"They're in business, in a big way" continued my son. "They have set up shop and can get you just about anything you want.  They accept cash, checks, and credit cards."

"I don't imagine that they honor any factory warrantees." I. quipped.

"I doubt if they do," said my son.

I asked Tim about his Guard unit's activities.   

He said: "We're involved with clean up.  We monitor flood levels, and we're going house to house trying to help people.  We're trying to encourage some of the people who are here to leave, at least until it is safe for them to return again."

I commented to him "I am not sure if I would want to abandon my house."

"Dad," said my son most earnestly. "There is nothing for them here.  There is very little food, the sewers don't' work, the water's poisoned.  It's really dangerous for them to stay."

"Are you forcing people out?" I asked.

"No dad," replied my son. "We aren't forcing anyone out of their homes, but we are suggesting that it might be safer if they do leave."

"What are you and your guys eating,"   I asked. 

He then told me that they were eating MRE's.  If you are not familiar with MRE's, the name stands for "Meals Ready to Eat."    Some people call them Meals Rejected by Everyone."  They are Army survival rations and pack about 2,500 - 3000 calories per meal.  They have a shelf life from 7 - 10 years. MRE's come in a variety of different menus and can be eaten either hot or cold.   They are supposed to be high energy and healthy, but given a choice, most people prefer real food. 

My son commented that it was after eleven PM and thought that he might try and get a bit of shut eye

Before he hung up he said: "We found a place today that will be serving hot meals to Police, Rescue Workers and National Guards people.    I'm going to take my soldiers there tomorrow morning and see if we can't get them a hot breakfast.  It sure will be good to eat something that isn't in a plastic pouch." 

I wished my son well. "I love you Tim.  Please take care, we miss you, don't do anything crazy."

"We're doing an important job here dad; believe me, I won't do anything crazy," replied my son.  "I have a wife and kids that worry about me, they need me to come home to them when we're done." 

I muttered to myself "God Bless."  I wiped a small tear from my eye and hung up my telephone.

I suspect that a lot of other fathers, mothers, wives, and children are saying this as well.

"God Bless, keep them safe, Gods speed..."