United States Civil Defense Assoc, Training Information

 (USCDA) is committed to providing relevant emergency relief and disaster training for all our members, along with Sheriff personal, cities, counties and industry lay people as well as professionals seeking the latest skills and knowledge to help lead the response.  Through these exciting training programs, students gain a strong foundation in 1st  responders, relief, disasters, including recovery and consequence and crisis management. These programs exposes students to advanced operating characteristics, response and recovery functions, and resource management of an integrated emergency management system. USCDA also works closely with industry advisory councils and leaders to ensure that students are exposed to techniques and strategies based on information reported back from actual missions. In addition, students are taught by practicing and responding to real emergencies.

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Community Emergency Response Teams. (CERT)Attention all USCDA members new and not so new.

All CERT graduates around the country should join your local USCDA chapter. If there is no chapter in your area start one. On this web site click on “About USCDA” and click on “Chapter Structure & Command”. For those of you who are not CERT certified  There are local hands on training in most jurisdictions around the country that offer CERT training during some time of the year. Many through city and county governments. Check with your area and get into the program so you can get started and certified and as a leadership member earn the rank of private in the USCDA. The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations.

Locate a CERT Program in your community: Community Emergency Response Teams  

USCDA training programs. Local chapters should set up similar below training for their members.The following training is available through H-Q. Some instructors are available to travel. CERTS. Hands on training. (Those USCDA leadership members who complete  the hands-on CERT training program, are eligible for the rank of private in the USCDA). Wilderness Survival- Instructor SGT. James Rakosky Small Arms and Safety Training – Instructor SSGT. Geoff Wiley Food and water Storage – Instructor General Michael Webster Advanced 1st Aid – Instructor General Michael Webster Primitive Fire-Making- Instructor SGT.  Bill Walker Rope Craft (Knots, mechanical advantage systems, making cordage) – Instructor Col: Ronald Adler Outfitting your Mission Ready Gear/Bug Out Bag Choosing a Bug Out Route using USCDA county secured safe area chapters as re-supply centers along the way Getting Started in Handloading – Instructor Lt. Col Michael Moran M.D. Let’s Learn how to Build a self-sufficient farm or garden.  Do you want to learn how to create a self-sufficient farm or garden? – Instructor General Michael Webster Land Navigation (map, compass, GPS) – Instructor SGT. James Rakosky Water Purification methods – Instructor General Michael Webster Livestock raising (chickens, goats, cattle Etc. – Instructor General Michael Webster Survival gardening – Instructor General Michael Webster Useful wild Plants Traps and Trapping – Instructor General Michael Webster Tracking & hunting small and large game – Instructor General Michael Webster Communications. USCDA Nationwide Amateur Radio network, and local CB Signal Core. Communications Commander Lt. Col Michael Moran M.D. Shelters Etc. Any member who would like to suggest a training course contact HQ. Any qualified member interested in instructing above training contact HQ. mvwsr@aol.com Many items you need can be found at: http://www.thereadystore.com/?aid=4b5e43160feb5

### FEMA Independent Study Courses Sanctioned by USCDA.

The following FEMA courses are recommended for all new members these FEMA On-Line Course is designed To Help Community Emergency Response Teams Get – And Stay – Trained –At completion all USCDA members get certification and Rank.  FEMA IS 100b and IS 700.a are recommended for all new members and mandatory for all A Team members.IS 100.b  Introduction to Incident Command System (ICS)IS 700.a  Introduction to National Incident Management System (NIMS)FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute offers many online courses for you to learn more about emergency preparedness, mitigation, the emergency management system, and the disaster response process. All the course materials are available over the internet to all who are interested. Official enrollment in the course, which includes scoring the final exam, receiving a certificate, and maintaining student records is, however, limited to United States (US) residents and to those individuals outside the US with valid US Postal Service deliverable address including APOs and FPOs.The EMI Independent Study program consists of self-paced courses designed for both the general public and people who have emergency management responsibilities. They are offered free-of-charge to all who qualify for enrollment, and college credit can be obtained through a for-fee service after successful completion of a course. Each Independent Study Course includes lessons with practice exercises and a final examination. Those who score 75 percent or better are issued a certificate of achievement from EMI. Course completion times vary from two to fourteen hours, depending on the course and the student’s background.>> Please view the list of available courses.

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Introduction to Search and Rescue/SARTECH III – Beginning level recommended for all USCDA members & other Emergency Service Workers. The Introduction to Search and Rescue (ISAR)/SARTECH III course is designed to  provide knowledge concerning the general responsibilities, skills, abilities,  and the equipment needed by persons who would be participating in a search or  rescue mission. The course is based around rural and wilderness environments but  the material is recommended as a base of knowledge for all SAR environments. ISAR/SARTECH III is the first course in a stepping stone approach to higher level  NASAR courses of training for emergency personnel. It provides a common starting  point in training for the new person to SAR and in many cases, an excellent refresher  course for the more experience SAR worker. This common starting point provides  continuity during SAR operations and future training of all team members. The recommended number of hours for the course is (16) sixteen. ISAR is also  designed to prepare the student for SARTECH III certification, according to the  knowledge objectives defined in the NASAR Certification Criteria for SARTECH III. The 75 question, multiple choice SARTECH III exam is taken at the end of the  ISAR course. The SARTECH III exam is the only exam that we offer on line as it is the only  one that does not require skills testing. The on line SARTECH III exam is explained  on the website here http://www.nasar.org/page/22/Online-Exams. The textbook that prepares a student to take the SARTECH III  exam  is entitled Introduction to Search and Rescue. The ISAR book may be purchased  through the on line bookstore on the NASAR website.   Effective 09/01/2008, the textbook needed will be the 2008 edition. Previous  editions will not contain all the material tested on the SARTECH III  exam. ### Advice for a new USCDA members By  General Michael (mick) Webster Always follow the USCDA’s  “Mission Health and Safety Supervisor” Remember if your not safe you will not be able to help others and may put yourself and other members in danger. Get as much training as you can. First take a local CERT course.  Take what courses that are available and home study on line courses IS 100.b  Introduction to Incident Command System (ICS)IS 700.a  Introduction to National Incident Management System (NIMS) these are very good to start with. It’s essential that you have some basic principles of first aid and know how to apply them, even under stress. Even knowing how to treat minor injuries can make a difference in a disaster situation. You can treat minor injuries and keep serious casualties stable until further help is available. Although there are innumerable injuries and ailments that could affect you, as long as you learn the basic principles of first aid, you can apply them to almost any situation.  Your USCDA can train you in 1st aid. If there is not a local chapter in your area most cities and counties offer Red Cross 1st aid training. Let’s say you now have at least CERT training and some 1st aid under your belt.

