Preparing for Miles Paratus Disaster Drill, Wisconsin Emergency Responders Practice a Large Scale Incident
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By Tim Dish
"It was a rocky start, but we ironed the bugs out... The crews worked hard and have adapted well", said Major Karen Hanton Central Territory Training Coordinator.
The Salvation Army’s Wisconsin/Upper Michigan Division participated in the first Miles Paratus Exercise. Miles Paratus is a disaster training exercise with both military and civilian components held at two military installations, Volk Field and Fort McCoy. This training concentrated on the coordination of responding to multiple disaster scenarios with disaster response agencies at the local, state and national level with over 75 agencies and 3000 participants.
“We rely heavily on non-government agencies, like The Salvation Army, to provide shelter and canteen style feeding to the civilians in the devastated area. We just don’t have the resources to do all of that…” Steve Fenski East Central Regional Director.
With a team of about 30 staff and volunteers from across the Central Territory, The Salvation Army served in its capacity as a disaster response agency. The Salvation Army managed a fixed feeding site, dispatched 2 canteens and provided hydration service throughout exercise area.
"The first day you're kind of making your connections... I believe we have made good connections" Dave Dynes Deputy Operations and Logistics Chief.
The Salvation Army’s Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) trained chaplains worked a long side 7 military chaplains to provide emotional and spiritual care. “Working with non-military community organizations, like The Salvation Army, helps to add to the long term care of the individual. It means a lot for us to be able to connect someone into a “care network” within the community for the long haul” Lieutenant Colonel Douglas Hedman Wisconsin National Guard.
The Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network or SATERN was established the first day. Throughout the exercise, SATERN amateur radio operators were able to improve internal communication and situational awareness between The Salvation Army units providing services. “We had a few challenges in the beginning but the team quickly worked together to resolve them. I am very pleased with the professionalism of each of the amateur radio operators. We made use of the brand new communications trailer from the Lincoln NE SATERN team. It is totally self-contained and solved a number of logistic issues. This is the trailer’s first deployment and it is working splendidly. .” Aaron Rogge, N0ADR of the Lincoln Nebraska SATERN
“Exercises like these help us hone our skills so that when God calls us to serve His people we are ready to respond.” Terri Leece Disaster Services Director