Sunday, January 17, 2010
Haiti-Ho!
Figures, I'm doing this blog thing wrong. You'll have to read the first comment, which is actually where I started my blog. I was at work friday afternoon Jan.15, winding down, about an hour left in my shift, getting ready for my Tahoe Ski vacation! I was reading MSN on the internet about Haiti, it was everywhere, what a disaster! But I'm going skiing....yeah, right. I took Johanna to AVATAR as promised, we went to the IMAX3D and it was awesome! Then, I packed all night on friday and left at 5am Sat Jan 16 for MCChord AFB. I hopped on the next transport to POPE AFB which was staging supplies into Haiti, but I was not allowed to fly into Haiti after getting to Pope. I stayed over night at POPE, and flew domestic the next day Sun. Jan 17 into Miami, and had to stay over yet another night. Finally, Mon. Jan 18, I was able to fly into Santo Domingo...g
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First of all, I haven’t done anything yet. I’m flying to Miami from North Carolina, but I have a flight in the morning to the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo. I’ve had a hard time getting to Haiti. I think I will end up working at one of the border hospitals that are overrun by refugees. Besides, I speak Spanish, not French. Anyway, this is the start of my first blog, inspired by the movie Julie and Julia, I know it’s a chick-flick, but that’s what I got, so that’s what I watch. Anyway, I was surprised and moved by the emails and support I have received before even getting to my destination. I don’t remember telling anybody what I was doing, but somehow the word got out. I was just about ready to bag the whole idea, when I watched a CNN interview of an ER Dr. at a border hospital who was in dire straights. For those of you who don’t know, that is what I do. So, after flying on the floor of a military cargo plane, Space A, I arrived at Pope AFB in North Carolina. The military red tape stopped me from proceeding further, so I purchase a one-way ticket to the closest airport to Port au Prince. I will continue with my blog later, if I figure out that works, and I will let you all know what I am doing, I will even send pics if I can, so stay tuned, this will be interesting.
ReplyDeleteI’m still flying, too excited to sleep, so let me catch you up. This all started at work after I realized I was too busy to go on vacation. I was booked to spend this week at Aud and Russel’s cabin in Tahoe, but decided to cancel for a “staycation”. Too much to do, cluttered garage, bills, etc. I could use the time, anyway I let my brother Tony know (luv ya) that the cabin was free, I wouldn‘t be taking my vacation. I was working at the time when I decided to do it (thanks Jon for picking up the slack) I spent the next several hours trying to coordinate with the military for Space Available flights on their transports to Haiti. I promised Johanna that we would see AVATAR tonight, so after the movie I began to pack my bags. I have with me all the medical and surgical supplies I can carry, plus water, power bars and my laptop. I left in the am for McChord AFB in Tacoma, and got on the next transport to Pope. Unfortunately, after arriving at Pope, I hit a road block. The commanding Officer did not allow me to go further, I was told by their PR officer, that they would not take responsibility for me, and allow me to go to Haiti. Needless to say, for those who know me, I didn’t respond with an eloquent soliloquy. No, it was course, colorful and to the point. So, I stayed in the local area (thank you Mr. Luther) and thought I would be returning home soon.
But, that damn CNN motivated me again, if I couldn't tag along with the military, I would go alone, so I did, I bought a one-way flight to Santo Domingo, I'll be there in the am, and I'll hitch hike to Haiti, hopefully, I'll add more to my blog soon, until then, take care...g
ReplyDeleteGS:
ReplyDeleteThis is great! I am rooting that you get there and there are reasons for you being there that defy explanation. Glad you liked Julia and Julie. CW
Grant,
ReplyDeleteGood luck to you and here is an air high five for your efforts. Hope the hassles end and you can get to work. Good on ya!
Rick
Grant! you go man, go!!! I know you can move mountains when you want to so move this one. I've seen you in action, you know. I'm grateful for your dedication to helping the victims and hopefully you will be allowed into the country and will get a chance to put your great skills to work. I'll keep the light burning in the window for you to find your way back to us when you return. Let me know if there is anything we can do for you from here. I'm sure your little miss is well cared for at home with Mum. You're a blessing Grant, thank you for the service you give to all every day. DSF
ReplyDeleteFirst: You crazy son-of-abitch. Going into the eye of the storm of human desperation. But, thankfully, I know you are as skeptical of human nature as I am, so I know you'll be cautious.
ReplyDeleteSecond: What pea-brained military pawn calling himself a "commanding officer" couldn't figure out that our commander-in-chief has ordered skilled relief be sent to Haiti? Do we have so many ER doctors over there that we need to turn them back? Jesus Christ in a handbasket. "Would not take responsibility." Figure it out. Make it happen.
Third: You're awesome, bro. I love you.
Tony