Put all your mission ready gear together and notify HQ to be put on USCDA’s  incident mission ready roster. If you are a member and your already in the medical field and are ready to volunteer your services contact our medical director :Lt. Col: Michael D. Moran, M.D., FACC, FSCAI Commander of United States Civil Defense Assoc. Nationwide Emergency Communication Network (NECN). Chairman and C.E.O. Coastal Cardiovascular Institute 25301 Cabot Road, Suite 104 Laguna Hills, CA. 92653 (949) 499-8080 Dir. (949) 973-8814 Cell (949) 499-8082 Fax drmoran@Reagan.com Common injuries that you will likely encounter USCDA does accept public, private and corporate donations. As a non-governmental “volunteer” organization. But not as a government controlled non-private status, nor are we seeking such a tax exempt ruling. Your donation may not be tax deductible. USCDA avoids any funding from the government. USCDA remains a non-government entity. We feel we are therefor better able to serve in times of emergencies and act independent to the government and can provide better and faster services with out all the governmental red tape. In other words we get things done. We are always in need of funds to help assist us in our efforts to help our communities during natural or man made disasters. We understand and realize that the economy is unstable for the average American and we therefor only seek donations from those who can spare it without causing any hardship on themselves or families. Checks and money orders can be made out to: Michael Webster, 301 Forest Ave, Laguna Beach, CA 92651.

Concern About the Nation’s Drinking Water

Although water covers more than 70% of the Earth’s surface, only 1% of the Earth’s water is available as a source of drinking water. Unfortunately, Americans are finding that our limited supplies are often polluted with contaminants such as Asbestos, Cysts (like Cryptosporidium and Giardia), Lead, Mercury, Trihalomethanes, Turbidity, Endocrine Disrupters and Volatile Organic Chemicals When ever possible always test your water source. To expand your capability or survive longer than a couple of days you will need a water purification system. This can be as simple as boiling water and iodine tablets, or a serious water filter. See or click on: Mission Ready Gear this web site.

### The most common injuries you will encounter as a USCDA member disaster volunteer responding to a disaster are cuts of varying severity, puncture wounds, burns and the broken bone. This means that controlling bleeding, cleaning and disinfecting wounds, and stabilizing limbs are all critical skills to develop. Proper bandaging, once bleeding is under control, is also a good thing to know. The most important part of your first aid kit is between your ears, make sure it is well-stocked.Other then my training  as an Emergency Medical Technician  (EMT) most of what I have learned about practical first aid I have, unfortunately, learned by experience. A lot of the hardcore improvisational first aid I have practiced or witnessed took place after major disasters around the world. Many times miles from any hospitals. Often, you are on your own and someone is hurt, and the first aid kit never seems to have what you need. Fortunately, I have paid attention every time to circumstances have dictated by taking one of our CERT courses at the USCDA, a Red Cross first aid class, or a FEMA home study course which provides a solid foundation for beginners or those with more experience and training. For still others it will be just a refresher course from which to work a disaster from an emergency medical and transportation of the sick and injured point of view. I have seen and treated a wide variety of burns, gun, knife and saw wounds as a result of disasters. When an injury occurs during a disaster particularly a major disaster normal emergency services are over loaded or non-existent. Inexperienced res-ponders have to be careful to not make the rescue a more dangerous situation. Standard first aid practices involve stopping bleeding, cleaning the wound, and protecting it so the injured party can be stabilized and readied for transport to a hospital or other medical care provider via ambulance, boat or helicopter. Cleansing is done with rubbing alcohol or peroxide. Following cleansing, more topical antibiotic is applied. Closure can be accomplished with Steri-Strips, which I much prefer to butterfly bandages. In extreme cases, when medical attention is days away, sutures (actual or improvised with boiled thread or fishing line), or good old super glue have been used with good results. Anyone practicing first aid must determine the priorities of treatment. First, check if the casualty is in any danger, or will put you into a dangerous position by helping them. Avoid moving a casualty with unknown injuries, unless there is a greater danger in leaving the casualty where he or she is. If necessary, make the area safe, but put your own safety first. Do not move anyone with a suspected neck or spinal injury, unless difficulties in breathing make this necessary. 1. Check breathing Check that the airway is open and the casualty is breathing. A person who is unconscious has no control over their muscles, therefore, their tongue is the single most common cause of an airway obstruction. The airway can be cleared by simply using the head-tilt/chin-lift technique, see the figure. This action pulls the tongue away from the air passage in the throat. Recovery position Place an unconscious but breathing person in the recovery position: · Place the casualty on his or her side, with their uppermost leg at a right angle to the body. Once again, do not move anyone with a suspected neck or spinal injury. · Support the head by the hand of the uppermost arm. · Tilt the head back to ensure that the airway is clear. 2. Bleeding Stop any bleeding. All types of external bleeding, such as open wounds, are treated in the same way: · Squeeze together the sides of the wound. Apply direct pressure to the wound with your fingers, or preferably a sterile dressing. In an emergency, an article of clean clothing will do. · Lie the casualty down. · Lift the wounded part above the level of the heart. This slows the bleeding. · Bandage the wound firmly but take care not to cut off the circulation to the area. If you suspect that an injury may have caused internal bleeding, the most important thing you can do is to prevent shock from occurring. Urgent medical attention is necessary.

