The engaged traveler spotlight this week is not going to showcase one singular person. This week we salute, honor
and acknowledge the thousands of Americans traveling to and from from the gulf region. There are
countless travelers, moving on little sleep and without adequate supplies, that are engaged and active
right now — because they have to be. They have no other choice. This is serious and
somber travel, requiring urgent and necessary steps to provide and
survive.
First, all the folks heading to the region — emergency personnel and rescue operation units from
across the country are heading south to assist in a million ways. Convoys of medics and motorcades of military aid
are making their way as quickly as they can. FEMA, the Red Cross, the National Guard…and so many other relief
organizations, as well as concerned citizens volunteering to provide certain skills or services that
are in great demand.
Secondly, those that are being forced to flee. The growing number of displaced and homeless
residents of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama is staggering, frightening and unprecedented. When I reminisced about
my love for New Orleans a few days ago, I had no idea it
might get this bad. Or this sad. People are wounded, hurt and in deep shock. The scars from this catastrophe will
last a lifetime. But, despite the overwhelming obstacles of fuel shortages, damaged infrastructure and
flooded streets, people are moving as best as they can. The spirit flowing in and out of
the region is resilient, determined and with each passing day, will hopefully become stronger and more united in
all efforts to overcome the unforgivable mess Katrina has made.