Greetings My Friends
This year there has been a lot of activity at the 'HOPE Headquarters' (commonly known as my new office complex for U.S. Scrap and Recycling Services). February 2006 marked our official Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies in South Bend, Indiana on my property located next to the world famous AM General Test Track. The ribbon cutting was well attended by officials of AM General, American Red Cross, State of Indiana officials, local Police and Fire Departments with Mayor Steve Luecke taking the ribbon cutting honors. After the ceremony, everyone was treated to HUMMER rides around the property and AMG track including the off road Woods Trails.
I am happy to report that the data management conversion to our new software has been completed and I would like to thank Paul, Greg and the others involved in this project. With the new database, we discovered members who have take the Trail Endorsement but have not finishe dthe requirements to become fully certified.
The HOPE staff will be sending out e-mail reminders to those people to encourage them to finish off the remaining elements. This will make sure tha you are able to be deployed in the next emergency. Congratulations are in order to Paul at the St. Joseph Chapter who has just been appointed to a full time position. This will make the HOPE program more efficient as there is now a full time staff person to answer your questions.
A question I get a lot is, "I went to my local Red Cross chapter to tell them about the HOPE program an no one there knew anything about it." "What can I do to bring HOPE to my town?"
One of this year's goals is to promote the HOPE program at your local chapter level. The American Red Cross in Washington, DC has not setup this program as of yet. Members, it is up to us to bring the HOPE program to your local chapter and let them see what a helpful community minded group of people HUMMER owners are.
Contact your local chapter and tell them about the HOPE program. They can contact the national coordinating chater in South Bend, Indiana at hope@stjoe-redcross.org or my phone at 574-234-0191 for more information. The St. Joseph Chapter will help them get everything they need to get started. As a HOPE member, you still have to sign up at the chapter in South Bend, but upon certification as HOPE member, your information will be transmitted to your hometown chapter for local deployment in time of need.
With the coming sever weather season now upon us, I can't stress enough how important it is to get qualified before the next call to duty. As I am writing this column the cable news is reporting 60 tornados across the Midwest and the University of Oklahoma is predicting this year's Hurricane season will produce as many storms as last year.
It seems that this would be a good time to remind everyone that, "It is all about being prepared." Spring is an excellend time to check the maintenannce of your HUMMER. Listed below are a few items that I recommend you check in or on your truck, in addition to the routing maintaince items listed in your owner's manual.
- Batteries, flashlights, camera, smoke detector, walkie-talkie, etc.
- Aspirin, medicines, bug spray, disinfectant wipes, sunscreen, etc.
- Gloves
- Lights - Do you headlights, running lights, and brake lights work?
- Check for loose or corroded battery cables, clean cables as needed. With all the radios and electronics that we HUMMER owners install on our trucks, this is a must do item. I also recommend load testing batteries in any diesel truck every two years. You can get this done for free at most auto parts stores.
- Unpack and inspect all supplies in your first aid kit. See what needs replenishing or replacing due to age.
- A trick that I have found out the hard way; if you carry any instant ice or hot packs, store them in heavy duty freezer bags to prevent them from leaking inside of your first aid kit.
Speaking of stocking up, be sure to check out the great line of HUMMER clothing and HOPE related items at our onling store. Click the link on The HUMMER Club, Inc. website and order now before the Homecoming and be the best dressed owner at the party. HUMMER Club members receive a discount from HUMMER STUFF.
Plans for the HUMMER Homecoming 2006 are moving at breakneck speed now and if you plan on attending this event, I encourage you to sign up fast before the truck limit is reached. You can sign up online at www.thehummerclubinc.com. HOPE training will be offered and space is limited so sign up early. We will also offer a First Aid/CPR class taught by the American Red Cross. This is a 6 hour class taught in two sessions. There is limited space available for these classes.
HOPE Goes International
As I am writing this article, reports are just coming in about CYCLONE LARRY in Australia. The initial reports are estimating damage will be as devastating as katrina.
HUMMER owner John Bramich and company have already spearheaded erlief efforts and are driving over land to help deliver relief supplies to his fellow countrymen and families. Once again, this proves that HUMMER owners help humanity whenever there is a need. We hope to have John and his fellow HUMMER owners return from their relief efforts to visit with us at the Homecomming and share their stories. Godspeed John.
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That about wraps it up! I can't wait to meet everyone at Homecoming in June!
So "From behind the lines", I am Rescue Mike.
"It's all about being prepared"