Keesler shelters provide safe haven from Gustav

Published Sept. 1, 2008
By Staff Sgt. Tanya Holditch
Keesler News Editor

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, MISS. -- More than 3,000 storm recovery essential people took refuge Sunday at one of six shelters on Keesler Air Force Base before Hurricane Gustav made landfall.

The other 6,400 family members and non-storm essential personnel evacuated when the order was given 6 a.m. Sunday by Col. Greg Touhill, 81st Training Wing commander.

"We will remain in the shelters until it is safe to go back to normal operations," said Colonel Touhill. "Everyone is safe and we are anxious to get out, but morale is high."

The Air Force Civil Engineer Support Agency and 81st Civil Engineer Squadron members work together to rate the shelters, which can accommodate more than 7,500 people if needed. They must meet requirements in various areas before they can be used to shelter people.

Wolfe Hall alone sheltered more than 750 Airmen Sunday, including students from the 335th Training Squadron. Airman 1st Class Laura Smith, who has only been at Keesler for four weeks, was among them.

"I'm from Ohio and we don't have anything like this," she said. "I was very scared, but I feel fine now."

Airmen in the 81st Training Group were briefed a few days ago on the possibility of going in to the shelters if the hurricane continued to pose a threat to the base, she said.

The Airmen were told to bring food, water, blankets and pillows and things to occupy them in case they needed to shelter for more than a night or two.

Airman Smith said she was glad she brought her own snacks despite the fact that food was provided for Airmen on meal cards because she is a picky eater.

"They woke us up for lunch today," she said. "I slept through the storm. This seems like a strong shelter."

Others in the shelter said they already knew what to expect during hurricane season and dealing with Gustav was business as usual.

"I was worried this would be chaotic," said 2nd Lt. Andrew Beidler, 335th TRS. "It has been pretty organized--they had sleeping bags, supplies and extension cords for us. I didn't expect to have power and be so relaxed."

The shelter teams took great lengths to cover every detail of taking care of the people housed inside, according to Lt. Col. Mark Mesenbrink 335th TRS commander. They helped unload cars, carried bags and checked people in for accountability. Room numbers were assigned, much like checking into a hotel. Teams were organized including security, communication, sanitation and morale.

"I don't think my parents should worry," said Lieutenant Beidler, who also didn't hear the storm pass because of the building's thick walls. "I have been through this five times. Packing was the most stressful part."

"Everyone has done a really good job," said Airman Smith. "The Air Force has made us feel very safe being here."

"I am just delighted at how everyone is working together as a team to execute our hurricane plan," said Colonel Touhill.

Airman beds down in shelter during Gustav