COMMO Chief's Log Oct 2017

In the absence of an emergency, we often take so much for granted unless a check and balance system has been enforced. Two years of training and over 17,520 hours testing communication interoperability paid off when our team had to fly into the U.S. Virgin Islands prior to the hurricanes making landfall.

There I had the unique opportunity to serve my country and the people as the Communications Chief during missions facilitating Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA).

In retrospect, I realize that I was working with the very best of the best, and proud of the lives we saved and how working together we alleviated pain and suffering. I appreciate how my selfless service was recognized and marked with a rear medallion that similarly honors military Challenge Coins.

Each coin in my 16-year military career tells a story of its own and how I strive to deliver excellence in all I do.

#TeamWork #FEMA #FEMARegionII #RamboRapu #SignalPride

Did you know:

Irma is the fifth-costliest Atlantic hurricane ($64.8 billion in damage).

Total fatalities: 134

Highest wind speed: 285 km/h

Date: August 30, 2017 – September 13, 2017

Affected areas: Florida, Puerto Rico, Saint Martin (Island), Cuba, and more.

Category: Category 5 Hurricane (SSHWS), Category 1 Hurricane (SSHWS), Category 4 Hurricane (SSHWS)

wikipedia.org

Maria is the third-costliest Atlantic hurricane ($91.6 billion in damage).

Total fatalities: 3,057

Highest wind speed: 282 km/h

Date: September 16, 2017 – October 2, 2017

Affected areas: Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Dominica and more.

Category: Category 5 Hurricane (SSHWS)

wikipedia.org