Hurricane Harvey: Compassion, Courage, Collaboration

Commendations are in order for all assisting with the unimaginable, relentless, and heart-wrenching devastation of Hurricane Harvey.

Their sacrifices are of extraordinary significance to America and to the alleviation of human suffering.

The heart of America is wounded by this catastrophic event. Compassion, moral courage, and collaboration are the principles that must unite us and bring healing to our nation.

America must especially pray for up to 30 individuals, who have been killed so far, due to storm related causes.

Tragically, these fatalities include a family of six, four children and their great-grandparents, who perished while trying to escape flooding. The victims in this heartbreaking family tragedy are Manuel Saldivar, 84, and his wife Belia, 81; Daisy Saldivar, 6; Xavier Saldivar, 8; Dominic Saldivar, 14; and Devy Saldivar, 16.

Aside from these deaths, the suffering inflicted on individuals who have lost their homes, livelihoods, vehicles, and all their personal possessions is distressing.

Individuals entrusted to serve America as first responders and through emergency services truly have a profession of extraordinary significance. These individuals are critical to preventing, diminishing, and responding to human anguish and must be profoundly admired.

One of these responders, Houston Police Sgt. Steve Perez, 60, died while in his patrol vehicle driving to serve his community. He drowned after being trapped by floodwaters.

Sgt. Perez represents the finest of American law enforcement, selflessly placing himself at risk to protect and serve

Responding on the ground to the emergency like Sgt. Perez is one form of service. Yet, recovery from this disaster is a responsibility for all of America and we must all rise to the occasion.

We must all respond to help heal the brokenness inflicted upon our country by this cataclysmic event.

Preliminary Statistics: A Starting Point

The devastation unleashed by Hurricane Harvey is unprecedented, catastrophic, and apocalyptic, and statistics cannot clearly paint the picture inflicted by this cataclysmic event.

Yet, these preliminary statistics give insight, according to our human way of understanding, of the magnitude of this epic storm that has wreaked havoc on America.

According to published reports including information from the Texas Governor’s Office, Houston’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM), the National Weather Service, and FEMA, preliminary statistics are as follows:

• 11 trillion gallons of rain have deluged Texas.
• 51 inches of rain, the most ever recorded in the United States from such an event, have inundated the state.
• 13 million people were under flood watches or warnings.
• 3,400 water rescues have taken place in Houston, as of Tuesday morning, Aug. 29.
• 450,000 victims will require FEMA assistance.
• 30,000 people will be in need of temporary shelter.
• 215,000 students cannot attend Houston schools, the nation’s 7th largest school district.
• 12,000 National Guard, every member from the state of Texas, have been activated.
• 56,000 calls made to 911 in Houston in one 15 hour period, 48,000 more that the norm for the same time-frame.
• 58 Texas counties have disaster declarations.

While writing this article, the National Weather Service (NWS) posted a chilling notice on its website. The warning stated that “catastrophic and life-threatening flooding continues in southeastern Texas and portions of southwestern Louisiana from Harvey.”

The NWS also warned of an additional 6-12 inches of rain will be added (3 days after the hurricane hit) to the record setting 51 inches. This additional rain will result in additional devastating flooding and flash floods.

Hurricane Katrina: Lessons Learned

Although the response to Hurricane Harvey will be a massive and costly undertaking testing the resiliency of the human spirit, the lessons learned from Hurricane Katrina are applicable.

Hurricane Katrina, which decimated Louisiana and other communities in the southern United States, took place on Aug. 29, 2005, exactly 12 years ago this week.

Recovery from Katrina was unfortunately hampered by bureaucracy, apathy, and indifference.

In my home, is a hard copy of “The Federal Response to Hurricane Katrina: Lessons Learned,” which I have had since its release in 2006. I have always told audiences during my emergency preparedness presentations, that it is required reading for first responders, and all who wish to understand America’s need for emergency preparedness transformation.

This book, the official report submitted to the White House on Feb. 23, 2006, urged America to develop a visionary culture of preparedness for disasters.

America was beckoned in the report to begin a “truly transformational state of preparedness throughout all levels of our nation. The report demanded a “national dialogue about true national preparedness, especially as it pertains to catastrophic events.”

The report stressed a hope that Katrina would inspire “collective determination, unity of effort, and effective organizational change” to make a “real and lasting improvement to our national preparedness.”

Final Reflections

Hurricane Harvey will test the culture of preparedness urged by lessons learned from Hurricane Katrina, especially as outlined in the aforementioned White House report.

