Thank you Kiya. I think it is gracious of you and i admire you for joining up with AmeriCorp. There was a branch of AmeriCorp out of Charleston, South Carolina that spent months down here. They rotated in and out. But many stayed for a while. My neighbor Willy buddied up with them over at Camp Hope and use to treat them nicely at his custard shop. On differnet weekends, Willy would have these huge bbq and invite everyone from Camp Hope to come over and eat. That was in my heavy drinking days, so i always wandered from my trailer with my bat breaking things. Willy would stop me and introduce me to sme of groups. I got to know some pretty good. They would stop by my trailer in the evenings to say hello and have a few beers. Before they left, three of them came by to let me know they wouldnt be back for awhile. They each gave me something to remmeber them. One of them gave me the green bandana ya'll wear with the label on it. I tell ya, i wear that bandana with pride.

In every group, everyweher there are the bad eggs. Just happened the times i asked them for help i was turned away becuase i did not live in New Orleans. I live in the metro area but not the actual parish of Orleans. Why that mattered I dont know. Dave and I asked for simple things they were handing out. Deodorant, toothbrush, and such. It doesnt matter though, those who turned us away, when and if they ever come to me, I will not do what they did. I will give them the shirt off my back if need be.

I am honored to know you Kiya. I know how hard and the work that AmeriCorps has done. Thats a strong group of people.

Thank you and no reason for you to be sorry. Your my hero.