3. Shock is a condition of general body weakness, and is present in all cases of accidents, to a varying degree. The shocked casualty may feel weak, faint, giddy, anxious or restless. Keep the casualty warm and quiet and give all the reassurance you can. 4. Heat emergencies Heat emergencies fall into three categories of increasing severity: heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. Considerations Heat illnesses are easily preventable by taking precautions in hot weather. Children, elderly, and obese people have a higher risk of developing heat illness. People taking certain medications or drinking alcohol also have a higher risk. However, even a top athlete in superb condition can succumb to heat illness if he or she ignores the warning signs.If the problem isn’t addressed, heat cramps (caused by loss of salt from heavy sweating) can lead to heat exhaustion (caused by dehydration), which can progress to heatstroke. Heatstroke, the most serious of the three, can cause shock, brain damage, organ failure, and even death. Causes Heat emergencies are caused by prolonged exposure to extreme heat. The following are common causes of heat emergencies: Alcohol use Dehydration Heart disease High temperatures or humidity Medications such as beta blockers, diuretics, neuroleptics, phenothiazines, and anticholinergics Prolonged or excessive exercise Sweat gland problems Wearing too much clothing Symptoms The early symptoms of heat illness include: Profuse sweating Fatigue Thirst Muscle cramps Later symptoms of heat exhaustion include: Headache Dizziness and lightheadedness Weakness Nausea and vomiting Cool, moist skin Dark urine The symptoms of heatstroke include: Fever (temperature above 104 °F) Irrational behavior Extreme confusion Dry, hot, and red skin Rapid, shallow breathing Rapid, weak pulse Seizures Unconsciousness First Aid Treatment Have the person lie down in a cool place. Raise the person’s feet about 12 inches. Apply cool, wet cloths (or cool water directly) to the person’s skin and fan to lower body temperature. Place cold compresses on the person’s neck, groin, and armpits. If alert, give the person beverages to sip (such as Gatorade), or make a salted drink by adding a teaspoon of salt per quart of water. Give a half cup every 15 minutes. Cool water will do if salt beverages are not available. For muscle cramps, Apply heat (hair dyer or rub area) give beverages as above and massage affected muscles gently, but firmly, until they relax. DO NOT Do NOT underestimate the seriousness of heat illness, especially if the person is a child, elderly, or injured. Do NOT give the person medications that are used to treat fever (such as aspirin or acetaminophen). They will not help, and they may be harmful. Do NOT give the person salt tablets. Do NOT give the person liquids that contain alcohol or caffeine. They will interfere with the body’s ability to control its internal temperature. Do NOT use alcohol rubs on the person’s skin. Do NOT give the person anything by mouth (not even salted drinks) if the person is vomiting or unconscious. Prevention Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing in hot weather. Rest frequently and seek shade when possible. Avoid exercise or strenuous physical activity outside during hot or humid weather. Drink plenty of fluids every day. Drink more fluids before, during, and after physical activity. Be especially careful to avoid overheating if you are taking drugs that impair heat regulation, or if you are overweight or elderly. Be careful of hot cars in the summer. Allow the car to cool off before getting in. Cold injuries Do you want to be prepared for a trip in cold weather? Learn more about hypothermia and frostbite treatment. Most of the cuts you’ll encounter are on the head, legs, arms, hands and feet.

TREATING & FIELD MANAGEMENT OF BURN VICTIMS Thermal burns· Ensure scene safety · Remove the patient from the source of the burn · ABC’s · High flow oxygen · Remove clothing and jewelry from burn sites · Cool with sterile water · Cover with dry sterile dressings or a clean sheet · Prevent hypothermia· Transport A.S.A.P. Chemical burns· Brush off dry chemical · Flush and irrigate with copious and continuous clean or sterile water. · Transport A.S.A.P. Electrical burns· Ensure scene safety · Remove the patient from the electrical source · ABC’s· High flow oxygen· Assess and treat for associated injuries · Moist sterile dressing to burn · Transport A.S.A.P. · If no Cardiac Monitor take vital signs regularly Radiation burns· Summon expert assistance where possible · Safely contain source of radiation if possible · Remove patient’s clothing · Follow decontamination procedure wash and rinse entire body: · Keep patent warm ready for transport. Most likely Emergency responders and others exposed to patient will need to decontaminate A.S.A.P.

Dealing with puncture wounds Embedded objects such as knifes or patient impales are usually what you will be dealing with. It maybe better to let the impaled patient remain undisturbed, where removing the impaled object from the patient could be fatal. Otherwise it is generally best to push a penetrating object through rather than to pull it out. With something like a fishing hook, the procedure has been to push the barb through, and to use bolt cutters to take off either the eye or the tip behind the barb. The hook is then either pushed or pulled through, bringing the cut end of the hook out of the wound last. This leaves a puncture wound. Puncture wounds are difficult to clean and disinfect. A small syringe can be used to force alcohol or peroxide into the wound from both sides, and is therefore a good addition to your kit. I have cleaned puncture wounds from bullets, knifes, nails, rebar, barb wire and many other objects using this method. It has been my experience that 800 mg of Ibuprofin is a great addition to your first aid kit; I have found that it is both a pain reliever and an anti-inflammatory. I have seen Ibuprofin used at higher doses be a very effective treatment for breaks, sprains and dislocations. I just want to say that some of the treatments outlined here are not recommended in any but under extreme circumstances where medical supplies are limited and higher qualified medical help or hospital support is days away. I have related these things only to point out that the ability to improvise and think outside-the-box can be applied to first aid situations, where lives can be saved, particularly when the chips are down in a disaster. A thoroughly stocked first aid kit and proper training are your best bets, but if you come up short you aren’t automatically out of the game. As a USCDA leader get all the training you can and remember the best training is hands on working with others who have the experience after a disaster. Everyone has to start somewhere. Good luck and make the most of it.

If you want to make a difference and “be the change,” Consider becoming a member of the United States Civil Defense Assoc. and volunteering for worthwhile disaster relief service. Giving back & helping others is rewarding, fulfilling, satisfying, and fun!

### FIRE EMS TRANING VIDEOS Bleeding Control Mike McEvoy reviews the basics of controlling bleeding in a prehospital environment and talks new technology as well as old techniques that are coming back into favor.    Share: Managing an Obstructed Airway Mike McEvoy shares some tips on clearing an obstructed airway in a patient.   

Share: SHOOTING RESPONSE Active Shooter: The Rapid Treatment Model This training program from the Firefighters Support Foundation focuses on getting aid to the wounded within the golden hour, even while law enforcement is still clearing the structure.    Share:  Share: RELATED FEATURES •  Firefighting Roundtable: Response to Shooting Incidents •  Mass-Shooting Incidents: Planning and Response •  Training: Response to Mass Shooting Events •  Response Priorities for Mass Violence Incidents •  School Violence: Preparing Today for a Bad Day Tomorrow.

 How do I use a map, compass, and altimeter? Some instructions never seems to make sense until you actually try to do them. This FAQ is one of those things. Simply reading without trying the exercise may be confusing. A map, compass, and altimeter can be used for two general uses. One, to find where you are and two, to determine where to go. Take the time to practice before you need to use these skills. Practice often. To find where you are: Triangulation Method: First, find two landmarks. It helps if they are close to 90° from each other relative to your position. Next, take a bearing for these landmarks. Add or subtract the magnetic declination. Plot these bearings on your map. The point where the two bearings intersect is your position. The same can be done with several landmarks for more accuracy. Altimeter Method: This method works best if you are on a trail, ridgeline, or valley that contains a large section that is all uphill or all downhill. It can also be used in conjunction with the triangulation method to determine your position more accurately. First, be sure that you altimeter has been calibrated. Next, find the point on your map where the trail, ridgeline, or valley intersects the contour line that most closely corresponds to your altimeter reading.

