Here we are meeting with the 1st Squadron - 73rd Cavalry, 82d Airborne Division. They are the center of it all. You see lots of civilians in the room - they are from NGO's, missions deployed hospital teams, etc. Great group of people working smart and hard! You should be proud of what all these people are doing. Most were yanks, but an Aussie and a Mick there as well. We're in Port au Prince now. Been here two days. Assessing if and how much we're needed. Today met with everyone from the Army, to Catholic Relief and Baptist Mission Hospital - the longest serving mission here. Things seem to be opening up down here. We will assess and may stop working at PaP and serve the refugee diaspora to the North.
I can tell you the group of people in that room, about 40, were some fine men and women. Medical teams, Army, NGO's, missions - great people working hard together to do good things. Made me proud. AND the soldiers - from the Squadron Commander down - just awesome men. They were confident, competent, humble, wanted to help, believe in what they are doing and sensitive to the people, the disaster and the mess. A Troop has the hard task of helping dig through a collapsed hotel frequented by Americans. They are recovering bodies, one at a time. It is a hard task they take as privilege. Proud to have worn the uniform! If only all armies had soldiers like that... maybe we wouldn't have so many wars.
Will keep you posted.
Late - must sleep.
Mike - out
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