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(Lincoln, NE) Gov. Dave Heineman today urged Nebraskans who want to help victims of Hurricane Katrina to visit Nebraska’s Web site, www.nebraska.gov, or the Governor’s page at www.gov.state.ne.us. Visitors can click the “Hurricane Katrina” box for state and federal information on how to assist rescue and recovery efforts in the affected region.
The information, compiled from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and other state entities, includes an important link to a federal list of reputable charity organizations. That list is a good way for people to safely follow the request of President Bush that Americans donate to the cause.
“In this day and age it is vital that we offer our citizens a meaningful way to engage to meet the needs of our nation,” Gov. Heineman said. “No place needs our help more than those deeply affected by Hurricane Katrina, and we also want Nebraskans – particularly those with family ties to the region – to have an easy way to obtain additional information.”
The information now available on Nebraska’s Web site also includes links to how to locate a missing relative or friend, whom to contact to volunteer with an organization already on the ground, how businesses can help, and it offers links to State and FEMA news releases.
On the State side, the Nebraska National Guard already has soldiers and airmen assisting hurricane relief efforts. Approximately 45 Nebraska Army National Guard soldiers, primarily military police officers, departed today to assist with security in Louisiana. The trip is expected to take two days, and the soldiers will serve until security has been restored.
The Nebraska Air National Guard remains in the process of transporting 66,000 meals ready to eat (MREs) to hurricane victims via KC-135 Stratotanker. In addition, the Air Guard planes are also transporting additional fuel for rescue helicopters in the affected region. Additional efforts by the State may be announced later today.
“I am especially proud of our citizen-soldiers who have already been asked to sacrifice so much,” Gov. Heineman said. “There was never a moment’s hesitation from these brave men and women to help their nation in a time of need, and we as Nebraskans are grateful.”
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