Stepping Up To The Plate

[ToddDH]

I find it absolutely fantastic that according to a news report today, the American people have already donated in private donations, over two hundred thirty-seven million dollars to the Haitian people in their time of dire need.

Makes one proud to be an American or at least it does this one.

Todd

[Mean Dean]

It is interesting to hear some say that the United States' response to the situation in Haiti has been lacking.

Perhaps the facts best speak for themselves......

United States Government:

$100 Million initial pledge
Former Presidents, Bill Clinton and George Bush (Clinton Bush Haiti Fund)

United States Navy:

Guided Missile Destroyer USS Higgins DDG 76
Aircraft Carrier USS Carl Vinson CVN 70
Guided Missile Frigate USS Underwood FFG 36
Guided Missile Cruiser USS Normandy CG 60
Helicopter Carrier USS Batann LHD 5
Dock Landing Ship USS Carter Hall LSD 50
Dock Landing Ship USS Fort McHenry LSD 43
Amphibious Assault Ship USS Nassau LHA 4
Amphibious Transport Dock Ship USS Mesa Verdi LPD 19
Dock Landing Ship USS Ashland LSD 48
Hospital Ship USNS Comfort T AH 20

United States Coast Guard:

Medium Endurance Cutter USCGC Forward WMEC 911
Medium Endurance Cutter USCGC Mohawk WMEC 913
Medium Endurance Cutter USCGC Valiant WMEC 621
Medium Endurance Cutter USCGC Tahoma WMEC 908

United States Air Force:

Special Tactics Unit (conducting 24-hour Air Traffic Control)
Special Operations Aircraft (2) MC-130H Combat Talon II
New York Air National Guard (2) C-130 transport aircraft
West Virginia Air National Guard

United States Marines:

22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (2000 personnel)
24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (1000 personnel)

United States Army:

82nd Airborne Division (3000 personnel)
Puerto Rico National Guard (3 contingents)

In all, over 16,000 United States Armed Forces personnel are currently involved in relief efforts.

State and Local Governments:

State of California: Deployed a specially trained search-and-rescue team to Haiti. California's 70-member rescue team is equipped to conduct around-the-clock search and rescue operations. Its members include firefighters, paramedics, emergency room physicians, structural engineers, heavy equipment specialists, hazardous materials technicians and search dogs. Separately, the Urban Search and Rescue California Task Force 2 from Los Angeles to assist in relief efforts.

State of Florida: Florida State Emergency Management Team sent two 72-person urban search and rescue teams with personnel from all over the state to engage in the recovery efforts in Haiti.

State of Texas: sent members of Texas Task Force One to assist in Haiti

State of Virginia: The Fairfax County, Virginia Urban Search and Rescue Team has sent two teams to Haiti to assist in relief efforts.

(Facts current as of 1115 hours PST, 21 January 2010)

[ToddDH]

You're right Dean, nothings speaks better than the facts!

BUT, how did you miss New York's Search and Rescue who were among the first (if not indeed the singularly first) units from the US who effected rescues?

I know, Dean. You know they're so good you just figured they don't need a mention as it might depress the organizations you did mention.

Todd

[hockeynut]

Wow, that's great. It's nice to see everyone come together and help those that need it.

I'm sure after Friday's telethon which will be on every major network those numbers will increase even more. I'm glad the Hollywood stars are also stepping up to the plate and major props to Clooney for organizing it.

[VTJen]

It is always amazing to me to see how much Americans give, to so many different needs that have arisen around the world, over the years.

[Captain Tennille]

These are only promises. (And Politicians and Pledges mix like oil and water)

While 90% of private pledges are honored by individuals
governments of late seem to be weaseling out.

Only 20% of the Tsunami aid promised by Governments has actually been honored to date.... And That happened YEARS ago. It may seem cool in the moment to promise big things... but then the bean counters (and reality) eventually take over. And we are quick to forget.