To determine where to go: If you are on a trail but you can not determine if you are going in the right direction, a quick glance at the map and compass should sort things out. If you are not on a trail, you will need a more precise method of determining the correct direction of travel. First, plot your desired course on your map to determine your true compass heading. Then add or subtract the magnetic declination. Now hold the compass at eye level and take a bearing to determine which object on the horizon you want to head for. Start walking toward that object until you reach it or loose site of it. Repeat the process until you reach your final destination. Terms and methods: Taking a bearing: old the compass in your hand and turn yourself until the red end of the compass needle (North) coincides with the red arrow in the bottom of the compass housing. The front of the compass with the direction of travel arrow is now pointing towards your destination. The reverse can be done to determine the bearing based on a particular object.

Using a compass with a folding mirror is far more accurate. Follow the same directions as above but align the hairline in the mirror over the center of the compass and align the notch on top of the mirror with an object. Magnetic declination: Magnetic North is almost always different from true North. For example, in Riverside County, a person would need to subtract about 14° from the magnetic heading to find the true heading. The magnetic declination information can be found on the bottom of all U.S. Geological Survey maps. Plotting a heading on a map: Place the compass on the map with the edge of the compass along the desired line of travel.Ignore the needle! Rotate the compass housing until N on the dial points North on the map. Check that the compass housing red/black north/south lines are parallel with the maps meridians. Calibrating the altimeter: It is generally done by one of two methods. The most common and accurate method is to set the altimeter at a location where the elevation is know, such as a trailhead. The second method is to adjust the altimeter to the current barometric pressure. This usually requires access to weather information on a radio designed to receive such broadcasts. Contour line: Sometimes called an elevation line, it is a line on a map that represents where the terrain passes a specific elevation. Contour lines are usually at intervals of 80 feet on U.S. Geological Survey maps.

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Online Firefighting Related Courses: Recommended by USCDA Firefighters Course: Water Training Water Training is a comprehensive course that provides important information and relevant examples for firefighters to develop strategies for using water effectively during firefighting operations in the wildland/urban interface. The course takes approximately four hours to complete.

Homeowner Course: Landscaping The Firewise Landscaping course is designed for people living in wildland areas who make decisions about landscaping their homes. The course considers the issues of appropriate landscape designs, specific planting and pruning alternatives, and appropriate planting materials for interface/intermix fire environments. It has three parts: an Overview, Design/Installation and Maintenance. It also includes a virtual Firewise landscaping model you can use to visualize design alternatives. The course takes approximately three hours to complete.

Homeowners/Civic Leaders/Firefighters Course: Community Assessment Conducting a Community Assessment in the Wildland/Urban Interface: Beginning the Firewise Process is a course for fire and forestry professionals and others who want to help residents of areas at risk from wildfire to make their homes safer. Taking this course provides you with a thorough understanding of how homes ignite during wildfires, how simple actions can greatly reduce home ignitions, and how community behavior change can create Firewise homes and communities. This course is broken into eight lessons; each takes 30 and 45 minutes to complete.

Firefighters Course: Safety Firefighter Safety in the Wildland/Urban Interface addresses problems faced by structural and wildland firefighters when fighting fires, especially those threatening structures in the wildland/urban interface. An important goal is to expand your knowledge of firefighter safety and survival issues. The course has three parts: Understanding Fire Behavior in the WUI, Structure Protection Strategies in the WUI and Firefighter Safety in the WUI. The entire course takes approximately four hours to complete. Bottom of Form Top of Form

Workshops and Training: Recommended by USCDA Home Ignition Zone (HIZ) Workshop

While wildfires are a problem in virtually every part of the US, research has lead to a greater understanding of how wildland fires ignite homes. There are many steps that can be taken to reduce losses; this two-day workshop will help you to identify the hazards and reduce risks in the home ignition zone (HIZ) before a wildfire starts. By applying this knowledge of how wildland-urban interface (WUI) fires occur and by using new approaches, future WUI fire disasters can be significantly reduced. As part of the curriculum, the HIZ workshop incorporates NFPA 1141, Standard for Fire Protection Infrastructure for Land Development in Suburban and Rural Areas, and NFPA 1144, Standard for Reducing Structure Ignition Hazards from Wildland Fire, as the basis for assessing hazards and recommending appropriate mitigation measures to reduce wildfire risks to homes, developments, communities, and subdivisions and to increase awareness among residents and communities. For additional information and to register, download our latest brochure. (PDF, 3 MB)For more information about our on-site workshops, and to sponsor a future workshop, please contact Pat Durland, Stone Creek Fire LLC at +1 208 869-1755 or download our brochure.(PDF, 1.38 MB) Bottom of Form

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National US&R Response System Canine Search Teams (handler and canine) play a critical role during structural collapse incidents. The canines locate survivors, using their incredible sense of smell to detect live human scent, even from a survivor buried deep in rubble. Canine and Handler Certification – Learn about the rigorous certification process each Canine Search Team must pass in the National US&R Response System. Canine Search Specialist Certification Process – This document describes the National US&R Response System process that can also be used by Federal, state, and local organizations to determine Canine Search Team readiness levels.Urban Search & Rescue Canine Photos – View photos of National US&R Response System Canine Search Teams responding to disasters. Recommended for USCDA members. Any or all of the following ISP courses United States Civil Defense Assoc. All USCDA chapters and those interested in starting a chapter USCDA recommends the following FEMA Course: Developing and Managing Volunteers – Emergency Management …

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Contacting your local utility Training with Utility Companies. As you already know USCDA responds when invited to life threading emergencies and we provide disaster relief. We also like to practice prevention where possible. USCDA likes to analyze disastrous situations and a good place to start is with your local utility companies before a natural or man made disaster. Contacting your local utility, let the utility know that the USCDA would be available to them in times of these emergencies. Working with the public utility companies that deals with terrorist attacks and responds to other emergencies, such as downed power lines, natural gas line ruptures, and water main breaks are among some of the concerns the utility companies and first responders have. Learn how they plan to deal with emergencies and how best the USCDA can help during, before and after these emergencies. USCDA should offer when possible to train the utility company’s key employees on CERTS in the beginning and later offer more training. USCDA local members should take any training programs the utilities may offer in emergency management. If your local USCDA chapter does not have a CERT instructor USCDA – HQ can help provide one for just travel and lodging for our USCDA certified CERTS instructor.

