I was heavily involved in volunteer search and rescue from 1970 until 1985 (less intensive involvement before and after that time). I realized the real paradox of SAR - ostensibly you are helping others, but you are getting back more from the involvement than you ever can give. A lot of the satisfaction was the experience of true and committed teamwork - not the hokey "team building" exercises beloved by corporate entities, but the real thing, with real consequences.

All in all, I could make a good case for stating that my SAR work was the best thing I have ever done.

Thanks for the reminder, Art. I should really look up the local CERT - it will be useful when the next Big One comes.