We were all a little groogy as we had been on a red
eye from Seattle, through Dallas to Baton Rouge(the
capitol of Louisiana) but still smiling.
This was the Govornor's mansion on our way to the Red
Cross central operations center.
A sorority house for a local small university.
We arrive at the center and it is total organized chaos,
well there was a lot of organization but there were just
so much going on and so many people. Hundreds of
volunteers in fact.
So I finally arrive at my assignment which was in the
Baton Rouge Convention center. At its peak occupancy
there were over 6500 residence plus RC volunteers.
This is the govonor of Louisiana, no comment. The policeman
in the hat was the Baton Rough Police Chief, a total bigoted
asshole. Sorry but the truth must be said.
the Govonor was actually at the shelter that day because
former Presidnet Clinton was was making a visit.
So all the local politicians and dignitaries were there
that day.
The guy in the blue shirt in the middle is Clinton.
The guy in the light polo shirt was the head Red Cross official at this shelter.
There is a better picture of Clinton.
I was standing a little to far away to get to shake his
hand, but I was struck at how much he paid attention to
each and everyperson with whom he spoke.
In fact, this day was my hardest, the residents were all
so agitated at the extra Security, etc. But you will have
to read my book for the details. That is when I write it.
So every day we had a 4:00 meeting of all the volunteers
that were in the center. The man on the left is HC
Alexander. He took over the lead duties after I was there for a week.
Here are 2 of the women who worked with me at the front
desk, we all laughed and cried together.
This is Randy, he was 3rd in charge.
Jason, pictured in the middle, was just awesome. He was so
supportive and such a great asset to the RC org.
Jeanne and Bob and yours truly. They were a lovely couple
from Iowa who worked with me at the front desk. I missed
them so much after they left, they were so caring and sweet.
There was one event that was alittle strange. A WEDDING!
The couple had met working together at this shelter and
after 6 weeks got married.
I do not lie, here is the cake.
And the Congregation
Our Richard Dryfus Stand in.
What is a wedding without bubbles?
The Bride
Getting hitched!
All the schocked atendees.
the loving glance
These were local supply helicopters which were hovering all around Baton Rouge.
To get some relief from the utter chaos, a friend and I
went to the totally deserted Zoo.
I, as a rule, I hate zoos but the zoo I was living in
at the Shelter made it necessary to have a peaceful day.
Pygmy goats
al-Li-gators,oooohhhh
Kitty
This was the RC volunteer quarters. We called it the frog
pond because when you put close to 50 people in 1 room, in
high stress situations, there is more than just snoring.
This was my cot for 19 days.
The long hallway to the bathroom.
Hey, there is tim and the Lori's.
Another afternoon meeting. We were not allowed to
take pictures of the residents. Hence no photos of them.
On the far right is the social worker who helped me
a lot. If only to listen to me cry.
The front Desk Team!
Me and Raynell. We really bonded. She was an awesome
support during and after being in the shelter.
Relaxing after a very long day.
dammit! gimmi a beer!
There is Amy a fellow Seattle-ite.
Some of the many Kentucky National Guard stationed
in the Rivercenter. And the one female cop. She
worked almost everyday and took care of stuff when
it just got too hard for us to do it.
EL Cajon, A soldier from San Diego, he
helped out on some really hard days. I never
did get his name. He called me "Chula Juana".
Only San Diegans will get that.
The solid team over in transportation, they got
so many people to all over the country, for free.
They worked so hard.
My buddy Tim!
Birthday anyone? 3 all in 2 days. A cake is necessary.
Said Cake!
Raynell trying to pack.
Tim somehow found a toy rubber lizard in his bed one
night, i honestly don't know who put it there. HEE HEE.
The gang; Raynell, me, Tim and Tara hanging but the army
trucks which were many.
The fountain outside the shelter.
A local statue/
On our last night we had a party.
What party would be complete without a skit?
Teh ghey!
Dancing ensued.
Party is ON!
Julie on the left, another Seattle-ite.
One of the kids having some fun with the sirens.
This was the Chief and his wife, he was in charge of all the supplies.
Dancing fools.
Did anyone say CONGA?
Why yes they did!