Two Local Volunteers Head To Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands

September 22, 2017

TUPELO/BYHALIA, Miss. (PRESS RELEASE) – Red Cross volunteers Ted Brechbill of Byhalia, Mississippi and Mike Egerton of Tupelo deploy on what the organization calls a “hardship” assignment in response to Hurricane Maria. Brechbill’s assignment is in Puerto Rico, and Egerton is in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Both understand that they may live and work in adverse conditions such as outdoors in extreme heat and no air conditioning. Lodging may be in the form of a tent with little to no privacy and noise.

Water disruptions will likely impact showering and access to operable restrooms. Their food options will be limited or non-existent requiring shelf-stable meals.

They are warned to anticipate walking long distances on uneven or slippery terrain due to roads impassable to vehicles. There are health risks too from possible exposure to dust, mold, and other allergens.

Emergency medical services may be difficult to obtain or non-accessible. Because of the severity of the disaster, these volunteers may experience repeated emotional stress.

Brechbill and Egerton are committed to 21 days of service for those who need the Red Cross.

To date, roughly 80 Mississippi Red Cross workers are assisting in relief efforts after Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria.

In their absence, there are volunteers statewide pulling double-duty responding to home fires, military needs, life-saving training and operational tasks.