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Maj: James FineUSCDA – HQ

### The Importance Of Water by  Michael Webster Water is a fundamental part of our lives. It is easy to forget how completely we depend on it. Human survival is dependent on water — water has been ranked by experts as second only to oxygen as essential for life. The average adult body is 55 to 75% water. 2/3 of your body weight is water (40 to 50 quarts). A human embryo is more than 80% water. A newborn baby is 74% water. Everyday your body must replace 2 1/2 quarts of water. The Water you drink literally becomes you! Since such a large percentage of our bodies is water, water must obviously figure heavily in how our bodies function. We need lots of fresh water to stay healthy. Aside from aiding in digestion and absorption of food, water regulates body temperature and blood circulation, carries nutrients and oxygen to cells, and removes toxins and other wastes. This “body water” also cushions joints and protects tissues and organs, including the spinal cord, from shock and damage. Conversely, lack of water (dehydration) can be the cause of many ailments. In his book, Your Body’s Many Cries for Water, Dr. Fereydoon Batmanghelidj noted that chronic dehydration may cause certain problems for the body, including hypertension, asthma, allergies, and migraine headaches. Every process in our body occurs in a water medium. We can exist without food for 2 months or more, but we can only survive for a few days without water. Most people don’t drink enough water. The body responds to this water deficiency in a variety of ways, which we frequently see as illnesses. When, many symptoms decrease. Ongoing dehydration may cause actual disease as the body struggles to maintain itself with insufficient water.

Tracker/Naturalist ProgramAll southern California USCDA members are encouraged to look into taking these courses. Wildlife Tracking Walk – Free When: Varies dates throughout the year. Where: Mission Trails Regional Park, Visitor Center (map) Description: Join an experienced San Diego Tracking Team member for a FREE easy wildlife tracking walk. Look for tracks, scat, and further evidence on the trail that coyotes, bobcats, raccoons, deer, and other seldom-seen wildlife have been in the area! No reservation is necessary. Just show up. Information at www.mtrp.org. Rain cancels. THESE MEETUPS ARE POSTED AS AN FYI.  THE DATES AND TIMES MAY NOT FOLLOW THE EXACT SCHEDULE.  PLEASE CLICK ON THE LINK AT THE BOTTOM TO FIND THE EXACT DATES AND TIMES OF FUTURE COURSES. The following classes, presented by the Los Peñasquitos Tracking Team, are scheduled throughout the year and are open to all (high-school and older, please). Classes involve one weekday evening and one Saturday. Our goal is to provide you with information and tools that will be helpful in wildlife track and sign identification and the appreciation of our rapidly disappearing native habitat, as well as in improving your powers of observation and awareness

Intermediate Tracker/Naturalist Program This phase of instruction will broaden your experience giving you a chance to develop personal strategies for confident recognition and interpretation of tracks and sign on a variety of surfaces. We will help you get beyond the track identification phase and into the interpretation phase; with exercises in speculative tracking, aging, soil dynamics, debris interaction, trailing, mammal skull and dental identification, and tracking on various substrates. Gait interpretation learned in the beginning class will be expanded upon.

Advanced Tracker/Naturalist Program The culmination of the three part series, this class concentrates on fine detail and further development of your proficiency as a tracker. Trailing animals through various difficult surfaces will allow opportunities for us to share strategies and exercises that will enable you to stay on the right track. We provide drills and exercises that will help you expand your knowledge base, point out areas you need to work on and give you a taste for what it would be like to go through a tracker evaluation. Those who have completed the Tracker/Naturalist series, or equivalent, are eligible to join the SDTT’s apprentice program.

Dates and Times: Please check the  calendar for upcoming class dates and times. Classes are usually offered as a combination of 7:00 to 9:00 pm weekday AND 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Saturday.http://www.sdtt.org/Education/Track_train.aspxLearning from Hurricane Sandy Champions of Change

### Main Content Author: Craig Fugate How much of an impact can a small group of volunteers make after a disaster? Last Wednesday, I had the honor of addressing the Hurricane Sandy Champions of Change – a group of “ordinary” people who did (and are still doing) extraordinary things to help those who were impacted by Hurricane Sandy.  Many of them suffered damage to their homes and businesses as a result of the storm, but continued to fulfill the needs they saw in their communities. CAPTION: Washington, D.C., April 24, 2013 – The White House Champions of Change event which honored people and organizations directly involved in response and recovery efforts following Hurricane Sandy. These hidden heroes implemented innovative, collaborative solutions to meet the unique needs of communities and neighborhoods as they worked to rebuild after the devastating effects of this disaster. The exceptional work of these Champions of Change reminds us that every disaster, big and small, brings out champions in our communities.  It’s our job as government leaders to recognize this and support their success. This impressive group showed us what it takes to be a champion:

Champions aren’t afraid to act – When people hear the term “first responder”, they often think of fire engines and search and rescue teams.  And that’s right.  But many times, the “first responders” after a disaster are neighbors and those within the community.  They’re the ones immediately knocking on doors, checking on friends and loved ones, and seeing if people’s basic needs are being met.  And neighbors are the ones who know the community best. What makes the Champions of Change a special group was that they were able to identify the unique needs of their own communities and respond to them. As the Champions shared their individual stories, a few of them said “Do what you’re good at.”  That’s a great perspective, and that’s exactly what they did –they took it upon themselves to help their neighbors— applying their skill set to solving real problems.  If they knew how to cook, they prepared meals. If they could gut and pump homes, they got to work. If they could set up wireless networks for internet access, they made it happen.  Having an impact during and after emergencies can be as simple as focusing on what you’re good at and taking action. Seeing the public as a resource, not a liability – Within government, there’s often been a tendency to rely on government alone to respond to emergencies.  This top-down approach, assumed people needed to be taken care of and have their needs met for them. What the Champions of Change demonstrate is that this way of thinking is shortsighted – individuals and communities often rise up and solve problems on their own.   We have to look to all of us to solve problems and bring our best.  The best approach by government is to work with the public as a valuable partner— a resource that helps after a disaster, not a liability that needs to be taken care of.  Those impacted by disasters aren’t “victims”, they are “survivors”.  Those of us in government should be continually looking for ways to work alongside impacted individuals and communities so we can bring every possible resource to bear in helping their neighborhoods recover. Solutions built around government are too small – Another reality that the Champions of Change brings to light is how big disasters can be.  If we only build solutions or systems that work within the capabilities of government, communities will suffer.  What happens to that system when the disaster is bigger than the government’s scale?  What happens to those impacted by the disaster when that system doesn’t do what it’s supposed to?  Government by itself does not have all the answers – the team responding to disasters must be much bigger than that. We can’t fall into the trap of government having the answers because disasters hit communities and families.  That’s why we need to build our response and recovery systems around the public first.  Members of the community need to be at the planning table alongside government, businesses, and non-profit organizations because they’re the ones that best know the needs of the community and they’re the ones who are often the first responders. That’s what the Champions of Change did – they identified people’s needs in the community and scaled their solutions to meet those needs. During the event, the Champions were also asked to give their advice to others on how to prepare for emergencies, and our FEM Alive Twitter account captured what a few of them shared: #whchamps Champions of Change now giving their advice on preparing for emergencies, based on their lessons learned after #Sandy— FEMA Live (@FEMAlive) April 24, 2013 #whchamps one: “Ensure you have a way to communicate with the outside world. Charge your phone & have a solar powered cell phone battery.”— FEMA Live (@FEMAlive) April 24, 2013 #whchamps two: “Take storm warnings seriously; even if it’s a temporary inconvenience for you to evacuate.”— FEMA Live (@FEMAlive) April 24, 2013 #whchamps three: “Prepare – have more batteries than you need, have more water than you think you need.”— FEMA Live (@FEMAlive) April 24, 2013 #whcamps four: “Heed mandatory evacuations. Staying home puts first responders’ lives at risk if they need to rescue you after a storm.”— FEMA Live (@FEMAlive) April 24, 2013 #whchamps five: “If you’re in a flood-prone area, plan to get your car to higher ground & have a place to go that’s on higher ground.”— FEMA Live (@FEMAlive) April 24, 2013Without the tireless efforts and countless hours of volunteers, we would not be as far along as we are after Hurricane Sandy.  There is still a lot of work to be done for every community to fully recover.  The purpose of Wednesday’s event at the White House wasn’t just to recognize the impact of the 17 Champions of Change – it was also to inspire others to act.  I hope you will follow the lead of what these Champions of Change are doing in their communities and take action to make your family, street, town, neighborhood, or city more resilient.For more on the White House Champions of Change, visit www.whitehouse.gov/champions. State or Region: New York New Jersey Connecticut Rhode Island Related Disaster: New York Hurricane Sandy, New Jersey Hurricane Sandy and Connecticut Hurricane Sandy ### * USCDA Basic Membership is free.(there is an $25 annual membership fee for a “Leadership Membership”)