The Hurricane Harvey catastrophe will demand a compassion, courage, and collaboration as never before required with any natural disaster on American soil.

Although the most detailed and organized preparedness will not ever be able to fully prevent disasters such as Harvey, we must enhance our emergency preparedness mindset. The principles of emergency preparedness can minimize a disaster's effects, especially as they pertain to human suffering.

As the heart of America dedicates itself to healing the anguish inflicted by Hurricane Harvey, we must rededicate ourselves to enhancing a truly “transformational state of preparedness.”

This catastrophe must also inspire American companies, especially the oil industry, who have made billions in profits in Texas, to rise to the occasion and assist those who are suffering.

We must also be truly honest with ourselves by asking if we have learned the lessons of Hurricane Katrina to prevent and minimize human suffering. With foreseeable disasters such as Hurricane Harvey, was an abundance of caution exercised to prevent destruction and protect the people of this region?

The reality is that additional disasters, both man-made and natural, are forthcoming, and we must take the path of leadership, vigilance, and collaboration to reawaken the heart of the nation.

Photos

1. Houston's Sgt. Steve Perez died while trying to go to work and assist with the Harvey recovery effort. (Courtesy Houston Police Department)

2. Irene Fitzgerald exits a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter that rescued her from her home after Hurricane Harvey inundated the Texas Gulf coast with rain causing widespread flooding, in Houston, Texas on Aug. 27, 2017. (REUTERS/Nick Oxford)

3. Soldiers with the Texas Army National Guard move through flooded Houston streets as floodwaters from Hurricane Harvey continue to rise, Monday, August 28, 2017. More than 12,000 members of the Texas National Guard have been called out to support local authorities in response to the storm. (U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Zachary West)

4. The Federal Response to Hurricane Katrina: Lessons Learned (Cover/Public Domain: White House)

5. NOAA published a colorized infrared image of Hurricane Harvey as it approached the Texas coastline. The storm's thick bands of rain are continuing to cause havoc in the Houston area as meteorologists predict as much as 50 inches of rainfall could deluge parts of the area. (Photo Credit: NOAA/NASA)

6. Residents wade through a flooded street in New Orleans, 29 August 2005, after hurricane Katrina made landfall.(James Nielsen/Getty Images)

7. Hurricane Harvey evacuees fill the George R. Brown Convention Center in the aftermath of the Category Four storm. (Photo by Stephanie Fluke / Courtesy of NOAA/NASA)

8. Texas National Guard soldiers aid residents in heavily flooded areas in Houston. (100th MPAD/Texas Military Department/via REUTERS)


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Vincent is author of 250 articles, including his weekly column titled “Reawakening the Nation” for the Epoch Times; 35 countries, 21 languages, and growing. As a national speaker, he has addressed audiences nationwide on issues critical to America including ethical leadership, violence prevention, and crisis planning.

US Navy: Honor, Leadership, Protecting America

As detailed on the United States Navy official website, “the mission of the Navy is to maintain, train and equip combat-ready Naval forces capable of winning wars, deterring aggression and for maintaining freedom of the seas.”

The service of our Navy is critical to peace throughout the world due to the volume of nations living with ocean borders and the commerce conducted on the seas.

The Navy affirms its mission to fulfill a “broad role that encompasses everything from combat to peacekeeping, to humanitarian assistance-in theater, on bases, and everywhere from the cockpits of F-18s to the control rooms of nuclear submarines.”

Principles for the importance of the Navy’s service are detailed as follows:

• Serving as guardian for America’s freedom and defending the life we know.
• Supporting the cause of liberty abroad and promoting peace for all humanity.
• Enabling the safe travel of people and goods to meet the expanding demands of globalization.

This service is not without danger, as witnessed by recent events, and all who serve in our Navy, as with all our armed forces, are always deserving of admiration, respect, and support.

In Memoriam: USS John S. McCain Sailors

The guided missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG-56) collided on Aug. 21 with a merchant vessel while underway east of the Straits of Malacca.

There was significant damage to the hull resulting in flooding to nearby compartments.

