Flexibility

The definition of flexibility is defined as being: 1.capable of being bent, usually without breaking; easily bent: aflexible ruler. and 2. susceptible of modification or adaptation; adaptable: a flexible schedule

This is something that we've come to get used to hearing our entire time here.  Even more specific, the term FEMA-Flexible is commonplace.  We had to be flexible the last day or so.  I mentioned a few days ago that we'd be heading up in a Black Hawk helicopter.  Well that wasn't able to happen today unfortunately.  Mississippi is gearing up for the potential landfall of a Tropical Storm.  Our plans for today initially included flying in the Black Hawks and visiting the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency office in Jackson, MS.  Both of those plans were quashed with the coming of the storm.  The state is preparing for the tropical event to make landfall within the next week or so and therefore they did not have time for us to visit.  

Instead of that though we did something else that was pretty darned cool!  We visited the largest Nuclear Power Plant in the United States that is only a few miles from Vicksburg.  It was so cool seeing the EOF (Emergency Operations Facility) for the plant.  We were able to get a little bit of insight into what is involved in preparing for a more man made disaster that could occur.  

After going to the plant, we then headed off to a Military Park that was right down the road.  I got to see the Mississippi River for the first time ever today!  It is huge!  Also while at this park, we got the chance to walk around and view the historical artifacts present.  

Backtracking a bit, Wednesday was a day full of a lot of vital information.  I learned my Myers-Briggs personality type which will help me compare myself to my CM's when they arrive and figure out who is most fit for specific positions.  The best part of the day was the late session we had. We had the pleasure to hear Retired US Army Brigadier General Robert Crear, a native of Vicksburg, MS.  Click Here for a biography of the General.  He is truly inspirational.  He did a full 360 degree turn around in his life, beginning his life in Vicksburg as a child and returning here as a Colonel and Brigadier General commanding the Army Corps of Engineers Vicksburg Division as well as serving as the President and Commander of the Mississippi River Commission that controls the entire Mississippi River and its tributaries from the Canadian Border to the Gulf of Mexico.  He served as President during the Hurricane Katrina disaster that struck Mississippi and Louisiana.  He gave so many insights on leadership that I can not get into completely right now.  A fun fact that he gave us was that Coca Cola was invented here in Vicksburg!  That's a fun fact. He also gave us some insight on how it was to grow up in the deep south during the implementation of the infamous Jim Crow laws.  It is a huge part of understanding the past and the history of the place that we call home for the next 11 months.  It has given me the initiative to really research and learn more about the City of Vicksburg and the surrounding areas from a historical perspective.  

Ok well time to go enjoy a new food for dinner tonight. What-a-burger will be new and supposedly very good! So much for eating healthy.  I guess I can take one day off from it.  Anyways tomorrow shall be an exciting day as we will find out our Unit Assignments!  I cannot wait.  I hope to be placed on a Mass Care team! I will update everyone tomorrow.  

For now I bid you all farewell for the night.