I was part of the CAP effort on MS. The area south of I-10 (the area affected by the storm surge) was searched by one of the big USAR teams, from Miami, I think. They did an excellent job. The Coast Guard was outstanding (as usual). Whenever one of our teams came across someone with serious needs, out first inclination was to call our Coastie contacts in the State EOC. They never let us down (thanks guys!) The Red Cross and Salvation Army volunteers did their usual excellent service, but the scope and magnatitude stretched their manpower resources thin. When they were finally allowed in, volunteers from churches joined in and continue to work today.

One of biggest problems (and prehaps the biggest) problem was communications. I have seen recently that FEMA has "solved" their communications problems by purchasing an additional 5,000 sat phones. From my personal expirence, that's a giant waste of taxpayer's money. We (CAP) had access to 5 sat phones and most of the time we couldn't get through to anyone - our cell phones worked better! HF radios and decently trained operators are a much more cost effective (and plain just more effective) solution.

That's all for now, I just haven't taken the time to organize my thoughts on particular areas yet.

Stay Safe,

Jim