Tragically, there were 10 Sailors killed who were identified by the Navy as the following:

• Electronics Technician 1st Class Charles Nathan Findley, 31, from Missouri
• Interior Communications Electrician 1st Class Abraham Lopez, 39, from Texas
• Electronics Technician 2nd Class Kevin Sayer Bushell, 26, from Maryland
• Electronics Technician 2nd Class Jacob Daniel Drake, 21, from Ohio
• Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Timothy Thomas Eckels Jr., 23, from Maryland
• Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Corey George Ingram, 28, from New York
• Electronics Technician 3rd Class Dustin Louis Doyon, 26, from Connecticut
• Electronics Technician 3rd Class John Henry Hoagland III, 20, from Texas
• Interior Communications Electrician 3rd Class Logan Stephen Palmer, 23, from Illinois
• Kenneth Aaron Smith, 22, Electronics Technician 3rd Class, from Cherry Hill, New Jersey

On Aug. 22, Admiral Scott Swift, commander, Pacific Fleet, stated that some of the missing Sailors bodies were discovered by US Navy and Marine Corps divers performing rescue operations inside the destroyer.

The Secretary of the Navy, Richard V. Spencer, stated, “Our thoughts and prayers are with our shipmates aboard USS John S. McCain. The Navy family comes together in times of crisis and I want to thank those who are providing round-the-clock assistance to the affected Sailors and families.”

In Memoriam: USS Fitzgerald Sailors

Another recent Naval tragedy on June 17, also wounding the heart of America, occurred with the USS Fitzgerald (DDG-62). The ship was also involved with a collision with a merchant vessel while operating about 56 nautical miles southwest of Yokosuka, Japan.

In the June 18 official statement of the Navy, it was confirmed that the bodies of seven Sailors previously reported missing were located.

These Sailors remains were located in flooded berthing compartments. Divers were able to gain access into these spaces after the collision.

America must solemnly pause to honor them, and to offer prayers for them and their loved ones. The names of these Sailors, and all who perished serving America must be eternally honored. The deceased Sailors were as follows:

• Gunner's Mate Seaman Dakota Kyle Rigsby, 19, from Palmyra, Virginia
• Yeoman 3rd Class Shingo Alexander Douglass, 25, from San Diego, California
• Sonar Technician 3rd Class Ngoc T Truong Huynh, 25, from Oakville, Connecticut
• Gunner's Mate 2nd Class Noe Hernandez, 26, from Weslaco, Texas
• Fire Controlman 2nd Class Carlos Victor Ganzon Sibayan, 23, from Chula Vista, California
• Personnel Specialist 1st Class Xavier Alec Martin, 24, from Halethorpe, Maryland
• Fire Controlman 1st Class Gary Leo Rehm Jr., 37, from Elyria, Ohio

USS Indianapolis Wreckage Found

In another recent headline story on Aug. 19, the perils of the sea were once again highlighted. After its sinking on June 30, 1945, the wreck of the USS Indianapolis (CA-35) was found in the Pacific Ocean.

This Portland-class heavy cruiser was sunk in just 12 minutes, after it was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine after completing a secret mission delivering components of the atomic bomb used on Hiroshima.

As detailed in a US Navy press release, this was a monumental discovery. The ship, which narrowly missed being attacked at Pearl Harbor since it was out at sea on that fateful day, was lost in more than 18,000 feet of ocean.

After its sinking, about 800 of the ship’s 1,196 Sailors and Marines survived, floating on debris from the decimated ship. But tragically, after four to five days in the ocean-suffering from exposure, dehydration, drowning, and shark attacks-only 316 survived.

In a statement after the discovery of the wreckage, Paul G. Allen, the researcher and philanthropist whose team found the ship stated, "To be able to honor the brave men of the USS Indianapolis and their families through the discovery of a ship that played such a significant role in ending World War II is truly humbling. As Americans, we all owe a debt of gratitude to the crew for their courage, persistence, and sacrifice in the face of horrendous circumstances. While our search for the rest of the wreckage will continue, I hope everyone connected to this historic ship will feel some measure of closure at this discovery so long in coming."

One of the few remaining living survivors, Edgar Harrell, 92 years-old from Clarksville, Tennessee, offered this response to the finding of the USS Indianapolis:

"We now know the burial place of our shipmates," he said. "It's like the people aren't lost anymore, they're found, and that's a comfort."

Final Reflections

As a boy, the US Navy had a special influence on me. This took place through the stories of my father, a sailor who served on the USS Charles J. Badger (DD-657) from 1953-1954.

His experience as a U.S. Sailor on this Navy destroyer influenced him with a profound spirit of patriotism. It stayed with him throughout his life and translated into a lifetime of respect for America’s flag and for all who serve in our military.

May all who serve in our Navy, be inspirited by their motto, “Non sibi sed patriae.”

May these words, translated as “Not for self but for country,” inspire our appreciation for all who serve, and the reawakening of our nation.

