01/04/05

As we begin this New Year, the pain and sadness of the human tragedy caused by the tsunamis in Southeast Asia have rippled across the entire world. Not only are we in mourning for the people who have lost their lives, but we are also touched by the pleas for assistance from the survivors in the devastated areas. As many of the reports indicate, the death toll from direct and secondary causes is expect ed to reach epic numbers, as high as 200,000. Millions are left homeless and relying on relief aid for food and clean water. As families in Indonesia, India, the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and other countries hardest hit by the tsunamis struggle to determine their next move, our hearts and prayers go out to them.

From the onset of the tsunamis to today, we have been monitoring this situation closely throughout the area. We are very thankful that the 125 plus DoDDS-Pacific/DDESS-Guam teachers and other employees, along with their family members, who were vacationing in South Asia and India made it back home safely. My staff is still looking into the situation with our students, attempting to account for all students and their families.

If you are interested in helping to support the efforts of those ministering to the victims of the tsunamis, but don't know where to start, I suggest that you visit the USA Freedom Corps web site or the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) web site. These sites list well-known and reputable humanitarian organizations that are conducting relief operations. USAID encourages cash donations because this allows aid professionals to procure the exact items needed without burdening scarce resources in the area. Donations of cash can also be transferred very quickly and without transportation costs; support the economy of the disaster-stricken region; and ensure culturally, dietary, and environmentally appropriate assistance. If you are interested in making other than cash contributions, your communities may also be conducting drives for clothing, food, and other staples.

Despite the pain, suffering, and anguish being endured in this hemisphere, there is hope on the horizon. The outpouring of generosity by nations as well as individuals around the world, wishing to assist in whatever way they can, is a tribute to mankind and how much we all care. Knowing our DoDDS-Pacific/DDESS-Guam family, I am confident that many of you are already reaching out and doing what you can to provide comfort and support to our neighbors in South Asia.

As we begin this New Year, let's take a few moments to reflect on how fortunate we are, and give thanks for the health and safety of all our extended DoDDS-Pacific/DDESS-Guam family. My best wishes for a challenging and rewarding new year.

Nancy C. Bresell
Director, DoDDS-Pacific/DDESS-Guam