Deployed to New Orleans

[abcrystcats]

I just got a really creepy email.

My brother Tim (that's "tfire" to you) is probably getting sent to New Orleans by his military fire department within the next three days. He isn't a soldier. He's a civilian firefighter, but as a civilian firefighter on a military airbase, going where they send him at a moment's notice is part of his job.

If he's told to go, he'll go. He'll probably go gladly because he's one of those unusual people who like to be right where they can help the most. He'll be in his element. He'll learn a lot. He'll probably be a hero in lots of big and little ways, because that's just HIM.

But .... I'm a bit scared. There's rioting and looting going on there. Rescuers are getting shot at. It's, uhhh, just about under martial law right now, correct?

Part of me wants him to go, because I know this is his calling. He's had plenty of exposure to crisis situations in the past, and he handles them well.

On the other hand, this is my little brother. I held him in my arms on the car ride home from the hospital when he was four days old. I watched him playing with plastic toy soldiers and fire trucks while I was reading poetry and dreaming of boys.

Just some weird thoughts.

Had to post them, so I decided to post them here.

He's going, I think. I can't stop him, and I wouldn't stop him if I could. But I'm worried.

[stilltrucking]

Worried too
Would you please keep me posted on how is doing?

I know that feeling how about holding a baby brother (my nephew), a baby sister too.

A bond forms instantly.

[jimboloco]

We need to have people doing those things, don't let his ass get called to some stupid war in the third world, wwe've got our own third world here in America.

He is lucky that he can be of service, yes, and there should be a much larger sentiment towards national service,

we are waiting for anything personal you can share,

[mnaz]

Laurie...

I wish him well. I think at this point, the rescue effort has 'turned the corner', and is starting to make a difference, though there is still a long, long way to go. I haven't heard any reports of violence, recently. I think he definitely will be in his element, and will be able to help out a great deal. I don't know personally what it is like to see someone I love deployed to help fight a severe and dangerous crisis-- no possible way for me to know that. About all I can do is send you my most positive thoughts and wishes.

[Doreen Peri]

Being worried is natural.

Like mnaz, I haven't heard anything in the past couple of days about violence and I, too, believe that the rescue effort has 'turned a corner.' I certainly hope so!

Be proud of your brother! I know you are!

Please keep us posted, Laurie!