Related Coverage:

Armed Forces: Honor, Leadership, Protecting America

America’s Veterans Deserve Honor, Homes, Health Care

Pearl Harbor’s 75th Anniversary: Reawakening America

Photos

1. The aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) returns to Naval Station Norfolk. George H.W. Bush arrived at Naval Station Norfolk with its carrier strike group following a seven-month deployment in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jessica L. Dowell/Released)

2. The guided missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) approaches the Kitty Hawk during a replenishment at sea (RAS). An RAS is the method by which ammunition fuel is transferred from one ship to another while at sea. The technique enables a fleet or naval formation to remain at sea for prolonged periods of time. Kitty Hawk is the Navy’s only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier and operates out of Yokosuka, Japan. (U.S. Navy photographer Mate 3rd Class Todd Frantom.)

3. USS John McCain Sailors. (Courtesy U.S. Navy)

4. The forward-deployed guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) in the Pacific while on patrol in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility. Fitzgerald, assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, operates from Yokosuka, Japan. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman David Flewellyn)

5. USS Fitzgerald Sailors, from top left to right, Personnel Specialist 1st Class Xavier Alec Martin, 24, from Halethorpe, Maryland, Yeoman 3rd Class Shingo Alexander Douglass, 25, from San Diego, California, Gunner's Mate Seaman Dakota Kyle Rigsby, 19, from Palmyra, Virginia, and Fire Controlman 2nd Class Carlos Victor Ganzon Sibayan, 23, from Chula Vista, California. From bottom left to right, Sonar Technician 3rd Class Ngoc T Truong Huynh, 25, from Oakville, Connecticut, Gunner's Mate 2nd Class Noe Hernandez, 26, from Weslaco, Texas, and Fire Controlman 1st Class Gary Leo Rehm Jr., 37, from Elyria, Ohio. (U.S. Navy via AP)

6. Members of the USS Indianapolis crew pose in the well deck, during World War II. Photograph was taken prior to her final overhaul (completed in July 1945), as life rafts are of a different pattern than carried after that overhaul. Photograph was received by the Naval Photographic Science Laboratory on 24 August 1945.

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Vincent is author of 250 articles, including his weekly column titled “Reawakening the Nation” for the Epoch Times; 35 countries, 21 languages, and growing. As a national speaker, he has addressed audiences nationwide on issues critical to America including ethical leadership, violence prevention, and crisis planning.

America’s Warning: Hatred Unleashed in Charlottesville

As detailed in my Nov. 24, 2017 article for the Epoch Times titled “Bigotry, Prejudice, Racism: America’s Toxic Virus,” a virus proliferated by hate is infecting our country.

In the article, I argued that President Abraham Lincoln reflected the dignity of the presidential office. He responded to another virus, infected by the Civil War, through his character, ethics, and leadership.

The article stressed that “these virtues are once again critical for America, as a new virus, propagated by bigotry, prejudice, and racism is now infecting the nation.”

Lincoln’s words and actions must now resonate throughout every generation of those privileged to call America home. His call to “heal the wounds of the nation and restore it” has lessons to be applied to the hate expressed through groups including white supremacists, neo-Nazis, and the KKK.

FBI, DHS Warned of Threats

Months before the violence was unleashed on Aug. 12 in Charlottesville, Virginia, resulting in the tragic loss of innocent life and senseless injuries, members of the intelligence community gave warning to an emerging threat.

In a Joint Intelligence Bulletin (JIB) dated May 10, 2017, the JIB provided “insight into the targeting preferences of white supremacist extremists and the state of white supremacist extremism in the United States.”

The JIB report also details that white supremacist extremists were responsible for 49 homicides in 26 attacks from 2000 to 2016, more than any other domestic extremist movement.

Firearms were used in most of these lethal incidents, which were typically mass casualty attacks.

The report also punctuates that racial minorities were the primary victims of these attacks.

The perspective of the JIB report stated that white supremacist extremism through lethal violence will continue over the next year.

In my opinion, lethal violence by white supremacists have been emboldened by Charlottesville, and we must prepare ourselves for additional violent eventualities from white supremacists and others motivated by hate.

The lessons we must learn from Charlottesville, especially since other demonstrations empowered by this event are forthcoming, is that America must work collaboratively against hatred to prevent additional violence and division.

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (USHMM) in Washington, D.C., is America’s official memorial to the Holocaust.

Responding to Charlottesville, the USHMM website expressed sorrow at the senseless loss of life and shared insight on the consequences of hate.

In its Aug. 13 press release, the museum “strongly condemns the violence and neo-Nazi, racist, and antiemetic symbols used by some of the participants, including reported chants of “The Jews will not replace us. Neo-Nazism in any form in antithetical to American values and has no place in American society.”