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How to Manage Your Small Business Finances

Posted By Business Consultant Michael Webster at mvwsr@aol.com Managing funds can be tough for any small business owner. Your small business’s success is frequently due to the abilities you bring to the table whether creating a product or providing a service. If you don’t have much experience managing business finances, it might feel like a chore, and you might find yourself getting into terrible financial habits that will harm your firm in the long run. For each business owner, the most critical step is to educate yourself. Small business owners can build a stable financial future and avoid collapse by learning the essential skills required to run a small business, such as simple accounting duties, asking for a loan, and preparing financial statements. Staying organized, in addition to education, is an important element of good money management. As a small business owner, there are a few things you should do to stay on top of your money. I have written in this article important points as a guide in managing your finances. Compensate Yourself When you’re running a small business, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day operations. After all, that extra cash might go a long way toward helping your company expand. Small business owners should not forget their own position in the company and should be compensated appropriately. You want to make sure your business and personal finances are in good working order. Many small business owners, particularly at the start, fail to pay themselves thinking that getting the business up and running and paying everyone else is more important. But what if the business fails? You will have never paid yourself. You can opt to use a corporate card as your compensation. Remember that you are a part of the company, and you must compensate yourself in the same way that you compensate others. Invest in Growth and Development Though it’s critical to set money away and investigate development options, this can help your company grow and go in the right manner financially. Always keep an eye on the future as a business owner. A small firm that wants to keep growing, innovating, and attracting the best personnel should show that they are willing to invest in the future. The improved level of service will be welcomed by customers and employees will respect your commitment to the organization and their careers. In the end, you will add more value to your company than if you spent all of your income on personal issues. Don’t be Scared of Loans Loans can be frightening. They can cause you to be concerned about the financial consequences of failure. However, if you don’t have access to the funds that loans provide, you can have a hard time buying equipment or expanding your crew. You can also use the loan funds to boost your cash flow and make sure you pay your employees and vendors on time. Maintain a Solid Company Credit Score To facilitate all of these endeavors, you may wish to purchase more commercial real estate, obtain additional insurance policies, and take out more loans as your firm grows. Getting clearance for all of these trades and acquisitions can be tough if your business has bad credit. Pay off all of your debt funding as quickly as possible to maintain good credit. Allowing your business credit cards to run a balance for more than a few weeks, for example, is not a good idea. Don’t take out loans with interest rates you can’t afford, either. Only look for funding that you can return fast and simply manage your money without compromising the future of your business. Develop an Effective Billing Approach Every company owner has a client who is perpetually late on payments and invoices. Managing small business finances also include managing cash flow to ensure that your company runs smoothly on a daily basis. It may be time to get creative with how you bill particular consumers or clients if you’re having trouble collecting from them. Having too much cash locked up in unpaid bills can generate cash flow issues, which is a leading cause of business failure. If you have a habitual late-paying customer, which we all have, adopt an alternative tactic instead of badgering them with repeated invoicing and phone calls. Pay Your Taxes Where You Are Convenient If you’re having difficulties saving for your quarterly estimated tax payments make it a monthly payment instead. Tax payments can then be treated as any other monthly operational expense. Establish Sound Financial Practices Internal financial protocols, even if they’re as simple as setting aside time to analyze and update financial data, can go a long way toward maintaining your company’s financial health. Keeping track of your finances might help you avoid fraud and other risks. We often run out of time, money, and technology skills as a small firm, but it shouldn’t stop any small business owner from implementing some type of internal control. If you have staff, this is very vital. Weak internal controls can lead to employee fraud or theft, as well as legal issues if you or an employee are found guilty. Plan Ahead of Time There will always be business difficulties that need to be addressed immediately, but you must plan for the future when it comes to your finances. You’re behind the competition if you’re not looking five to ten years ahead so conquer your market as early as possible. Pay yourself a salary from your company’s earnings, plan ahead, pay off debt on time, and focus on your return on investment to effectively manage small business finances. It’s crucial to remember that your business finances aren’t just about how much money you make but they’re also about how you spend it and where you acquire it. When it comes to money, you should have the foresight and the courage to look into all of the options.

