Dave Brown's e-mail from Fri, 2 Sep 2005 to all AMA members
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Subject: Hurricane Katrina and AMA Response
AMA Members Helping Members As the tragic events along the Gulf Coast unfold, it has become painfully apparent that the number of refugees from Hurricane Katrina is enormous. It is not unreasonable to estimate that there will be half a million or more homeless Americans for many months to come. Among them, unfortunately, are an unknown number of AMA members. Based on the information at hand, we at AMA estimate that as many as 1,500 members could be in dire need of help. These are areas in which the U.S. Postal Service has suspended service because its facilities have been severely damaged or even obliterated by the storm. While many Federal and State agencies are doing all that they can, the magnitude of this disaster means that we all need to do our part. AMA is establishing a program to try to help those members in need by matching them with someone who can help. If youre in a position to provide temporary shelter, assist with transportation needs, or just help a fellow modeler find his or her way back to a normal life, call our toll-free Hurricane Katrina Modeler Assistance Hotline at (866) 286-3302. Our staff will take your name and some key information and try to match you with someone in need. Many of us have an extra room, perhaps a spare car, or some other piece of equipment thats sitting around and could be put to good use during this time of unbelievable tragedy. I have volunteered space in my own home to assist this effort and I hope many of you will consider doing the same. You can also register by going directly to AMAs Web site at http://www.modelaircraft.org/katrina/?section=register and completing a simple form. Thats all it takes. Its only a simple telephone call or Web site registration, yet that simple act can have a dramatic impact on someones life during this critical period. Aeromodelers are a brotherhood, and many of our brothers need your help. Lets all pitch in and help these people who have suffered an unbelievable loss get back on their feet as quickly as possible. Its the right thing to do and it is something we can all do to aid the recovery process. If you are a member who has been displaced by this disaster, or know a member who is in need of this type of help, you can use the same toll-free number to request help. AMA and your fellow members are standing by, anxious, and willing to help. Remember(866) 286-3302 or use our Web site at http://www.modelaircraft.org/katrina/?section=register to volunteer assistance. If you happen to be reading this and you need help, you can go to our Web site at http://www.modelaircraft.org/katrina/?section=request to make your request.
Dave Brown |