It was exhausting. The hardest work of my life. And the most rewarding.
The byword at in-processing at Fort Worth was "Hurry up and wait". There, we were teamed into small groups per vehicle. A couple classes were offered to help us wait even more quickly. After a detour the next day (bring your meds please!) we arrived in Baytown - location of Kitchen 16.
"Get scrubbing" was the cry, and sure enough we spent the rest of the evening cleaning "cambros" - the insulated 500 portion cases with which we delivered food. Our team (go Team 508!) was split to the four corners. You are assigned teams at Kitchen 16, you do not bring them. This we learned. Around 10:30pm, and somewhat disoriented, we were shuttled to our shelter. A cot can be a very good thing.The next few days were on "the line", a factory-like affair: plating clamshells, running, loading, serving. Plating, I found, is a highly exact science. When you can do every position on the line, in a sauna, with your eyes shut, at top speed, you are still Junior Varsity.
Looking around, there was not a person working less hard than another. Stiff hands and backs were ignored. Kitchen 16 served as many as 55,000 meals per day.
Without rain, such things as slips, falls or cuts were not our main concern. High heat meant exhaustion was our chief enemy. After a few unfortunate incidents, a buddy system was devised to ensure everyone hydrated at least every 60-90 minutes. This worked.
With scarcely time for a personal phone call during the day, and little to no internet or TV access, Kitchen 16 became its own world. The extra-ordinary efforts of the N.C. Baptists in the role of cooks, and the Red Cross delivery system worked hand in glove.
Efficiency and morale were high, only improving over time. Maxed out on motivation, getting food to the waiting people was sweet reward.
I possessed a slip of paper which conveniently proved I was driver-qualified for ERV (Emergency Response Vehicle). I was yanked into Position 2 on ERV 1226. An ERV crew is a 3 person micro-"line", this time on wheels. 500 meals for lunch. 500 for dinner.
A week of ERV apprenticeship and I was given responsibility for an ERV. Same work, but this time driving, navigating, loading, cleanup and management reporting were added to the lengthy list of tasks.
An occasional session back on the line allowed me to communicate to those in Kitchen 16 the thanks and blessings of the clients we met on the road. Position 3 on an ERV was usually rotated in from the line. Sometimes we would sneak a Baptist member in for this job, not just Red Cross. N.C. Baptists and Red Cross were a unit.
Red Cross work caused me to redefine my concept of exhaustion, sometimes three or more times per day! Seeing the need being met, and the face of each individual client helped make this the most rejuvenating and rewarding experience of my life. We know not what disaster nature may next bring. I will be first in line to support the Red Cross and the people it serves.
I hope you will be too.
Kevin Flick
Red Cross Service Assistant
10/15/08
