Hurricane Frances is a category 4 hurricane
at present and approximately 2 ½ times the size of Hurricane Charley.


  View from 3,400 feet of part of the hurricane devastated area
click on images to enlarge

Dave Chandler, DIV 13 member, at the site of a collapsed house showing a flag that came right through the roof	Fellow FEMA workers taking a short break

A "small" creek rising from the severe flooding	This flooding causes severe damage as hit topples homes and the surrounding forest
This house has to be leveled due to the damage from an uplifted tree	Flooding causes a river of debris eventually settling far off from it's original location
When FEMA put out the call for help, our own Division 13 member, David Chandler, FSO-VE 13-13, answered the call to assist in any way requested. The mission started by flying to Atlanta, GA for a crash training course. During the 10 day training period, Dave and approximately 2,500 others were taught various ways to help the victims of the devastating hurricanes that forced their way into these peoples lives. Tasks ranging from getting food & shelter to providing appropriate direction on obtaining money to rebuild were just a few items that Dave was trained in providing to these poor people.   Upon completion of the FEMA training in Atlanta, Dave was sent to Ashville, NC for an additional two days of local area training. After being grouped into two person teams, Dave was sent to Hendersonville, NC where he put his training into live action. This proved to be a rewarding but sad experience to live through as the devastation was intense. The damage was intense and varied from place to place. Working a seven day / twelve hour per day week proved to be quite exhausting but felt good as the people appreciated the efforts of all those who came to help them in their hour of need.   Dave lived this disaster for 30 days as he went from door to door to help all those who had become prey to the violence of hurricane force winds and severe flood conditions. The reward was to see the faces of those who were helped and how they were given hope that there was a brighter future ahead.   We are extremely proud of Dave and the personal sacrifices he made to help those in need. He exemplifies what we all stand for in our roles as volunteers in the USCG Auxiliary and we thank Dave for his commitment to helping others.   Ronald A. Tomo, BC-AXT, FVC 13-13, FSO-CM 13-13 Photos courtesy of David Chandler, FSO-VE 13-13 Photo-edit Ken Sommers VCP-13  click on images to enlarge
Note the severity of the damage along the brick supporting wall of this home	Continuation of the debris field
Water rising over 15 feet shows on the trees along the road	Note the toys and clothes high in the trees from the wind and flooding

Index page