FEMA’s Yolanda Jackson – A Champion of Equity
Some people may one day look back on their career and wonder if they made a difference. Yolanda Jackson, a Federal Emergency Management Agency Region 10 Field Leadership Directorate Federal Coordinating Officer, won’t have that problem. It has been a personal mission, something engrained in her DNA, to ensure that all people across the country receive the resources and support they need.
Exercising for Fun
Incorporating exercise into your daily routine is important for both your mental and physical health. Adding fun elements to your workout routine can help motivate you to make your workout a habit that will reap a variety of health benefits.
Extreme Rescue: Coast Guard MH-60 Helicopter Pilot Receives DHS Secretary’s Award for Valor
At 5:30 p.m. on November 1, 2020, an alarm sounded at Coast Guard Air Station Sitka, Alaska. An Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon registered to fishing vessel Irony had been activated in Earnest Sound, 150 miles southeast of Sitka. “We had just finished dinner when the alarm went off,” said Orthman, a native of Chesterton, Indiana. “The thing that I remember the most is how bad the weather was initially when we departed. It was raining sideways. I thought, ‘okay, we’re doing this.’”
Alcohol Use and Your Health
Like all drugs, consuming alcohol – on a single occasion or over time – can significantly affect your physical health, mental health, and quality of life. Alcohol consumption is associated with a variety of both short-term and long-term effects on the human body. If you choose to drink alcohol, there are several ways to decrease your risk for alcohol-related damage to your physical and mental health.
Extreme Rescue: Coast Guard MH-60 Flight Mechanic Receives DHS Secretary’s Award for Valor
It wasn’t a typical rescue scenario. It was dark. 70 mph headwinds offshore reduced the speed at which Coast Guard Air Station Sitka’s MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew could reach the survivor. Zero visibility forced the team to navigate 265-miles around rugged terrain. There was no straight path to the 70-year-old man who was stranded in the water clinging to a piece of debris from his sunken boat.
DHS Employees Share Why They Serve
This year, we asked employees why they chose to become public servants. Here are a few of the responses we received from employees across the Department.
Extreme Rescue: Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer Receives DHS Secretary’s Award for Valor
AST2 Grant Roberts, a rescue swimmer with the Coast Guard Air Station Sitka’s MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew, swam up to a man clinging to a piece of debris from his sunken fishing vessel, the survivor said, “I can’t believe you guys showed up. I thought I was going to die out here.” Roberts and three of his crewmembers will receive the Department of Homeland Security Secretary’s award for Valor for their heroic actions in a daring Alaska rescue.
May Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers help the communities they serve, but did you know that volunteering can also help improve your own health and wellbeing?
Mental Health Awareness Month – Resources Available to You
As part of Mental Health Awareness Month this May, we hope to shine a light on support resources available to you and your families. If you or someone you care about needs help coping with life’s challenges, you are not alone.
Extreme Rescue: Coast Guard MH-60 Pilot Receives DHS Secretary’s Award for Valor
Navigating through 70 mph headwinds offshore and rough Alaskan terrain, Lt. Justin Neal piloted Coast Guard Air Station Sitka’s MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew to the location of an Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon that was pinging in the Earnest Sound, about 150 miles southeast of Sitka. There was no straight path to the 70-year-old man who was stranded in the water clinging to a piece of debris from his sunken boat.
Employee & Family Readiness Blog
Last Updated: 01/27/2022