Goings On Under The Silver Dome

Nevadans Called On To Help Tsunami Survivors

By Dawn Gibbons

The year 2004 ended with sadness as the magnitude of the carnage wrought by the Tsunami increased every day. The devastation in Asia lent a somber note to an otherwise festive Holiday season, leading many Nevadans to ask “How can I help?” just as before Christmas so many asked “How can I help our soldiers who are away from home and family in Afghanistan and Iraq?”

This is a time when Americans show that their generosity knows no borders and has no political agenda. President Bush has already committed $350 million in relief for victims of the Tsunami from our government, and he appointed two former Presidents—his father and former President Clinton—to head an effort to gather aid from private citizens and companies in the United States. Our military ships and aircraft are succeeding in getting vital food and water to survivors. Thanks to these steps, thousands of lives are being saved.

Groups and individuals from across the state of Nevada have organized drives to gather much-needed supplies and funds to help the millions who survived the disaster but are now faced with re-building their lives and their countries. And people are still asking, “What more can we do to help?” If you want to help with the disaster relief efforts in Southeast Asia, visit the USAID website at www.usaid.gov/locations/asia_near_east/tsunami/

On the USAID website you will find up-to-date information on relief efforts. In the “HOW CAN I HELP” blue box, you will find a “List of Relief Organizations Working in the Disaster Area.” I invite you to contact these organizations directly to see which one may best get your donations to those in need.

I also urge you to not forget our overseas troops. Before Christmas, Galena High School students collected numerous items for the Nevada National Guard to deliver to troops in the Middle East. Gestures such as that mean so much to our soldiers, who need to know that the country has not forgotten them. Our soldiers face hostility every day, and they deserve our gratitude, our respect, and our thanks. I encourage all Nevadans to show their support for our troops throughout the year. If you want to know how you can brighten a soldier’s day, visit the SupportOurTroops@mail.house.gov. email address or the www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil. website.

Together, we can make a positive difference to those who need our support.

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