Airboaters unite to rescue trapped Katrina victims

[rick]

Bob Deakin | Special to the Sentinel
Posted September 24, 2005

Terri Latner remembers the look of despair on the faces of New Orleans residents trapped by the floodwaters from Hurricane Katrina.

"They knew that everything they owned was gone," said Latner of Summerfield in Marion County.

She and Larry Brown of Belleview traveled to the city Labor Day weekend with family, friends and a dozen airboats to rescue victims.

In one home, Latner and her husband, Bobby, found a wheelchair-bound elderly woman with the water midway up her chair...

Here's the rest: -http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/lake/orl-lairboat2405sep24,0,2073187.story?coll=orl-news-headlines-lake-

 

[Ms. Wizard]

I think I speak for everyone when I say the devastation from these hurricanes has left us all filled with great sadness and pain for the victims. I applaud everyone who is and has participated in the relief efforts. Maybe we can set up some sort of "Relief for the Relievers". Those brave souls who risked life and boat to help others. "Operation Relief"? I can't even begin to relate to what these people saw during their efforts. Any ideas? God Bless all.


dawn

 

[SwampMatt]

ccasion5:

 

[Gbenzx]

Honor

This little word has been surfacing from my little beany lately.

Does any Airboat organization have such a program either local or national that would address this.

It could be in categories for things like the rescues in the everglades with the helicopters & fit small as well as life saving events throughout each year.

It dosen't necessarily have tobe a big money thingy, the little model Airboats come to mind & maybe we can all come to reason with this.

Who will do this? Don't know but SouthernAirboatdotCom, FAA & ABW would appear tobe good contenders. Airboat manufacturers?

What do ya'll think?

Thnx, Gben

 

[basketcase0302]

Gbenzx,

Really good idea!

There is currently a company that makes an airboat in silver or gold for a necklace type charm. I think it is pretty small, (like one inch by 2 inch). Maybe we could contact them and question the possibility of adding S.A. or other engraving to the charm? Or a trophy? Possibly set-up a fund for such "heros" actions to fund this.

Basketcase

 

[Gbenzx]

Basket

I would just guess that members who are seeing this are thinking, Oh no not another money thing todo!

But I believe that if it is done fairly & just then the entire Airboat community everywhere will benefit, not simply the sponsors that host it.

It is not to late to organize & sponsor an Awards Banquet for the year 2005 & also the right year for it.

If Search & Rescue is tobe at the top of the list which maybe likely then we're on the way already. The first place awards should go to those who have risked their own lives in saving others.

2nd & 3rd place recognition = What did others do for Airboaters, the waters, State or Country in 2005 or even earlier since this would be the first year. Who do we nominate & for what & just a place to do this. You may have people in mind as I do already

Will SA Com be the right place for this? Will we recognize others?
Need to get going if Management & Members can soon decide if they want this or not. But then if not, who? Yes, need probably three or more sponsors who could all participate & vote in the process.

Ya'll tell us please, What do you think?

Thnx, Gben