused
immediate conflict with Jaime Riveria, our USDA contact, and led to
a situation now referred to as the "dueling memo incident." This
situation was resolved in a meeting with Barbara. Jaime,
representatives from VOLAG, the Red Cross. and myself. At this
meeting it was agreed that five members with Food Stamp training
would be committed to the USDA, the remaining members would work on
FEMA project referrals and that our work would not duplicate
efforts of the Red Cross or other volunteer agencies. This
situation resolved, Scott and I began to discover the types of work
that would be referred to us through FEMA. Community Relations
workers identified, as priority, the need to install tarp on roofs
of elderly and handicapped victims whose home lacked sufficient
structure for the Army Corps of Engineers to attach a protective
covering. Community Relations Workers also identified the need for
cistern repair, debris removal, and other health, safety and
MUN 10:00 FAA 809 093 V9V1
ST THOMAS DFO
sanitation issues. Scott and I began to work through the
logistical requirements of addressing the priority need of roof
repair. This would require lumber. plywood. ladders. carpentry
tools, nails, vehicles to transport materials and crews. radios to
maintain communication, and most importantly, water to prevent our
members from dropping like flies in the heat. Scott and I began to
work on methods to acquire these materials and supplies assuming
that we might be able to utilize resources already available to
FEMA. At the same time, I submitted a request through FEMA
Operations for an industrial generator for the Bayside Inn where
our members would be staying. Included in this request was an
accounting of rate reductions the Bayside Inn would offer in return
for a generator. (As background, most of the Island is without
power and FEMA offers an agreement to provide generators to private
businesses in exchange for services or reduced rates returned to
the Federal government.) This request was denied and the paperwork
returned to FEMA Community Relations. Barbara Kambouris
misinterpreted this request as an attempt to have FEMA pay for the
cost of AmeriCorps lodging. It was this incident which brought the
"self-sufficiency" issue to the forefront. In a meeting with
Barbara, Dorothy Andrake (our project contact for FEMA), and
myself, Barbara explained to me that legally, FEMA could not incur
any costs or provide support associated with our AmeriCorps
Mission. I pointed out that the request was for a generator and
not for reimbursement for lodging. At this point Barbara read the
paperwork and understood the nature of the request. She further
explained that because we had come down late in the disaster and on
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our own volition that legally FEMA could not offer us any support
with vehicles, equipment, or supplies even if those resources were
available to other agencies and organizations associated with this
effort.
The major question raised by this explanation of our connection to
FEMA is; If we are here independently, how was it assumed that we
would serve at the direction of Community Relations? Operating
independently, it would be more appropriate for us to connect to
FEMA through VOLAG. VOLAG has provided vehicle and radio support
to Christian organizations in this disaster. Expending our limited
funds to duplicate resources already available to FEMA seriously
jeopardizes our ability to maintain a five week mission especially
if that mission involves purchasing truck loads of lumber. Self
sufficiency becomes a euphemism for inefficiency.
This is the reality of the situation and Scott and I have been busy
making the most of it. We have been working with our project
contact in FEMA and have chosen to focus on debris clean-up. This
work requires a lot of person power, minimal expenditures for
materials, and there is a lot of it to do. Abby Gage, an
AmeriCorps member from South Carolina is working with Scott and I
to coordinate projects, set crew and work schedules. and solve our
logistical problems. She has been an excellent addition to our
team. Abby has also been leading one of our "recovery crews. "
After some initial bumps in the project referral process (another
long FEMA story) we are confident that we will not have a problem
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keeping people busy. We are also making contact with other
organizations involved in the relief effort. On Monday we will
have a crew helping the Mennonites build temporary housing for the
Rastafarian community. Another crew will be removing a roof that
was blown into an elderly woman's back yard. We have found allies
within FEMA who have been willing to help us solve some of our
logistical and support issues. We have rented a jeep for Scott and
I to get around the Island and because the road system here is so
crazy and there are no street signs left from the storm, we have
hired a driver with a van who knows the island to transport crews
to the work site. This has avoided a lot of down time associated
with trying to find addresses and project locations.
We are staying at the Bayside Inn. Members are sleeping 3 or 4 to
a room. There is no power but portable generators provide light
and cold water for showers in the morning and evening. Our hosts.
Brad and Carol. have been very helpful and have been very
enthusiastic about having AmeriCorps stay with them. They provide
excellent meals with a vegetarian option and even shop for items
for our members during the day. I had a short talk with the FCO
and resubmitted the request for a generator explaining that
AmeriCorps members were not on the same per diem schedule as other
Federal employees and that the Bayside was the only place we could
afford to stay. This time the request was approved. We may have
refrigeration. hot water, and air conditioning by mid-week.
The majority of the members did not receive travel advances. This
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has been a major problem. I have been advancing some members money
out of my own pocket. Early last week, Scott and I requested an
additional 2.000 dollars each on our travel allowance so we could
buy tools and supplies and keep the members in money until their
paper work was processed. We have not yet received those funds. I
hope they will be in the Fed-X package on Monday. I strongly
recommend that In the future the financial arraignments for this
kind of operation be worked out in advance. Having to work through
these procurement and per-diem issues has been extremely
frustrating and inconvenient.
We will be working 6 days a week. we gave everyone today off even
though some members just arrived on friday. The average work day
for the recovery crews will be 0730-1730 commute included. The
Food stamp crews may be working somewhat longer days, but they have
air-conditioning.
Please send money.
Sincerely,
Without
William Fleeger
AmeriCorps V.I. Recovery Project Director
* of members to USDA was Rarsed to NiNe because of to five intial
Problems Number with work refered by FEMA. I anticipate returning
after project How proproves
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
OF AGRICULTURE
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20250
INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM FOR THE UNDER SECRETARY
From:
Earl Taylor, II ET
Bonnie Berry
Subject:
USDA AmeriCorps Virgin Island Disaster Relief Update
Below is a summary of expenditures to date for the USDA AmeriCorps Disaster
Relief project.
EXPENSES
as of 10/20/95
Item Total
Roundtrip Airfare to the Virgin Islands
$21,570.90
Lodging for Orientation
$645.05
Lodging in the Virgin Islands
$14,160.00
Food Expenses for Staff and Members
$8,600.00
Stipend for Non-Renewal Members
$9,000.00
Tools
$0.00
On-Ground Transportation
$5,596.00
Miscellaneous Supplies
$550.00
Expense for Alternate Members
$0.00
Grand Total
$60,121.95
11
Our budget was formed based on the best estimates available at the beginning of
the project. All efforts are being made to insure the project cost are adequately
funded.
BUDGET
Item Total
Airfare
$18,800.00
Lodging for Orientation
$4,524.00
Lodging in the Virgin Islands
$2,700.00
Food Expenses for Staff and Members
$45,220.00
Stipend for Non-Renewal Members
$17,100.00
Tools
$1,000.00
On-Ground Transportation
$5,000.00
Miscellaneous Supplies
$3,000.00
Expense for Alternate Members
$8,250.00
Grand Total*
$105,594.00
* Please note funds supplied by Rural Housing and Community Development Service total $100,000
We are attempting to obtain additional support from the Corporation for National
Service to pay for the members' airfare. Also, attached is an informational
overview of the project. The preliminary reports from our team indicate their work
will make a real difference to the victims of Hurricane Marilyn. You will be
receiving a more detailed project update in the near future..
cc: Maureen Kennedy, Administrator, RHCDS
of