Have any veterans/retirees joined a local CERT team?

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Sat, 12 Jul 2014 12:21:16 -0400

My town started a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) back in 2011 and I have found this a great place to keep my military skills and education working for me. Has anyone else done this? What are your experiences?

http://www.fema.gov/community-emergency-response-teams

Community Emergency Response Teams | FEMA.gov

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when...

Response by MSG(P) Michael Warrick made Jul 12 at 2014 1:49 PM

MSG(P) Michael Warrick — Sat, 12 Jul 2014 13:49:09 -0400

I have not heard of many that do from all of my friends that have retired !

Response by COL Randall C. made Jul 12 at 2014 2:15 PM

COL Randall C. — Sat, 12 Jul 2014 14:15:23 -0400

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca, I was about to tell you "Sure!" but then saw that FEMA is ripping off the IT community (Computer Emergency Response Team) :)

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2014 3:40 PM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 12 Jul 2014 15:40:02 -0400

When I was stationed at Fort Gordon from 2005-2007 I was a member of the of the county CERT. Unfortunately after I left Gordon I was never able to find another one to join up.

Response by PO3 Jordan Davis made Jun 12 at 2015 1:53 PM

PO3 Jordan Davis — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 13:53:54 -0400

We don't have that where I'm from, but it sounds like it would be a great idea! I'm jealous that you have that opportunity!

Response by MSgt Tommy Flores made Jun 12 at 2015 3:11 PM

MSgt Tommy Flores — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 15:11:30 -0400

Sounds like a great idea. I'll check it out. My last duty assignment was NCOIC of the Supply Readiness Control Center (SRCC) 4th Wing, Seymour Johnson AFB, Goldsboro, NC.

Response by SPC Thomas Baldwin made Jun 12 at 2015 8:19 PM

SPC Thomas Baldwin — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 20:19:47 -0400

I work with the Civil Air Patrol and we encourage our hound teams to get CERT certified. I even have my CERT Instructor for that reason as well. The course will save lots of people, because people are going to help no matter what so train them to be safe.