Experienced American Red Cross volunteer David Boyles of Morrison, IL, had hurriedly prepared to drive an Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) Atlanta, GA, to await instructions. He expected to be assigned to one of the Atlantic coast areas and assist victims in places struck by Hurricane Dorian. He was notified on Saturday, August 31, 2019, to prepare for the journey. On Sunday, September 1, he drove to Rockford, IL, to collect the ERV.
On Tuesday, September 3, Boyles notified the Editor he was delayed a day from the original departure date, because in crisis situations “plans change quickly. The storm was downgraded,” defined as causing less severe damage, and shifted course from the original Florida location. Boyles was placed on “standby” status. In emergency situations plans are made “day by day,” he stated.
On Monday, September 9, Boyles reported he was “no longer on standby” and would not be called to serve in this relief effort. He had returned the unused ERV to Rockford, on Sunday, September 8.
Always on unofficial standby, Dave Boyles is on the special list of seasoned American Red Cross volunteers, ready to be deployed to islands and in hardship cases.