David Serie praises Jim McPhee for Gulf efforts

David Serie writes:
I read Jim's article on volunteering in New Orleans for the Red Cross. I know first hand that they need all the help they can get.

I have work friends at Northrop Grumman Ship Systems in Pascagoula and Biloxi Mississippi that have shared with me some tough stories. I got to know many of the NGSS people the past few years through a shared defense contract where they make the ships and my company, BAE Systems, formally United Defense in Fridley, design and manufacture the guns and launchers.
A number of the people that I know had major water and or wind damage and some lost family members, pets and their entire homes. The many Hotel/Casinos in Biloxi are either totally wiped out or have major damage. Many of them were on floating decks and ended up floating out to sea or on shore blocks down the beach.

Water to the third floor
The one I stay at there is the Beau Rivage which had water up to the third floor and it is one of the Hotels that is on high ground! Many of the Casinos won't open for a year at a minimum. Imagine the lost revenue (Billions) and lost wages for the local people that work there and how difficult it will be just paying their bills during that period.
NGSS was lucky in that their shipyard did not have major damage but did have some water damage to some of the offices. There was some lost time but nothing like many others. I have not been able to get back there for any business because all the hotels are booked with workers. The closest hotel is 50 miles away. It will take many months--years to recover from it all.

Jim, I salute you for your volunteer efforts. If anyone can share any time or money for a good cause, this has to be it. I know many people already have, but if the shoe were on the other foot we would be needing the same help!

Great reading the blog stories, keep them coming.

Dave Serie

(Classmates have asked if Jim McPhee could provide more details. Jim says he will, in good time. Right now he's just coming down from the experience. --Stan)