Kilted in a hurricane

[Doc Hudson]

We were on the Northwest edge of Hurricane Katrina. We didn't get clobbered like folks a bit South and East of us did, but we did get some heavy rain and strong winds.

I had some pepper sauce packages to mail, so I had to go to the Post Office. In spite of some concern, I decided to wear my PK.

Even with wind gusts up to 50 mph, I managed to keep my kilt in place. My wallet and a 25 ounce revolver in the underapron pocket kept everything where it should have been. Though the outer apron did flap a bit.

In spite of one close call while entering my truck, I managed to complete my outting without embarassment. Hamish should be proud of me.

[Graham]

Now that would be a challenge for any kilt, however, having the weight of a gun under the kilt I think is cheating a bit, I think you loose points on that!

(mind you don't shoot yourself in the cobblers..haha)

[overexposed]

Hello!

I spent 10 days away from home as part of a search & rescue team working in southern Mississippi.

We were based out of a camp that had plenty of food and water but no showers.

Because of the risk of being mistaken for a looter and getting blown away - we worked only to about 6PM.

After the first day's tasking, I returned to the airfield (full of 1000s of military troops, police, aircrews and contractors) and changed into one of the several kilts I brought along.

Much to my surprise (7 of the team's 31 members) there were other kilted people on the team (it was a combined team from across PA). With the spares that some of had we were able to get 8 people into kilts. This calmed the guys that were pissed that they had forgotten to bring their kilts.

I would never have guessed that we had that many kilt owners or wearers. Some of the folks were people I have worked with for years (but never on missions with off duty time).

Many of the troops had to walk past our camp to get to the chow area. The looks on their faces were priceless when they saw multiple guys wandering around kilted.

Not a story directly related to being *IN* Katrina but sort of related!

Sincerely,
OE

[Bill]

Your story is priceless and thank-you for going to help! I don't suppose anyone could take pictures that would be a sight to see -- kited brigade to the rescue.

Doc; Graham's right points off for the gun! Good on you for having the guts to do it in hurricane wind.

Thanks again!

Bill

[Doc Hudson]

Hello!

I spent 10 days away from home as part of a search & rescue team working in southern Mississippi.

We were based out of a camp that had plenty of food and water but no showers.

Because of the risk of being mistaken for a looter and getting blown away - we worked only to about 6PM.

After the first day's tasking, I returned to the airfield (full of 1000s of military troops, police, aircrews and contractors) and changed into one of the several kilts I brought along.

Much to my surprise (7 of the team's 31 members) there were other kilted people on the team (it was a combined team from across PA). With the spares that some of had we were able to get 8 people into kilts. This calmed the guys that were pissed that they had forgotten to bring their kilts.

I would never have guessed that we had that many kilt owners or wearers. Some of the folks were people I have worked with for years (but never on missions with off duty time).

Many of the troops had to walk past our camp to get to the chow area. The looks on their faces were priceless when they saw multiple guys wandering around kilted.

Not a story directly related to being *IN* Katrina but sort of related!

Sincerely,
OE

Thanks for coming to help.

Believe me, it was greatly appreciated. For all it's shortcomings, Mississippi knows about gratitude, and how to help others. The generous gifts of time and materials from you, your teammates, and others is greatly appreciated.

[bubba]

Doc, the whole country is thinking of you folks down there and doing what we can to help in any way we can to put things to rights as fast as possible. Hang in there, you aren't forgotten.

[Hamish]

.................................................. .................................................. ........................................ Hamish should be proud of me.

I am, Doc. Oh, I am! Not for carrying a gun though - but we won't start down THAT road again.