Captain Nick Strocchia is a member of the U.S. Air Force Reserve, assigned to the 4th Combat Camera Squadron which is scheduled to deploy to Camp Lemmonnier in Djibouti, a small country in northeast Africa, where he will be the Officer in Charge of a team of twelve combat camera operators who will supply directed imagery support to the command. The mission is to support operations in Combined Joint Operating Area to enhance partner national capacity, promote regional stability, dissuade conflict and protect U.S. and Coalition interests.

Nick explained that the mission in Africa has both a humanitarian aspect, as well as a national defense perspective. He noted that wars cannot be fought with strictly kinetic weapons. He stressed that engaging the local populace and educating them through a “hearts and minds” campaign is necessary to ensure regional stability. Combat Camera is a key enabler to this aspect of warfare, which bears far fewer casualties than an occupation strategy.

Robert A. Ray, owner of “Caring Transitions” has a background as a Baptist minister, that led him to a new career that focuses with the emotional transition of moving and downsizing. He gave and informative talk on recognizing the signs of an individual who is hoarding, and understanding how to provide help.. Rev. Ray explained that there are three components to a hoarding personality: First, the person acquires possessions compulsively, such as free items or buying things at garage and estate sales, second, refuses to discard items insisting that they may have value in the future or that they have a sentimental attachment to it, and third, the items are not organized and are scattered around the home haphazardly.

Rev. Ray stressed the need to be sensitive as you handle this person. If there is a diagnosis of obsessive compulsive behavior, perhaps medication would help. Support groups are also helpful, and it can be helpful to get an independent source to make a reasonable assessment as to which items maven have value. In closing, club member Ellen Gillis suggested that since Rev. Ray could intervene on our behalf he could make it possible for us “to take it with us.”

Major Robert J. Rappoport of the Rockville police department was last week’s speaker, and gave an enlightening talk on Emergency Preparedness.

The Washington area, according to Rappoport, “is a potential target for manmade terrorist attacks, plus natural disasters due to hurricanes, tornados, floods, blizzards, and extreme temperatures.”

Citizens should prepare and maintain a “to go” kit that can be grabbed quickly and contains supplies that will last for 3 days (water, food, clothing, bedding, flashlights, medications, etc.). They should also create a family communication plan, the location of the water shut off valve in their home, learn the emergency evacuation details at schools and workplaces, alternate routes away from home or area, and be prepared to be able to stay in homes for at least three days.