OATH KEEPERS HAITI DISASTER RESPONSE
As you all know, Haiti experienced a devastating earthquake this past Tuesday. The estimates now indicate there are probably as many as 50,000 people dead. The infrastructure in Port-au-Prince is almost non-existent. Most government buildings have been destroyed.
As you all know, Haiti experienced a devastating earthquake this past Tuesday. The estimates now indicate there are probably as many as 50,000 people dead. The infrastructure in Port-au-Prince is almost non-existent. Most government buildings have been destroyed.The United States Military, 82nd Airborne and Marines from Camp Lajuene have been deployed as well as Hospital ships and other Navy assets. Their main function is to restore the airport facility, set up camps and hospitals for victims and to prepare for an influx of civilian volunteers next week.
We have received many messages from our members who want to get to Haiti to help. Because of who we are this is not surprising. Today Stewart requested several of us to research what we, as Oath Keepers, can do. The following is a synopsis of what we learned.
The government of Haiti and the U.S. Government are coordinating efforts. The U.S. Military is sending a number of assets to the area to in an attempt to gain control of relief efforts. Because of the scope of the devastation and the lack of infrastructure able to support civilian volunteers none are being allowed in, at this time. Part of the military effort is to include setting up facilities for civilian aid workers who are expected to arrive NEXT week. No non military flights are allowed in at this time. Several notable groups, who have been working in Haiti and sending aid for years, are working with groups in country and the U.S. Government to be able to send groups in as soon as conditions allow. A group I am very familiar with, Hope for Haiti based in Naples, FL, (www.hopeforhaiti.com) has in country facilities and groups they regularly assist. They have been doing aid work there for 20 years. They have secured several corporate jets and are assembling supplies and will begin transporting as soon as possible. They need supplies and money, now.
Oath Keepers is taking the following action: OK Founder Stewart Rhodes, Chauncey Normandin, OK BoD member and Family Safe Director and Ray Epps, OK Arizona are coordinating the OK effort. This will include, but not be limited to:
- Assembling those members who have medical, EMT, Para Medic, combat medic training, those who have search and rescue training and those who are trained disaster coordinators who are able to assist in Haiti. Other specialties may be requested later, but this is the most immediate need. Teams are to be assembled and ready to move when notified. The teams would work as a unit in country and assist/relieve units there.
- Those who cannot travel who may want to donate to an organization where all funds donated go to the effort can go to the Hope for Haiti website, www.hopeforhaiti.com. You can donate money on their main page or if you want to send items click on “Please Help Us Help Haiti”. The press release explains their effort and specific supplies they need. Checks can be sent to: Hope for Haiti, 1042 6th Ave. N., Naples, FL 34102.
- If you want to send supplies rather than money you can go to www.thegivingseed.com. On the left side go to the drop down and select, Hope for Haiti and then select Drugstore.com. You can select items you want to send and they will be delivered to Hope for Haiti.
On any of your efforts, please note that you are an Oath Keeper. Thanks.
As things progress we will keep you informed. We have a reliable network. If you want to volunteer for a team, as noted above, contact Ray Epps at rrocknepps@aol.com and cc me at okfamsafecoord@comcast.net and list your qualifications and availability.
Chauncey E. Normandin
OK BoD, FL State Pres.
VP Chapter Affairs
Please donate and support Oath Keepers mission, every little bit helps!
January 17th, 2010 at 3:03 am
It’s nice to see a request for assistance in the effort to help Haiti stabilize. However, many Oath Keepers question rendering aid to this country during this tragic time. When an alternative point of view is offered, that view is heavily criticized and the issue is politicized. I was under the assumption that Oath Keepers was an apolitical organization.
January 17th, 2010 at 7:27 am
In this instance, the position of Oath Keepers is to render aid and assistance, when and if possible. Politics has nothing to do with helping victims of a tragedy. If others make it a political issue, they miss the point. Much assistance went to the sunami victims in SE Asia. That area was/is notorious for sexual exploitation of children. There were still many victims who needed help and it was provided, as it should have been. Governments and their particular agenda’s should not stop us from being caring people to victims of disasters. If anyone feels we have a political motive, I strongly suggest you review your own motives.
Chauncey Normandin
January 17th, 2010 at 9:45 am
AMEN!
January 17th, 2010 at 10:06 am
I agree with Chauncey, There is a time for arguing the politics of a region and then there is a time for setting aside differences and helping out people. Regardless if a person does not agree with the way things are run in Haiti or elsewhere, what better opportunity than to help them and show them there is a better way. They say, “Actions speak louder than words”.
January 17th, 2010 at 3:07 pm
Thanks for answering my questions. Maybe I should stick to this site for reason and logic rather than my own state site. I seriously considered removing myself from this organization. Maybe I will reconsider this. Thanks again.
January 17th, 2010 at 8:17 pm
Most of the victems of haiti don’t know a thing about politics, They just need our help. I’ll send what I can. Thank’s “oathkeepers” for the wedsites to go to.
January 19th, 2010 at 12:58 pm
All,
If you work for a corporation, please check and see if your company provides matching donations. If it does, please submit it for a corporate match. HOPEFORHAITI was on my companies list of charties eligible for matching donations.
This doubles the good you can do by donating.
Thank you.
January 19th, 2010 at 10:19 pm
As both an Oath Keeper and Three Percenter, I must ask all current serving (As I am), and non-military public servants where in the Constitution does it allow for our military to help another country? We have no treaty with Haiti. All that is allowed for our Military is a Declaration of War, something that is even atrocious to think of. So, there is nothing in the Constitution which allows us to be over there (as a participant in Government).
I wish we would honor the Constitution even in the toughest of times like Madison did pretty well in the War of 1812. So, I do not approve of our actions over there. Now, I wish more voluntary private charities, aid groups, businesses, etc. would chip in like they have. I am 250% for that. I wish the Military instead of giving an order to go, let members volunteer to go on their own volition as a sort of TDY/TAD situation, but with no specific sanction of the US Government. If I could I would volunteer to head over there and help.
That’s just my take as an Active Duty member of the Coast Guard, strict constructionist Constitutionalist, and libertarian.
Thanks.
January 20th, 2010 at 8:40 am
Scott, where in the Constitution does it disallow rendering this aid?
January 21st, 2010 at 9:41 am
Lynda, the Constitution does not say what the Federal Government can’t do, it tells them what they can do. Your question is both a false and loaded one. Article I Sec 8 lays out the limited powers of the Federal Government. Please show me in Article I Sec 8 where it allows the Government this power.
Thanks.