THANK YOU NEW YORK. THANK YOU BOSTON. HELLO MIDWEST.

Hello All,

After 6 months on the ground with NECHAMA's Superstorm Sandy deployment team in New York and New Jersey, it is with very mixed emotions that I am on the move.

Together, we have been able to accomplish some extraordinary things.  To date, we have led almost 2,000 volunteers on projects to repair 180+ homes and counting since October's storm.  There is an incredible team in place here committed to another year of rebuilding efforts.  NECHAMA's field team leaders, logistics team, and volunteers have proven to be some of the very best and will continue to dominate in their efforts of rebuilding the hearts and homes of survivors here on Long Island.  So exciting.

As we move into the heart of spring, nationwide needs are on the rise for disaster response services.  At present, the Midwest is taking on a lot of rain.  With water levels on the rise, combined with the erratic thawing and freezing patterns disrupting the flow of rivers like the Mississippi and Red River coming down from the North, river banks are predicted to breach, leading to potentially devastating flooding.

I am off to NECHAMA's National Headquarters in Minnesota to prepare for our flood response deployment in the Midwest.  At present, a final destination for our efforts has not been determined.  I just want to be ready to fly when the moment comes.  Which, from the sounds of things, may be any moment.

Like the heroic actions of many surrounding the Boston Marathon bombings, the work being done to repair New York also strengthens my faith in humanity.  Although the circumstances surrounding these two events are completely different, you all have continued to lend hands and hearts to those in need and I am proud of each one of you for this and more.

Thank you.

Looking forward to catching a Midwestern sunrise in the morning and getting to work.  Below, a few pictures from my final week or so in New York.

Mark/Chops

 The Future Is No Place To Place Your Better Days

NECHAMA DISASTER RESPONSE DURING LUNCH BREAK. THE INCREDIBLE JESS AND KAT, AND A TERRIBLE KICKER!

SPENT 6 MONTHS WITH THIS CHAMP.  RHTHYM ROSS FROM CHICAGO!

SUNDAY FUNDAY WITH SWEENEY IN NYC

TIMBO AND DANO VISIT NYC!

WHERE DO YOU THINK I AM RUNNING?

TO RUN INTO THE OCEAN ON LONG ISLAND IN APRIL AFTER A GREAT  DAY ON THE JOB SITE 

BC HIGH'S DAN V PUTTING ON A CLINIC  WITH CEILING DRY WALL INSTALATION

BILL, DAN V, AND ME VISITING BROOME IN RYE, NY.  

INCREDIBLE GROUP OF YOUNG ADULTS FROM BOSTON CAME DOWN TO VOLUNTEER FOR APRIL VACATION!

NIGHT ON THE TOWN WITH KATNISS EVERDEEN. INCREDIBLE PHOTOBOMB BY ZACK!

THE ONLY WAY I AM BEATING STARBUCK IS TO KNOCK HIM OUT BY DROPPING THIS.

WILL MISS THESE GUYS!  GOOD LUCK WITH THE COAST GUARD STARBUCK!   GOOD LUCK IN AFRICA ZACK!