Motivated by community service, 2 La. Wing members weather storm
Pontchartrain Composite's Dixon, Eschmann remain in New Orleans area during Gustav
September 02, 2008
Information Officer
Louisiana Wing
LOUISIANA -- "It wasn't as bad as Katrina -- so far," said 2nd Lt. Daniel S. Dixon of the Pontchartrain Composite Squadron, who lives on the eastern side of New Orleans.
Dixon and Maj. Dennis Eschmann, squadron commander, are the only two senior members in his unit to stay behind as Hurricane Gustav battered the area. Other senior members and all cadets were evacuated.
"We stayed so we could be available after the storm," Dixon said Monday. "I expect this time tomorrow we'll be going out to turn off ELTs. It doesn't take much to get them going. If the wind shakes the plane a bit, off they go . "
Eschmann lives in Kenner and Dixon in the Westwego area. Both parts of the area were relatively undamaged, though electrical power was cut off about 9 a.m. and the phone lines went down a couple of hours later.
Dixon, who has a home generator, got it going just as he lost his TV signal. His cell phone is still working, and thanks to his generator, he can keep it charged.
"Normally, when we have a heavy rain, my back yard is flooded," he said, "but not this time. There is no standing water on the street, either."
Both squadron members are prepared to go on missions using their automobiles, since the squadron van was evacuated to a secure location and is too far to retrieve on short notice.
CAP volunteers in New Orleans, Baton Rouge and surrounding area are ready to render aid and help in the recovery effort. They are united in their commitment to help their community, the state and the nation.