Hurricane Katrina

October 25, 2005: Our own Rob Dewey gave a moving program showing the devastation of both property and, most importantly, people’s lives on the Gulf Coast due to Hurricane Katrina. On August 27th, Rob was put on standby and on Sunday was deployed as part of the team to Gulf Port, MS area working with the identification and handling of victims using a portable mortuary.

Rob is a sensitive and caring representative of the Lowcountry, historic Charleston Rotary Club, and his faith. The most moving pictures he showed were not just of the property destruction, but the people working to make life better for the victims.

One picture showed Charleston Police Department on the scene before others and ready to assist as apart of the Outreach by the Lowcountry to others in response to the help we received during Hugo. Rob was asked how Katrina compared to Hugo and his response was, “You can’t compare them.” He showed a photo of the areas hit by 40 foot wall of water in Bay St. Louis. Even among all this destruction, Rob shared it was very important to keep the sense of humor to deal with the tragedy like this.

One question Rob was asked was how we can create a communications link that connects people who lost loved ones and to support that is needed. The “211” number was given as an excellent example of a way to provide this type of assistance. We have 211 in the Charleston area but unfortunately it is not nationwide and help is needed in promoting it. More will be provided in the newsletter concerning how you can support legislation for a nationwide “211” number for assistance.

One of the photos brought to mind Rotary’s “service above self.” Rob showed a picture of a tent provided to victims with the Rotary logo on the side for temporary shelter. Rotary was making a difference. We would like to thank Rob not only for great presentation, but also for his tireless support for those in need.