The USHMM also stressed that Holocaust history teaches that the targeting of Jews, inflamed by hateful speech, was central to Nazi racist ideology.

The rhetoric witnessed in the media coverage of Charlottesville was contemptuous, repugnant, and disgraceful. It also reflects the disturbing realities of Nazi history.

This unleashed hatred must serve as a wake-up call to all who are truly dedicated to America’s honor.

Lessons Learned: Rhetoric Unleashes Violence

In a video on the USHMM site, Holocaust survivor Hane Hirsch Liebmann describes the harassment and anti-Jewish rhetoric that began prior to the Holocaust as follows:

“One of my memories is the boycott of 1933 where our show windows were plastered with “Jew, Jew, DON’T GO TO THE JEW!” And so on and so forth … you were insulted in the street many times. You were called “dirty Jew.” And things like that. For several years I did have Gentile girlfriends and, of course, under the pressure of the Nazi time they could no longer associate with me, and I would not associate with them.”

Dangerous speech was overtly displayed in Charlottesville, and we prepare ourselves to prevent its consequences.

Anti-Defamation League(ADL)Recommends White House Action Plan

The ADL called on the White House to implement a strong plan of action as a response to the white supremacist violence and anti-Semitic and racist incitement witnessed in Charlottesville which includes the following action steps:

• Directing the Department of Justice and the FBI to ensure all law enforcement is trained on how to deal with hate and extremists.
• Tasking the Department of Education to prioritize anti-bias, anti-hate content in schools across America, and reteach the value of pluralism.
• Engaging the Department of Homeland Security to expand the Counter Violent Extremism grant program, which was originally defunded in the budget, and ensure funds are allocated to fight all forms of extremism.

Reflections on the Holocaust

In another of my articles for the Mar. 3, 2017 edition of the Epoch Times titled “Vanquishing Intolerance, Bigotry, Discrimination After Hatred Is Unleashed,” I shared insight from one of my post-graduate degrees, titled “Reflections on the Holocaust.”

The work was an expression of my esteem for the Jewish people. It also reflected my commitment to defend humanity against hatred, bigotry, and discrimination because we are all members of the human family. Each and every human being is mystically connected as a member of humanity.

The dark chapter of the Holocaust must have eternal lessons for humanity. All of us must be completely dedicated to forever vanquishing hatred from the face of the earth.

Hatred has resurfaced in America in Charlottesville, as well as with a lack of tolerance in society toward anyone who is different.

America must stand against all who violate the principles of our Constitution, Bill of Rights, and every noble principle of humanity.

The character of the good people of America will rise to the occasion. We will overcome hatred and be reawakened because tolerance, respect, and charity are the heartbeat that unites America.

Final Reflections

After Charlottesville, patriotic Americans were profoundly impressed by the moral courage of United States Military leadership who spoke out against racism, bigotry, and hatred.

Members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff – senior uniformed leaders of our Navy, Marine Corps, Army, Air Force, and National Guard – all denounced far-right extremists.

Their courage reminded me of the Liberation Monument in Liberty State Park, Jersey City. This monument, the symbol of my work, is the focal point at the end of each of my presentations.

Designed by Sculptor Natan Rappaport, this inspirational masterpiece depicts a World War II American soldier carrying a Jewish survivor from a Nazi Concentration Camp.

The monument expresses the compassion, character, and courage that depicts the heart of America’s military, and all truly dedicated to American values.

It is a reminder that courageous Americans in our military have and continue to make sacrifices to honor our values.

Each of us must unite ourselves with them to reawaken the nation through lives of character. This character is expressed through moral courage that stands firmly against every expression of hatred, bigotry, and discrimination.


Related Coverage:

America’s Mission: Eradicating Discrimination, Prejudice, Racism

The Personality of American Leadership

Note Well:

Linkedin: Vincent J. Bove Consulting, Speaker Services, Publishing

Join Vincent’s Linkedin Group: The Sentinel: Reawakening the Nation

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Vincent is author of 250 articles, including his weekly column titled “Reawakening the Nation” for the Epoch Times; 35 countries, 21 languages, and growing. As a national speaker, he has addressed audiences nationwide on issues critical to America including ethical leadership, violence prevention, and crisis planning.

Photos

1. Abraham Lincoln by Alexander Gardner (Public Domain)
2. "Liberation," a bronze Holocaust memorial by the sculptor Natan Rappaport, Liberty State Park, Jersey City, NJ. (Ken Lund/Flickr, CC BY-SA)