At Least $72 Million in Coronavirus Bailout Loans Went to Big Oil and Gas Companies

Back by Popular Demand. Posted By Michael Webster At least 16 drillers, fuel transporters, oil technology firms and service providers tapped the Small Business Association’s Paycheck Protection Program. WASHINGTON — The oil business is in rough shape these days, but it’s got friends in high places. And they’re coming with cash.Multimillion-dollar companies in the oil and gas sector scored at least $72 million in federally-backed loans earmarked for small businesses, according to financial records reviewed by VICE News. And that’s despite warnings from Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin that big companies should look elsewhere for funds to survive the pandemic, and could face audits or even “criminal liability” if they misstate their needs. At least 16 drillers, fuel transporters, oil technology firms and service providers tapped the Small Business Association’s Paycheck Protection Program, which was created by the $2.2 trillion CARES Act in March, the records show. Most of those borrowers are valued at over $10 million on the stock market.The Trump administration has been outspoken about supporting America’s oil industry, which has grown so large that the U.S. now pumps more oil than Saudi Arabia or Russia and has begun to see itself as more of a global oil supplier than just a big consumer.The industry is buckling in the crisis: Widespread stay-at-home orders mean nobody’s using fuel to go anywhere. The glut has pushed oil futures into negative territory for the first time in history and sent fear rippling through executive suites. Trump ordered his officials to help U.S. oil companies on Twitter in April. Democrats say dirty energy doesn’t deserve a bailout, and delivering one via the small business loan program would be “unconscionable,” Rep. Nanette Barragán (D-Calif.), who has pushed the Trump administration to resist throwing rescue funds at oil and coal companies, told VICE News on Friday. “It was never intended to make it easier for giant fossil fuel corporations to drive us closer to climate catastrophe.”“The PPP is about helping small businesses — mom-and-pop type Main Street stores — struggling to make it through the COVID-19 public health crisis,” she said. “It was never intended to make it easier for giant fossil fuel corporations to drive us closer to climate catastrophe.”But the numbers show some energy companies have already gotten millions. At least a few of those who did were in trouble even before the virus struck, and some recently approved spending millions on corporate share buybacks, a move that effectively passes the company’s wealth to stockholders. In a statement to VICE News on Friday, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) called for an investigation of these loans by the Small Business Administration’s internal watchdog.“The SBA Inspector General indicated to us that they will conduct the investigation we requested on waste, fraud, and abuse in the program,” Warren said. “These loans should be reviewed as part of that investigation.”Who's getting cash Independence Contract Drilling, which operates some 20 oil rigs and is headquartered in Houston, TX, took a $10 million PPP loan on April 27.The company’s board approved a $10 million stock repurchase program last summer even though the firm lost money in 2018 and 2019. Its stock price has fallen from over $180 per share four years ago to below $2 per share in March. In early April, Independence announced layoffs and pay cuts in response to the crisis.Laredo Oil Inc., which specializes in recovering oil from mature fields, has seen its shares plummet 97% since 2015. As a result, the company’s $1.2 million PPP loan is roughly the same size as its total market valuation, according to Reuters data.Other borrowers seem to be in much stronger shape — but they took crisis loans anyway.Profire Energy, an oilfield technology company, raked in $39 million in revenue and spent $2.7 million repurchasing its own shares in 2019. The company ended 2019 with almost $19 million on hand and zero debt, but announced taking a $1.1 million PPP loan on April 21 anyway. Profire’s CEO said in a press release that the funds would be used to retain employees until energy markets recover.“Our company has been able to withstand the impacts of economic slowdowns, price wars within the oil and gas industry and global disruptions. Fortunately, we have never had to operate in an environment in which all three occurred simultaneously,” CEO Brenton Hatch said in a statement.Some of the biggest borrowers in the oil patch have begun returning the money, after the Treasury Department warned big companies about audits and the Small Business Association adjusted the rules of the program.DMC Global, a Nasdaq-traded company worth more than $320 million whose business includes providing oilfield services, said it repaid the $6.7 million small business loan that it took on April 14.“DMC believes that at the time it borrowed the money, it fully complied with the language of the PPP legislation,” the company said in a press release.“Subsequent guidance from the [Small Business Administration] made after DMC had received the proceeds of the loan states that public companies may not be eligible for the program,” the company wrote. “In view of these new guidelines and to avoid any further disputes at a time when the business environment is the most difficult it has seen, the company has repaid the loan.”Natural Gas Services Group, valued at more than $70 million on the New York Stock Exchange, announced Thursday it had repaid its $4.6 million PPP loan. The company cited the Treasury Department warning that “public companies that applied for and received PPP loans may be subject to increased scrutiny and potential liability if it is determined that such companies had access to alternative sources of capital.”Graham Engineering, which sells equipment to oil refineries, took a $4.6 million PPP loan shortly after reassuring investors that it began the year with $72 million in cash, virtually no bank debt and the ability to borrow up to $25 million. The company returned the loan — along with two weeks’ worth of interest.At least one company, though, decided to give just some of the money back.Energy Services of America Corporation, which lays natural gas pipelines among other lines of business and reported $175 million in revenue last year, borrowed a total of $13.1 million from the small business loan program. But the board voted to give $3.3 million of it back on April 27 after a discussion about the company’s financing needs.“That would leave the company and subsidiaries with $9.8 million in PPP Loans to fund operations,” the firm said. Cover: An aerial view of a crude oil storage facility is seen on May 4, 2020 in Cushing, Oklahoma. (Photo: JOHANNES EISELE/AFP via Getty Images)

New Mexico Treasure. How the gold was found & how it got there

 

