Gregoire launches Washington Cares
Governor Christine Gregoire has announced a new effort to help victims of Hurricane Katrina:
According to the Governor's office, to date, Washington state's multiple relief responses include:
KC-135R Aircraft Wing, National Guard
Today the KC-135R Aircraft Wing from the Washington Air National Guard's 141st Air Refueling Wing left Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane, Washington. The unit is flying missions into Naval Air Station New Orleans carrying Oregon National Guard troops.
The first mission departed Portland at 8:00 Pacific Standard Time and will arrive at Naval Air Station New Orleans at 5:00 p.m. Central Standard Time (CST) this afternoon with 50 soldiers and accompanying self support supplies.
Early tomorrow, Friday September 3rd, there will be two KC-135R aircraft also from the Washington National Guard 141st Air Refueling Wing, flying two missions with 150 Oregon National Guard soldiers also to the Naval Air Station New Orleans to arrive at 3:00 p.m. CST.
66th Aviation Brigade, National Guard
Conditions on the ground in Louisiana show an immediate need for additional military air planning staff. The 66th Aviation Brigade, which is part of the Washington Army National Guard, is recalling selected air planning staff today for mobilization and deployment readiness processing.
Processing is anticipated to be complete by mid-day tomorrow, September 3rd, and air planning staff will deploy to Naval Air Station New Orleans on September 4th, to provide augmented ground force support. The 66th Aviation Brigade has (6) UH-60s fully crewed and ready to assist the Hurricane Katrina support and it is anticipated these aircraft will be tasked through the nation-wide mutual assistance compact.
Washington State Agencies and Offices
The governor's office is currently working with state agencies, including the Department of Emergency Management and Department of Social and Health Services to identify what resources may be available to expedite support services to victims of Katrina that may be joining family and friends in this state.
To assist Gulf Coast states in their own efforts to expedite services for victims, DSHS will send staff with expertise in electronic benefits transfer to the Gulf, helping the hurricane-ravaged states to quickly get flood victims access to funds for emergency food assistance.
The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction is encouraging families with school-aged children to immediately enroll their children in Washington's public schools. They should contact local school districts, which will be prepared to expedite enrollment.
Displaced University students
A number of colleges and universities in Gulf Coast region will not be able to resume classes for some time to come. Several public and private Washington state institutions, including the University of Washington and Washington State University, are opening their doors for students from these institutions to continue their studies. UW and others will direct any tuition revenues from these students to their original university to help those institutions complete their disaster recovery.
Gov. Christine Gregoire today established Washington Cares in collaboration with Washington Mutual Bank. Washington Cares enables Washington citizens to assist the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Washington Mutual will match the first $100,000 in donations from citizens and will continue to match all donations from its own employees.Governor Gregoire's leadership and compassion are commendable. The governor is not in a position to do a lot, but she is taking action.
The governor understands that people in Washington state are looking for a way to help. Washington Cares will make sure their generosity is channeledto the best possible use.
"The most urgent need right now is for money," said Gregoire. "We must help maintain the good work that is underway through reputable relief organizations on the ground trying to cope with the devastation left by Katrina."
"My family and I have been watching the heart wrenching scenes of devastation in the Gulf Coast region," said Gregoire. "I share the concern of all Washingtonians who want to help the people who are suffering in the wake of Hurricane Katrina."
"We recognize the heart-felt response from people across the United States and we are proud to join Governor Gregoire and Washington state residents in supporting this much needed effort," said Kerry Killinger, Washington Mutual Chairman and CEO.
As of 5 p.m. tonight, Washington Mutual Bank will be accepting cash donations to Washington Cares at every branch in the state. Funds will be directed to the American Red Cross, which is providing a massive relief effort, coordinating response strategies and working on rapid deployment of resources to assist the people of the Gulf region. Washington Mutual also donated an additional $100,000 to the Red Cross earlier this week.
According to the Governor's office, to date, Washington state's multiple relief responses include:
KC-135R Aircraft Wing, National Guard
Today the KC-135R Aircraft Wing from the Washington Air National Guard's 141st Air Refueling Wing left Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane, Washington. The unit is flying missions into Naval Air Station New Orleans carrying Oregon National Guard troops.
The first mission departed Portland at 8:00 Pacific Standard Time and will arrive at Naval Air Station New Orleans at 5:00 p.m. Central Standard Time (CST) this afternoon with 50 soldiers and accompanying self support supplies.
Early tomorrow, Friday September 3rd, there will be two KC-135R aircraft also from the Washington National Guard 141st Air Refueling Wing, flying two missions with 150 Oregon National Guard soldiers also to the Naval Air Station New Orleans to arrive at 3:00 p.m. CST.
66th Aviation Brigade, National Guard
Conditions on the ground in Louisiana show an immediate need for additional military air planning staff. The 66th Aviation Brigade, which is part of the Washington Army National Guard, is recalling selected air planning staff today for mobilization and deployment readiness processing.
Processing is anticipated to be complete by mid-day tomorrow, September 3rd, and air planning staff will deploy to Naval Air Station New Orleans on September 4th, to provide augmented ground force support. The 66th Aviation Brigade has (6) UH-60s fully crewed and ready to assist the Hurricane Katrina support and it is anticipated these aircraft will be tasked through the nation-wide mutual assistance compact.
Washington State Agencies and Offices
The governor's office is currently working with state agencies, including the Department of Emergency Management and Department of Social and Health Services to identify what resources may be available to expedite support services to victims of Katrina that may be joining family and friends in this state.
To assist Gulf Coast states in their own efforts to expedite services for victims, DSHS will send staff with expertise in electronic benefits transfer to the Gulf, helping the hurricane-ravaged states to quickly get flood victims access to funds for emergency food assistance.
The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction is encouraging families with school-aged children to immediately enroll their children in Washington's public schools. They should contact local school districts, which will be prepared to expedite enrollment.
Displaced University students
A number of colleges and universities in Gulf Coast region will not be able to resume classes for some time to come. Several public and private Washington state institutions, including the University of Washington and Washington State University, are opening their doors for students from these institutions to continue their studies. UW and others will direct any tuition revenues from these students to their original university to help those institutions complete their disaster recovery.
