KINGS POINT, N.Y., Jan. 26, 2008—Though the American Red Cross has drastically increased Long Island’s level of preparedness with the pre-positioning of shelter supplies across the Island this past year, it still falls short in the number of volunteers it will need to man its shelters during a catastrophic event.

That gap was drastically shortened though, thanks to a new partnership forged between the United States Merchant Marine Academy and the American Red Cross in Nassau County. On Jan. 26, the entire regiment of midshipmen at the federal service academy was trained in shelter operations.

“Instilling the important sense of service in our midshipmen is one of the keys goals of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy,” said Vice Adm. Joseph D. Stewart, USMS, superintendent of the academy. “In our training program, we emphasis service to fellow students, service to the community and service to the Nation. Therefore, having our midshipmen train as Red Cross shelter operators in the event of a local area disaster, fits in well with both our program and our educational philosophy.”

During the training, roughly 700 midshipmen were provided with an understanding of the Red Cross role during a disaster and focused specifically on how to organize a shelter team and provide care for displaced residents. Red Cross volunteers and staff, from chapters throughout the Metropolitan New York region, provided the instruction.

“This really is a win-win situation for everyone,” said Frank Cassano, chief executive officer of the Nassau Red Cross. “It addresses a critical need and is a positive step toward enhancing the sense of teamwork needed by neighboring Red Cross chapters to respond to a catastrophic event like a hurricane or terrorist attack.”

It is hoped that the Red Cross will be able to return to the academy each year to train incoming plebes, to keep the pool of volunteers continually filled.

“These are some of the brightest young men and women our Nation has to offer,” said Cassano. “Not only are they physically able, but because of their discipline and structure, they are well suited to working under stressful situations.”

It is important to realize, added Cassano, that the midshipmen will only be used during a major disaster. Also, there is still a great need for Long Islanders to take an active role in helping themselves.

Long Islanders wishing to learn more about becoming a Red Cross volunteer, or how to be better prepared for disaster, can contact their local chapter or logon to www.liprepares.org. The American Red Cross in Nassau County is located at 195 Willis Avenue in Mineola and can be reached at (516) 747-3500.