FEMA And Veterans Of Foreign Wars Partner In Preparedness Through Citizen Corps
Release Date: August 27, 2003
Release Number: HQ-03-172
Washington, D.C. - Speaking at the National Convention of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) in San Antonio, TX, Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response, today announced an official affiliate partnership between the VFW and President Bush's Citizen Corps initiative. Through this affiliation, Citizen Corps and the VFW will work together to raise public awareness about appropriate actions to take regarding emergency preparedness, disaster response, and volunteer service.
"We encourage the Citizen Corps Councils around the country to work with local VFW Posts' to promote volunteer service opportunities in support of first responders, disaster relief and community safety. Together, we can make President Bush's vision a reality," Brown said. "Our communities are more secure when neighbors help neighbors."
The agreement adds the VFW, whose members of the VFW and the VFW ladies auxiliary know first hand what is means to serve this country, as an affiliate to the four federal charter Citizen Corps programs: Neighborhood Watch and Volunteers in Police Service, administered by the Department of Justice; Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT), administered by FEMA; and Medical Reserve Corps, administered by the Department of Health and Human Services.
The VFW also joins the Civil Air Patrol, American Red Cross, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Local Emergency Planning Committees of the Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Safe and Drug Free Schools of the Department of Education, Amateur Radio Relay League, National Safety Council, Points of Light Foundation, National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, National Volunteer Fire Council, National Fire Protection Association, Save A Life Foundation, and The U.S. Junior Chamber as Citizen Corps affiliate programs.
Under the direction of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which is part of the Department of Homeland Security, Citizen Corps is a community-based initiative to engage all citizens in homeland security and community and family preparedness through public education and outreach, training opportunities, and volunteer programs.
The VFW is the nation's oldest major organization serving veterans and their communities. The 2.6 million members of the VFW and its auxiliaries have a rich tradition of enhancing the lives of millions through its community service programs and special projects. A commitment to volunteerism is a cornerstone of the VFW, with a particular focus on programs that build stronger communities by promoting education, civic pride, civic responsibility and an appreciation for America's history and traditions.
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 27-Aug-2003 10:44:48