Missouri legislators honor WCC for Joplin tornado response

OLYMPIA – On Tuesday, Jan. 31, the Missouri House of Representatives recognized the service of AmeriCorps programs including the Department of Ecology Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) for its indispensible role in the recovery efforts following the devastating tornado that struck Joplin, Mo., on May 22, 2011.

The WCC was one of 20 AmeriCorps programs from across the country that deployed more than 300 members to Joplin since the tornado. WCC crew supervisor Rob Crawford and crew member Alex McCarty, who are stationed in Mount Vernon, were on hand in Jefferson City, Mo., representing Washington state.

The Missouri House resolution applauds the “history, goals and accomplishments associated with the AmeriCorps program and conveys to all of those involved this legislative body’s most heartfelt commendation of their efforts in Joplin and Duquesne following the devastating EF-5 tornado.”

The Joplin tornado was the nation’s deadliest in more than 60 years, killing 161 residents and destroying more than 7,000 homes, churches, schools and businesses.

“In a time of great need, AmeriCorps members came immediately and stayed for the long haul, providing vital support to the people of Joplin,” said Robert Velasco, Acting CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service, AmeriCorps’ parent agency. “I salute the Washington Conservation Corps for taking on this tough assignment and supporting an extraordinary national service response to a major natural disaster.”

On May 22, 2011, two six-person WCC crews were already in their third week in St. Louis helping with tornado and severe windstorm relief efforts when news arrived about the devastation across the state in Joplin.

The WCC crews drove through the night, arriving in Joplin at 4 a.m. Once there, members navigated blocked roads, to make their way to the local Red Cross center. By 5 a.m., volunteers began arriving to help – and WCC members quickly extended their expertise.

WCC members operated volunteer registration centers and missing person hotlines, supervised debris removal, conducted damage assessments and used chainsaws to clear paths so local first responders could enter damaged homes and businesses to rescue victims. Crews worked in Joplin for more than two weeks.

“I am humbled by our WCC. They’ve helped disaster relief efforts in Washington and other parts of the nation before but they have never been among the first to arrive on scene – especially to an event of this scope and magnitude,” said Ecology Shorelands and Environmental Assistance Manager Gordon White. “This honor and recognition from the state of Missouri shows the legacy our WCC members and AmeriCorps left on Joplin. It demonstrates the importance and power of national service.”

The WCC is made up of young adults who receive job training, help restore and protect Washington’s environment, offer environmental education and volunteer opportunities for thousands of residents of all ages, and provide first-hand assistance to citizens in Washington and across the nation during floods, fires, hurricanes and other natural disasters.

Typical work includes building trails, planting trees and other natural vegetation and biological monitoring projects. In addition, WCC members attend a series of paid trainings throughout the year such as advance wilderness first aid, wild land firefighting, and flood and hazardous material response.

Young adults who complete a year of WCC service earn state minimum wage and a $5,550 AmeriCorps Education Award that they can use for repaying student loans or toward future tuition expenses. ###

Media Contact: Curt Hart, 360-407-6990; cell, 360-480-7908 (curt.hart@ecy.wa.gov )

WCC website (www.ecy.wa.gov/wcc/index.html)

Missouri State House resolution (www.nationalservice.gov/about/newsroom/statements_detail.asp?tbl_pr_id=2071)

For more information (www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/sea/shorelan.html)

AmeriCorps (www.americorps.gov/)

Ecology’s social media (www.ecy.wa.gov/about/newmedia.html)