I just finished another shift at Reese Air Force base where Lubbock is housing approximately 500 refugees. I've been working in the computer center as the city police and county sheriff have taken over most of the security responsibilities. Those of us who volunteered to help with security are working in other areas. I gravitated to the computer center located in the dorm that is housing the handicapped and other special needs evacuees. 

This gives me an opportunity to meet many of these people and help them reunite with their loved ones. I wanted to relate some of their stories.

Zack arrived with his blind father, wife and two grandsons aged four and five. He told me he didn't evacuate to the Super Dome because he knew it wasn't safe. Evidently there had been incidences of violence and other problems at the Dome during other hurricanes. Like many, his family came through the hurricane in good shape but found themselves trapped when the levy broke. They were able to wade out in chest deep water until they found a shallower route to the convention center. By this time the National Guard was in place and they were shuttled immediately to the airport and placed on an American Airlines flight to Lubbock.

Zack and his family are among the most fortunate here in Lubbock who have been provided private housing within the dorm. Most are being sheltered in a large hanger on the base.

As the sun set here in West Texas I sat on picnic benches with Zack and his wife while their two little boys played ball in the adjacent park area. Zack's wife seemed most amazed at air carried by a light breeze in the evening air. She commented often on the quiet. Zack and I talked about their plans for the future. One thing was certain and that was he never wanted to take his family back to any large city where his family might be trapped. Zack wants to find work here so his family can stay. I believe he will be successful. He has many skills in the area of construction and maintenance. I hope to help him in this. I think they would be an asset to this community. 

The computer room also serves as a community room and has one of the three televisions in the dorm. While the news was on, I heard many comments coming from the small crowd. One young black man spoke up and said, "Thank God for Bush! Our Mayor and Governor abandoned us". They related stories of how the mayor and governor had discouraged the efforts  of some to convince them to leave, telling them they would be safe. But the mayor himself left before the hurricane hit. I understand the mayor is in Las Vegas now "resting" with the city police officers. He is quoted as saying his police officers have been under too much stress and deserve the five day paid vacation in Las Vegas he has given them.

In the computer room I was able to locate Sammy's brother in DeSoto Texas.. I had called several people with the same name on my cell phone and finally found the brother only 360 miles from here. His brother is coming today to pick up his family and take them home to De Soto. Neither Sammy or his  brother knows where their mother is or if she is still alive.