No doubt on the blood donations. ARC has me on speed dial every 8 weeks on the dot. It so happened my 8 weeks was up this time right after PR got smashed. They really REALLY like my O+ even with the near toxic amounts of caffeine and alcohol I consume. I know not all of us are in a position to help out monetarily. Donating blood costs nothing but a slight pinch and about 10 minutes of goofing off on your phone whilst enjoying the Reddit front page.
That being said, I've had an awesome response thus far from a ton on people via PM, email, Facebook, etc. The #CASforPR sortie is looking good so far. I hadn't considered that so many of my facebook friends want to see me be a dork with all of you guys on a Sunday night.
My dad is heading back to Puerto Rico on Tuesday to keep up the work. I'm planning my time down there in November. Our connections in the automotive world mean we can get a van for a LOT cheaper than they'll be able to find at a lot. Considering so many vehicles down there were damaged in the storm, we'll likely be sending them a van straight from the mainland for a lot less than they can get in PR.
I never would have thought putting my faith in the generosity of the human spirit would generate such positive feedback. I'm looking forward to Sunday more than any other CAS mission I've flown.
Edit: 1st Lt Barba is an amazing digital artist:
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