FSC SUR? WTH?!?

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There are days when you are comfortable in your space.

There are days when you feel uncomfortable in your space.

Then there are the days that you feel completely out of place and are trying like hell to survive. This moment was one of them.


That time I was put into a FSC role. Yep, I said I was assigned as the Finance Section Chief. Holy Mary Mother of God! As you guessed, I do not typically serve as the FSC so this was definitely out of my comfort zone. However, I was told that I needed to diversify my roles and try something new. Clearly, sink-or-swim time.

From the evaluators, I did an excellent job and navigated my section through several tough challenges. I am proud of my crew who filled their F/A roles extremely well. Hell yeah!

Special thanks to TEEX for an excellent course everyone should be required to attend.

What did I learn? Make sure you take the time to look inwards and see where growth is needed. Comfortable is easy. Challenging situations allow leaders to shine.

Be a leader.

@rusnivek

You know it…Home of the brave!

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Despite the negative outlook that the national media paints for viewers near and far, it isn’t all bad. Truthfully, because it is easier to share, negativity will only nurture ill will and infect those around you like the plague.

The future of America, my America, lies within and it is our mission we are successful. It is ingrained in each of our souls because…we are Americans and no matter the odds, we fight for what’s right. No matter the dangers, we will continue our plight for freedom that no other nation is willing to offer. 

We must continue to promise that the freedom in our hearts will be shared with the world and our dedication to our forefather’s dreams will be honored for centuries to come.

You know it…the home of the brave!


@rusnivek

June 2015 and my first visit to Region-8

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June will be a lighter schedule as I wind down on a few projects.

First week: I’ll be at the OEMA Basic Public Information Officers course including the JIC/JIS part. On camera interviews for everyone! (Region-5)

Second week: I am assigned to South Dakoka. My first time in FEMA Region-8 baby!

Third week: I will be in Florida (Region-4) piloting FEMA/NDPTC new social media presentation.

Fourth week: I’ll be back in Ohio and I *might* be working in an EOC or a field ICP.


Quieter month huh?

@rusnivek

OEMA Basic Public Information Officer training – camera time!

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Aside from the great classroom learning and building of networks, the on camera interviews are always hard to prep.

Our Basic Public Information Officers Course helps those who have NEVER been in front of a camera, actually see themselves.


We do on-camera interviews. Yep. Camera time! Members from local Fire Departments participated.


This included Chief Fire Officers from the suburbs too.


Agents from the ATF spoke very well.


Staff from USCG District 9 in Buffalo.


And of course members from the local law enforcement too.


Classroom critiques are always difficult to watch, but that kind of constructive evaluation helps those PIOs become better communications professionals.

I encourage all PIOs and PAOs to train regularly in front of a camera.

Special thanks to former WKYC reporter Kristin Anderson on her input too.


Never know when the local media will need a statement of your ongoing operations.

Looking forward to the next OEMA PIO Course!

@rusnivek

Ebola treatment at Grady with CDC

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Thanks to the pros at Grady on their hospitality. As you may remember, Grady was one of the first health systems to treat Ebola patients here in the United States.


Grady works closely with their partners in health at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Both agencies are in Atlanta, so it puts them in a very unique position to integrally work in specialized treatment in stopping this deadly outbreak.


Thanks again for the warm hospitality.

@rusnivek