Reflections From Within FEMA: Remembering 9/11

FEATURED STORIES

An Emergency Responder's Perspective

by Amanda Hancher

Where were you when you heard the news? What were you doing at the time? How did you respond? Everyone seems to remember with perfect clarity the moment when they learned of the tragedies unfolding on Sept. 11, 2001. Very few of us are now sitting in the same seat, job title or place in life that we occupied so many years ago, but for some reason all forgetfulness vanishes in recalling the point in which we heard about the attack. How we responded to the news seems frozen in time. Fifteen years later, our lives, attitudes and careers have all felt the ripples of 9/11, and narratives have been surfacing about those who responded to the event in the days, weeks and months after the event. Here is the story of one who answered the call.

“I was lying in bed,” said FEMA Region III Individual Assistance Specialist, Craig Cosby.

“I wasn’t feeling well so I had called off sick and had no idea what was happening. I got a phone call from my wife back then, telling me that a plane ran into one of the twin towers. Right then and there, something just felt wrong about it.” Craig had attended a terrorism training the week prior, and had a sense that it was more than an accident. After seeing the second plane hit, he knew that it was intentional and that he needed to go to work.

In 2001, Craig Crosby was working for the American Red Cross in Berks County, Pa. His role was in coordinating the deployment of over 700 Red Cross Volunteers to the scenes of the Pentagon, Shanksville, and New York City crashes. He went to New York City in the month after the attacks to train volunteers as they came into the field. The American Red Cross in Pennsylvania deployed over 500 people to New York to assist in mass care and recovery in addition to the 200 that were directed to the Pentagon and Shanksville sites. “It was a marathon,” he remembers, referring to the challenges that presented themselves during his time in New York.

For so many responders who answered the call in the months after 9/11, it was impossible to achieve a work/life balance, leading to a cascading effect that not only took a toll on the individuals but also strained their relationships with others. We all can imagine and probably relate to the factors at play: frequently traveling; being away from home; working long hours in a fast-paced; stressful environment; the trauma that one can encounter working a disaster; and emotional and physical fatigue; all with the dutiful expectation to ‘always be there;’ present, grounded and in control no matter the circumstances in the field or their lives. “It was hard to process at times,” Craig admitted, but added that his most memorable moment from that time came when a friend and coworker showed up one day who was deployed to the same location in Brooklyn. “It was just nice to see a friendly face, someone who I could just talk to and commiserate with."

Remembering the Contributions of the Mohawk Iron Workers

The Akwesasne Cultural Center, Museum and Library recently donated a painting by renowned Mohawk artist John B. Thomas to FEMA Region II. It serves as a symbol of the courage and compassion displayed by the Mohawk Iron Workers who joined the recovery effort at the World Trade Center in the aftermath of the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.   The painting, Mohawk Skywalker, honors the history of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe and the contributions of the Mohawk Iron Workers, whose skill in high steel construction helped build the City of New York.

The painting contains several symbolic elements that celebrate the history and traditions of the Mohawk Nation: the geese flying overhead represent the nation’s origins in the north; the Great River and islands of the St. Lawrence River that embody the foundation of their spirit; three feathers worn by a hunter symbolize the Mohawk Nation; the hardhat worn by the Mohawk Iron Worker symbolizes his people; and the intricately carved frame was custom-made by the son of the artist.

The painting, Mohawk Skywalker, honors the history of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe and the contributions of the Mohawk Iron Workers, whose skill in high steel construction helped build the City of New York.

Six generations of Mohawk Iron Workers have traveled from their tribal lands to work in New York City and throughout the United States. Among the structures Mohawk Iron Workers helped build are the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, the George Washington Bridge and the original World Trade Center.

“FEMA Region II is deeply honored to receive the Mohawk Skywalker painting from the Akwesasne Cultural Center of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe,” said FEMA Region II Administrator Jerome Hatfield. “We recognize the importance of this donation and we accept this gift as a symbol of our partnership with their Nation. We are proud to honor the legend and legacy of Mohawk Iron Workers by displaying this painting in our regional office at One World Trade Center.”

RESERVIST REPORT: Ozzie Morales, Public Assistance Cadre

The Reservist Report is intended to be an opportunity to learn from FEMA Reservists and hear their stories. This week's article is written by Ozzie Morales from the Public Assistance Cadre. It describes his experience during the events of September 11, 2001. FEMA Weekly welcomes your articles.

When I joined FEMA 17 years ago, I never thought I would be part of such a significant event. I remember it like it was yesterday. I was working at Region III office in Philadelphia when I got a phone call the morning of Sept.11, 2001 from a co-worker in D.C. asking me to watch the news.   I quickly alerted everyone in my office, moved to the Regional Response Operations Center and witnessed the news of the second airplane crashed into the towers. No one knew what to make of the situation because we did not know the nature of the attack.

