News
Looking Back and 'Going Forward' at Region II's Holiday Party
History, change, transitions…. It seems that's all people are talking about.
Region II's annual holiday 'pot luck' luncheon was the venue for both nostalgia and innovation this year as outgoing Regional Administrator Stephen Kempf, Jr., inaugurated the Region's first "Employee of the Year Award" to recognize an individual who have significantly advanced Regional priorities during the past year. The award is the first of its kind within the agency, Kempf said.
The Award's inaugural recipient is Acting Management Division Director and Emergency Analyst Sean Waters, who Kempf cited for his extraordinary sense of humor, hard work and endless wise counsel he has provided during Kempf's tenure as Regional Administrator. Water's fiancée, Bridig Murphy and his mother and aunt - Lucille Waters and Eileen Lee - also attended the award presentation, which kicked-off the Region's traditional holiday celebration.
The award ceremony was followed by "service citations" for the Region's veteran staff:
Joseph Galinis - 25 years
Angeles Thompson - 20 years
Brian Shumon - 10 years
William Cullen - 10 years
Flora Moy - 10 years
Antonio Matos - 10 years
"All the employees of Region II are the best at what they do," Kemp said. "You just need to look at the number of our disaster deployments, and our assignments to EMI and HQ . Everyone wants Region II personnel. " Kempf noted. '"But the Employee of the Year Award acknowledges 'la crème de la crème.' And I hope this practice continues long after my time here is done." Kempf served as the Region's Administrator twice: from 1990 to 1993, and currently, beginning in January 2006.
FEMA establishing Long Term Recovery Committees
Voluntary agencies are an asset to residents in long-term recovery
SAN JUAN, PR -- Puerto Rico residents affected by the September 21- October 3, 2008 storms and floods take steps towards their recovery, voluntary agencies continue playing a key role making this process feasible in many communities. Voluntary organizations are an integral part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) mission to provide support and guidance to communities recovering from disasters.
Acknowledging them as a vital recovery element, FEMA and Commonwealth officials are creating Long Term Recovery Committees (LTRC) in the disaster declared areas of Puerto Rico. The committees include private non-profit organizations, faith-based institutions, local volunteers, and even residents who suffered losses and damages after the floods.
"These committees facilitate a simultaneous access to agencies' information, creating possible a joint forum to share viable solutions to issues and problems, including unmet needs cases in their community," said Josué Díaz, Voluntary Agency Liaison (VAL) for FEMA. The LTRC will also help identify available resources and support the long-term recovery of individuals and families in the 21 disaster-declared municipalities.
Other priorities of the LTRC include:
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Financial assistance
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Donations: cataloging, storage, and distribution
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Emotional and spiritual support
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Cleanup: mud and debris
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Minor home repairs
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Rebuilding
As a result of these collaborations, United Way of Puerto Rico has made accessible the 2-1-1 Assistance Guide, which offers detailed information about relief and recovery services available to affected residents, provided by different non-profit organizations and governmental agencies.
The 21 municipalities designated for Federal and Commonwealth disaster assistance are: Arroyo, Cabo Rojo, Guánica, Guayama, Guayanilla, Gurabo, Humacao, Juncos, Lajas, Las Piedras, Naguabo, Peñuelas, Maunabo, Patillas, Ponce, Salinas, Santa Isabel, San Lorenzo, Villalba, Yabucoa, and Yauco.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Securing A Safe Harbor for Submarine Vets
080607-N-0780F-004 SOUDA BAY, Crete (Jun 10, 2008) The Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS Norfolk (SSN 714) heads to sea after a routine port visit. Norfolk is on a scheduled six-month independent deployment operating in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Paul Farley (Released)The Jersey Shore Base of the US Submarine Veterans recently cited FEMA II Regional Administrator Stephen Kempf for his long time efforts and assistance in supporting veteran's activities and helping these Navy veterans access their benefits.
The US Submarine Veterans is a national service organization dedicated to honoring the memory of those that lost their lives in the line of duty and providing benefits to their comrade's survivors.
Mr. Kempf is a Navy veteran himself, and has worked as a Veterans' Service Officer (VSO) for the past 5 years during which time he has assisted the US Submarine Veterans as well as other members of the U.S. military.
Mark Walters Appointed State Director of the US Virgin Islands Emergency Management Agency
Mark Walters, former Management Division DirectorGovernor John P. deJongh, Jr. has appointed Mark A. Walters as State Director of the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency. Walters returns to the Territory from the FEMA Region II.
Walters has had nineteen-year tenure at FEMA. DeJongh thanked FEMA Administrator David Paulison and Regional Administrator Steven Kempf, Jr. for his assistance in providing such talented leadership as the Territory continues to build its on-the-ground capacity at VITEMA.
Walters will serve in the Virgin Islands on loan from FEMA for one year under the Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) with a possible one year extension.
DeJongh said Walters brings a tremendous wealth of experience to the position and "we are most grateful to FEMA for providing us with one of its most seasoned managers who will have an opportunity to make a substantial contribution to his community through this assignment."
DeJongh said he could think of no better candidate to bring the necessary leadership, vision and stability to our community at a time when we are seeking to revitalize our approach to emergency preparedness in the Virgin Islands.
Mark Walters Appointed State Director of the US Virgin Islands Emergency Management Agency
Governor John P. deJongh, Jr. has appointed Mark A. Walters as State Director of the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency. Walters returns to the Territory from the FEMA Region II.
Walters has had nineteen-year tenure at FEMA. DeJongh thanked FEMA Administrator David Paulison and Regional Administrator Steven Kempf, Jr. for his assistance in providing such talented leadership as the Territory continues to build its on-the-ground capacity at VITEMA.
Walters will serve in the Virgin Islands on loan from FEMA for one year under the Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) with a possible one year extension.
DeJongh said Walters brings a tremendous wealth of experience to the position and "we are most grateful to FEMA for providing us with one of its most seasoned managers who will have an opportunity to make a substantial contribution to his community through this assignment."
DeJongh said he could think of no better candidate to bring the necessary leadership, vision and stability to our community at a time when we are seeking to revitalize our approach to emergency preparedness in the Virgin Islands.
Last Modified: Monday, 22-Dec-2008 13:17:37 EST