Sgt. Jason Albers briefs Americorps members prior to their mission to Rushford.
By Jeffery L. Biggs American Red Cross
ROCHESTER, Minn. (August 26, 2007) – The youth volunteer movement is alive and well in Minnesota’s flood ravaged southeastern corner. Members of Americorps, along with the American Cadet Alliance (ACA) are partnering with the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Operation to assist the residents of Rushford, Minn.
In a briefing Sunday morning at the Rochester National Guard Armory where Red Cross relief operations are headquartered, Sgt. Jason Albers of the ACA discussed the upcoming mission of the joint efforts.
“We’re going in to Rushford … and conditions are pretty messy,” Sgt. Albers informed the assembled Americorps workers. “On a disaster scale of 10, this is probably a 6 or better.”
That description didn’t phase the Americorps workers as they listened attentively. This mission – rather partnership – includes searching for missing people and pets, delivery water, sealed foods (MRE’s), and first aid supplies; along with general support in communications and electricity.
So where exactly does the Red Cross part of the partnership fit in? In the material support function.
“The Red Cross will provide the resources and supplies we need,” Sgt. Albers said. “Whatever we need to deliver, they will provide it, or help us get it.”
The conditions the relief workers can expect to encounter aren’t for the faint of heart, either.
“It’s going to be muddy – very muddy,” the sergeant informed. “I was down in Rushford yesterday (Saturday), and some of the workers were in knee-deep mud. Some of these places still aren’t accessible by auto. Be prepared for a dirty job.”
Being in dirty locations is something the Americorps workers are used to. Utilizing a partnership that has been in place for some years now between the Red Cross and Americorps, this group of workers has worked everything from Katrina relief to wildfires in the Northwest.
Josie Sanderson of Brookings, S.D., a member of Americorps and the NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps), is one such worker.
“I worked five wildfires this summer,” the energetic Sanderson said. “I’m used to getting dirty and taking those baby wipe baths.”
And what does she find great about the partnership with the Red Cross?
“Well, I’ve always believed that saying, ‘two heads are better than one’,” she said. “We’re still working to get the Americorps name out to the public, and one of the best ways we can do that is by working with the American Red Cross.
In fact, the NCCC (which is part of Americorps) and Red Cross missions go hand in hand, she points out.“We both are looking to provide disaster assistance to those who need it most, and working together we can get that done,” Sanderson quips. “I’m excited to be on this mission, and I’ll be using the training which the Red Cross has provided to me.”
That Red Cross training – Introduction to Disaster Services, CPR and First Aid, and more – will enable this young woman, and the other Americorps workers to provide the assistance needed in the devastated Rushford area.“We need to get in there and help out, that’s what we’re here to do. Work with the Red Cross and others and make sure people get what they need,” she said.