Shortly after, we moved our operation to a Naval base outside of Philadelphia where we gathered and set up our Operation Center in conjunction with other agencies. I was assigned as the Infrastructure Branch Chief on behalf of my supervisor, who was already on his way to Washington, D.C. to set up our Joint Field Office (JFO). Two days later, I was summoned to serve as Deputy of Public Assistance supporting the Pentagon operations in Alexandria, Va. I experienced a very emotional moment as I drove from Philadelphia to Virginia and passed people driving, waving the American flag and saluting all motorists.

Employee Assistance Program Services

The memories of the events on 9/11 attacks may still affect many people, even 15 years later. Personal issues can influence an individual's well-being and can cause problems at home and at work. The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available to all FEMA employees 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

National Preparedness Month: Make an Emergency Communications Plan

September is National Preparedness Month serving as a reminder that we must take action to prepare, now and throughout the year, for emergencies that could affect how we communicate with family members and loved ones.

We are more mobile than ever and we aren’t always with our families and loved ones. Whether we’re at work, getting our children settled into school and college or on the go, we can have greater peace of mind by knowing we have a plan. Consider the following questions when making a plan:

· How will my family/household get emergency alerts and warnings?

· How will my family/household get to safe locations for relevant emergencies?

· How will my family/household get in touch if cell phone, internet, or landline doesn’t work?

· How will I let loved ones know I am safe?

· How will family/household get to a meeting place after the emergency? 

Make a family emergency communication plan so your family can reconnect and reunite when an emergency strikes. Download the FEMA mobile App to receive emergency and weather alerts on any smartphone. Individuals can receive alerts and warnings for up to five locations in the FEMA App. Ready.gov is also another resource where individuals can get information on disaster preparedness.

Preparedness Tip of the Week

Do you know what to do if there is an active shooter in your office building?

If there is an active shooter in the building, you have three possible options:

· Run

· Hide

· Fight

For more information, visit the Planning and Response to an Active Shooter: Policy and Best Practices Guide or search Active Shooter from the FEMA Intranet site for more resources.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Federal Employees Group Life Insurance Program Events

Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) Program - Information Sessions

In support of the FEGLI Open Season, the Office of the Chief Component Human Capital Officer at FEMA headquarters is offering an Information Session for FEGLI eligible Federal employees. MetLife Benefit Counselors will be providing detailed information and answer any questions. This is your opportunity to learn more about the Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance Program.

Who Should Attend:

· Permanent Full Time

· Cadre of On-Call Response/Recovery

Federal employees who are eligible to participate in FEGLI may attend one of the sessions listed below located in Conference Room A, FEMA Conference Center at 400 C St. SW, Washington, DC:

· Thursday, September 15, 10-11 a.m. EDT

· Thursday, September 15, 2-3 p.m. EDT

Regional employees should contact their Human Resources Liaison for information regarding MetLife FEGLI Open Season sessions in their region.

Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) Program - Webinars

MetLife is hosting webinars for FEMA employees to attend and learn more about FEGLI. To register for one of the webinars, visit Open Season Webinar Registration. 

· Thursday, September 8, 1-2 p.m. EDT

· Tuesday, September 13, 2-3 p.m. EDT

· Wednesday, September 21, 1-2 p.m. EDT

· Tuesday, September 27, 2-3 p.m. EDT

If you have any questions please email FEMA-HC-Benefits@fema.dhs.gov

Employee Assistance Program September Webinars

Resiliency

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

1 to 2 p.m. EDT

Let your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) help you with ideas for being balanced and resilient. Interested individuals should Register here. Additionally, this month's issue of Solutions covers six ways to enhance your resiliency and five ideas for mini vacations to build up your reserves. Space is limited, so register today.

From Negative Being to Positive You

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

1 to 2 p.m. EDT

To register, go to WorkLife4You.com. On the Welcome Page, look for the Live Webinar box on the right side of your screen, and click Join Now. Space is limited, so register today. Registration Code: fema

Managing Change and Taking Care of Yourself

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

1 to 2 p.m. EDT

Register Here

Help your team members thrive in a changing environment with support from your EAP. Our expert counselors can help you work successfully through changes at work and in your life.

Thrift Savings Plan Available on Facebook

The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is pleased to announce the launch of its Facebook page. Like our page to stay engaged, keep up to date, and learn how to make the most of your TSP account. Don't forget to share our posts with your federal friends and coworkers. 

DIAMOND 101 Training Available to All Employees

FEMA invites interested employees to participate in DIAMOND 101, which is a training webinar to help FEMA employees become more familiar, learn how to use, and navigate DIAMOND,

FEMA’s digital asset management system. DIAMOND integrates with FEMA.gov for the storage, management, and organization of digital media files (documents, photos, videos, and audio files) that are available to the public. DIAMOND 101 Training is open to anyone who would like to have a DIAMOND account or to new DIAMOND users.

There will be two identical DIAMOND 101 training sessions:

· Tuesday, September 13, from 11 AM to 12 PM

· Thursday, September 15, from 11 AM to 12 PM

Interested individuals can attend either sessions through Adobe Connect and using this Conference Bridge Number and Code: 800-320-4330, Code 270117. Topics in this training will include: navigating My Workspace, searching and finding assets, knowing the different types of assets, containers, and collections.

