Back from a month with FEMA in Michigan

I'm back home now after a nearly month-long deployment with FEMA to Michigan, because severe storms flooded 118,000 homes and businesses and caused two fatalities. When I demobilized more than 100,000 survivors had registered for federal assistance and about $100 million had been granted. I got to work with some really fantastic people, and in the photo at right I am receiving a certificate of appreciation from FEMA's federal coordinating officer in recognition of "exemplary work and dedication while serving the citizens of Michigan." It's signed by him and his Michigan counterpart, the state coordinating officer. My performance appraisal noted my "outstanding level of performance."