From the Desk of the Commander Sector Upper Mississippi River
As you know I have been in this Sector for only a short time, but in that time I have been impressed by the support and professionalism of 8 Western Rivers’ Auxiliarists. Your assistance to the Sector has been invaluable and is very much appreciated.
During the past month, I have reviewed the lessons learned from the massive flooding in June. One of the success stories which stand out is that of the Auxiliarists who support the Iowa State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC). For those of you who are unaware of this team, let me provide you with some background information about them. These Auxiliarists volunteered to work with the Iowa SEOC and have been trained as a part of that organization. As such, when Sector dispatched a Coast Guard Liaison officer to the Iowa SEOC during the flooding this team supported him. This assistance was invaluable to ensure rapid support to the affected areas.
Based on the success of this team, I would like to establish an SEOC support team at each of the SEOC’s in Sector Upper Mississippi River’s (SUMR) area of Responsibility (AOR).The principal function of these teams would be to assist SUMR during emergencies by acting as a member of the Coast Guard Liaison Support Team assigned to the SEOC; working under the direct supervision of an assigned Coast Guard Liaison Officer. All teams would perform their duties under the supervision of the Incident Management Division at Sector UMR. Each team would train with the SEOC to ensure familiarity with systems, personnel, types of emergencies, etc; participate in SEOC Major Exercises; and, participate in SEOC Planning Evolutions (not as the decision maker, but as the communications link with SUMR).
The specific qualifications I am looking for in each volunteer are:
a. ICS 100, ICS 200, IS 700, & IS 800; with ICS 300 & ICS 400 preferred;
b. Some computer skills are necessary.
c. Co-located near the SEOC;
d. Willing to serve during emergencies;
e. Willing to make a significant investment in personnel time for: Training; Exercises; and, Planning.
These teams are necessary to cover a gap in our support organization which exists between SUMR and the other ten (10) SEOCs in our AOR. This program is essential to ensuring that we fulfill our responsibilities in emergency management and I look forward to working with you on making this a success.
I ask anyone interested in these important teams to contact Marvin Butcher (Auxiliary Coordinator for Sector UMR) @ (314) 269-2604 or (618) 567-8751 or email: Marvin.E.Butcher@uscg.mil or dejomini@aol.com. He will arrange for you to contact the appropriate Sector UMR personnel in charge of these projects.
Again, thank you all you are doing for the Coast Guard.
Steven L. Hudson, Captain, U.S. Coast Guard
Commander, Sector Upper Mississippi River
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