Unfortunate series of events

I got a request recently to volunteer for Reserve assistance for the disaster relief efforts over in Japan. Unfortunately, since I'm deploying later this year for a long stay overseas, I really can't afford to take any time away from my job as it is.

Sadly, I wanted to volunteer very badly. Had I not been selected to deploy I would have jumped at the chance to do something meaningful.

Eh. Back to mediocrity.

Comments

[Allycatadventures.wordpress.com]

I had the same urge. The urge to act out of compassion is a beautiful thing. The oft-overlooked truth is that there's a downside to volunteers, particularly in abundance. They burden and drain the very valuable resources needed for the victims. It's critical that there be an intelligent and self-supporting infrastructure and system be in place for effective volunteer efforts. this case the military can serve in that capacity better than so many other organizations with good intent but lack of understanding or structure. Them's my 2 cents.

[Ken]

I think so, too. They have structure and are aligned to deal with crisis response in a lot more ways. I would say only well established organizations like the American Red Cross would be about the same or better in their ability to manage resources in such a case.