2016 Training Requirements

FEMA employees have many ways to keep themselves updated with training activities all year round. Work towards completing your mandatory training for 2016, and look for opportunities to learn something new by visiting the FEMA employee knowledge center.

Also, the FEMA Employee Knowledge Center (FEKC) will soon include new enhancements in order to better serve all FEMA employees. Future enhancements include Personal Identification Verification (PIV) single-sign-on from either Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox internet browsers, providing greater flexibility for FEMA employees and much more. Additional enhancements will be released in the future. An instructional video will also be released to the site assisting individuals on the new features of FEKC.

Mark Your Calendars: Department of Homeland Security Education Fair

The Office of the Chief Component Human Capital Officer (OCCHCO) invites all FEMA employees to participate in the annual Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Education Fair to help foster awareness of homeland security related educational programs and provide an opportunity for further professional growth. The fair will be on Friday, Sept.16, 2016 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. held at the Headquarters Training Center Auditorium located in 90 K Street NE, Suite 1200 Washington, D.C.

The fair will showcase more than 30 colleges and universities from across the country that provide educational opportunities available for DHS employees, including:

· Bachelor’s, master’s and certification programs from Department of Defense Senior Service Schools;

· Master’s and executive leaders programs from the Naval Postgraduate School Center for Homeland Defense and Security; and

· Educational programs within the Science and Technology Directorate’s Centers of Excellence.

Alumni from various education programs will participate in roundtable sessions and a representative from the Veterans Administration will discuss veterans’ education benefits. If you are located outside the National Capital Region, we will also offer 15-20 minute virtual sessions with each school. To register for the webinars, please email educationfair@hq.dhs.gov.

For more information and a complete agenda, please visit the DHS Education Fair page on Connect.

DHS Academic Programs 2016-2017 Announced

We are pleased to announce the below DHS Academic Programs 2017 open season. Applications should all be submitted to LDC@fema.dhs.gov by 3 p.m. EDT the requested cutoff dates.

· Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) – Center for Homeland Defense and Security (CHDS) Master’s Degree Program (Spring/Summer/Fall Cohort). The NPS CHDS Master’s Degree program focuses on building collaboration among local, tribal, state and federal leaders who develop strategies, plans and programs to prepare and respond to national security threats and catastrophic events. This is an 18-month program that requires two weeks of residency per quarter, with the remainder of the work completed online. This degree is fully funded by a FEMA grant. Applications are due on Nov. 16, 2016.

· Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) – Center for Homeland Defense and Security (CHDS) Pacific Executive Leaders Program. The Pacific Executive Leaders Program consists of an intensive one-week in-residence session at the University of Hawaii campus in Hilo. The course is designed to accommodate the busy schedules of participants and does not require the workload of a traditional graduate-level course. This program is fully funded by a FEMA grant. Applications are due on Nov. 25, 2016.

· The Department of Defense Service Schools. The Department of Defense Service Schools foster employee development by using educational curricula at respected academic institutions across the country to cultivate creative homeland security strategic analysis and decision-making skills, and preparing future leaders at DHS.

Applications are due on Dec. 5, 2016.

· Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) – Center for Homeland Defense and Security (CHDS) Executive Leaders Program (Spring Cohort). The Executive Leaders Program consists of four one-week in-residence sessions over a nine-month period. Each of the four sessions is conducted at the CHDS campus in Monterey, Calif. This program is fully funded by a FEMA grant. Applications are due on Jan. 4, 2017.

· National Intelligence University (NIU). NIU is a unique and technologically advanced university that focuses on the profession of intelligence and is the only institution of higher education in the nation that allows its students to study and complete research in the Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmentalized Information (TS/SCI) arena. Applications are due on Jan. 5, 2016.

All programs are open to Permanent Full Time Employees. For more information on the DHS applications, and fact sheets for these programs, other academic programs, visit Academic Programs.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Professional Opportunities

Click on the links for more information about the following detail opportunities:

Mission Support Executive Office, Strategic Planning and Data Analytics Detail

Application Deadline: September 9, 2016

Office of the Administrator, Office of Regional Operations and Engagement, Program Analyst Detail

Application Deadline: Until Position is Filled

Office of Recovery, Front Office, Program Analyst Detail

Application Deadline: Until Position is Filled

Current Job Openings

Visit USAjobs.gov to search for career opportunities at FEMA.

IN MEMORY

Remembering the Men and Women of FEMA

The FEMA Weekly is an online newsletter, distributed from FEMA's Internal Communications, that publishes stories and announcements about FEMA employees, events, activities, opportunities for training and calendar events. Links to non-FEMA sites are provided for the reader’s convenience and do not represent an endorsement by FEMA of any commercial or private entities, products or services. Note that the privacy policy of the linked site may differ from that of FEMA.

FEMA Weekly welcomes articles from employees and offices. Articles submitted need to be concise and to the point, limited to 100-150 words, with an identifiable message which focuses on or relates to the FEMA mission and aligns with the Agency's core values and guiding principles. Articles and announcements must be submitted to fema-weekly@fema.dhs.gov by noon on Fridays for consideration.