December 16, 2008 - National Conference for Secure Communities

I was invited to Washington D.C. to speak at a symposium to develop key recommendations for the new administration. I participated as a discussion leader/subject matter expert for the symposium sharing about the model “First Response Team of America”.

I participated in a mixer the night before the symposium began. I had a chance to meet Lt. General Russell Honoree. He recognized me and said, “I know who you are, you’re that guy from CNN! I want to join your team and partner with you.” It was an honor to meet the general. He is well known for overseeing the United States military response to Hurricane Katrina. The next morning we had breakfast together, and I had a chance to talk with him about working together in the future. He offered to help me build a relationship with the Red Cross and with Homeland Security. I will take him up on that offer soon enough.

That afternoon I presented the story and work of the First Response Team to senators, governors, mayors, and various government and emergency officials. I shared how this model of custom-designed equipment, technology, and experienced staff meets the needs of communities devastated by disasters on day one and in the first few critical weeks after a disaster strikes. They even played a video from CNN Heroes. Afterwards I had an opportunity to meet many representatives from state, federal and humanitarian agencies who were also interested in meeting the various needs of disaster victims.

Yet, I must conclude, Washington is not necessarily the perfect fit for me. I find the more time I spend in the field, the better I will be at finding solutions that work. At that point, I will continue to have proven solutions to present to our country that I’m confident will work.