Stories of lost and buried treasure abound in the West. In New Mexico alone there are dozens of legends and stories dealing with gold and silver hidden away in the recesses of one mountain chain or another.One of the newer and most popular stories (it comes close to rivaling the Lost Dutchman in the Superstition Mountains of Arizona) deals with Victorio Peak, right here on White Sands Missile Range. It is typical of all lost treasure stories in that there is little or no hard evidence, there are a few facts mixed in with an avalanche of rumor and for some reason the location is lost or it is somehow now inaccessible.The Victorio Peak story begins in November 1937 when Milton E. Noss went hunting in the Hembrillo Basin of the San Andres Mountains. By the way, Noss is also called "Doc" because he often passed himself off as a doctor. He was not and was reportedly arrested in Texas for practicing medicine without a license.While hunting Noss supposedly climbed Victorio Peak to take a look around. On his way up it began to rain and he took shelter in a natural opening on top. In a small room there he moved a large boulder and discovered a shaft leading down into the mountain.He came back later with his wife Ova and climbed down into the shaft. He supposedly followed the faults in the peak down several hundred feet until he found a large room. After exploring the large room and several other small ones he returned to the surface.By most of the accounts, he reported to Ova he had found a room large enough to drive a train into. Through it, a stream of cold water ran. There were chests filled with Spanish coins, jewelry and religious artifacts. Also, there were Spanish documents, Wells Fargo chests and thousands of gold bars stacked like wood. Finally, there were 27 skeletons tethered to the floor.Understandably, the value of this treasure has grown over the years with inflation and the increased value of gold. Years ago some estimated its value at 26 million dollars. Now the Noss family says it may be worth three billion dollars. Funny thing about inflation though. All those original reports say there were 27 skeletons. Now, in one report, the family is saying there are 79 bony guardians down there.From 1937 to 1939 Noss and his wife supposedly worked to bring the treasure to the surface. During this time Noss worked diligently hauling up bars and hiding them all around the region. He never let Ova go down into the treasure chamber and he always hid the bars himself. Some say he didn´t trust anyone. She claimed he was worried about her getting hurt or kidnapped.Apparently there was some sort of choke point in the fissure which made it difficult getting out with the loot. So Noss hired a mining engineer to dynamite that point and enlarge it. Too much explosive was used and the "squeeze" was blasted shut. Efforts to open the shaft or bypass it proved futile.Before we continue this story we have to consider where this alleged treasure may have come from. The most written about and talked about source has to be the legendary Padre La Rue mine.This legend is usually associated with the Organ Mountains, but what the heck, Victorio Peak is only 40 miles to the north. Around 1800 there was a young priest named La Rue working with a small Indian tribe in Mexico. He befriended an old Spanish soldier who, on his deathbed, told La Rue about a fabulous vein of gold just two days north of Paso del Norte (El Paso).Because the crops were failing and the Indians starving, the padre led the group to this area and found the rich vein. What they found to eat I don´t know, but the story says they did mine the gold for several years.The Spanish sent soldiers to find out what had happened to the padre. When La Rue heard they were coming he had the Indians hide the gold and all evidence of the mine. They were then captured by the Spanish who killed the padre and all his followers in a vain attempt to find the location to the mine.Many people will have you believe that Noss found the original mine, while others say it is just the secret hiding place. Ova did produce a photograph of some gold bars which Doc brought up and one is clearly stamped with the name "La Rue." Could Victorio be the site of the original mine or the hiding place with the mine located somewhere in the vicinity? I like numbers---let me throw some at you.Expeditions Unlimited had an assay done of the sandstone in Victorio Peak and it came back showing one tenth of an ounce of gold in each ton of rock. To get 100 tons of gold (a number usually cited by supporters based on the number of bars reported) from a site with this concentration of gold would require crushing and processing 32 million tons of rock. In South Dakota, the Homestake Mine is the most profitable and longest lived gold mine in the Western Hemisphere. There the gold assay is two and a half times richer than the sample from Victorio Peak and it has taken them a century to extract 1,000 tons of gold---using modern explosives and equipment, I might add.According to my Time-Life book on rare metals, a ton of ore in the South Dakota mine is equal to about 19 cubic feet. If rocks are similar in the Victorio Peak area we are talking about removing and processing over six hundred million cubic feet of rock or a pile of rock the size of a football field and over two miles high. Where do you suppose the padre hid it?OK, OK, maybe ore that poor isn´t a fair test. Let´s say the ore the padre mined was 100 times richer. No, let´s say it was 1,000 times richer or had an assay of 100 ounces of gold per ton of rock. Doing the same calculations we end up with a pile of mine tailings the size of a football field and 12.5 feet high. If it was in the San Andres Mountains, I bet we could find it.Another story which avoids these unpleasant numbers deals with Emperor Maximilian of Mexico. According to this story, he was trying to flee Mexico with all of his riches. The mules made it and the stash was hidden with the porters being left to die in the cave. Unfortunately for Maximilian, he didn´t make it out of Mexico.A third story has the German government sending a shipment of gold over to Pancho Villa and the gold being waylaid in New Mexico. The gold was supposed to be used by Villa to pay for his attacks against the United States and draw the U.S. into war with Mexico so the Americans would not go to Europe and fight in World War I.The fourth explanation for gold in Victorio Peak is the one about it being a repository for Apache raiders. This would explain the Wells Fargo chests found down there by Noss.Then there are the combo explanations which marry a couple of these into one story. One of the most persistent is that La Rue´s gold is down there and the Apaches also used it to store their loot. This explains the Mescalero Apache interest in the gold hunts at Victorio Peak. They claim any gold found in the peak rightly belongs to them since they stole it and then hid it in the peak during the 19th Century for safekeeping.Once Noss blew up the entrance to the treasure room the story of the peak gets more complicated with a variety of helpers, witnesses and financial backers. Noss is reported to have already removed hundreds of gold bars from the mountain as well as a great deal of jewelry and other artifacts. Sure, it was illegal to own gold in those days but no one has really explained why Noss needed financial backers to dig out the debris in the tunnel. The jewelry, including those uncut rubies Letha mentioned, surely could have been turned into lots of instant cash.Anyway, Noss had a number allies working at the peak. In 1941 a group of about 20 people, who had furnished money and labor, formed a company to raise money to straighten up and timber the shaft.During the war Noss disappeared and divorced Ova while he was living in Arkansas. He came back in 1945 and the small group wanted to incorporate but Noss refused.Noss turned up again in 1949 working for Charley Ryan in Alice, Texas. Noss supposedly talked Ryan into traveling with him to New Mexico to check on "the mine." When they got to Victorio Peak they found Ova controlling the site with a state permit which allowed her to prospect there. Noss allegedly told Ryan not to worry and they filed claims on sites north of Victorio Peak which contain some lead bearing ore.According to court testimony, Ryan finally realized he was being duped by Noss into providing money for nothing. Ryan testified he stopped his lead mining operations on March 4 and 5, 1949 and told Noss he was leaving New Mexico after he called the sheriff to come and arrest Noss for fraud.Noss struck Ryan and ran out of the Ryan house in Hatch and shouted he would kill them all. Ryan stepped out on the porch and fired two shots from his own pistol. The second shot hit Noss in the head and killed him instantly.Ryan´s murder trial was held on May 25 and 26 in Las Cruces. The jury brought in a verdict of not guilty based on self defense.There wasn´t much testimony about buried treasure during the trial. Ova supposedly claimed there was a conspiracy of silence and Doc was killed over gold bars he didn´t deliver. One source says Ryan later went to Ova and proposed a partnership in Victorio Peak. She refused.The press reports all say Ryan killed Noss because he wouldn´t turn over gold he promised to sell to Ryan. The trial testimony doesn´t raise this issue. I suppose there could have been a cover up but it seems just as plausible that Ryan told the truth during the trial. There is probably a little bit of truth in both sides.We do know Ryan later received lease payments from White Sands for the lead mining claims. He had 13 claims when the missile range took over the land around Victorio Peak and he was paid $300 per year.Next---more Victorio Peak stories with Capt. Fiege and the Air Force connection and hard rock mining with the Gaddis Mining Company.---Interlaced with the historical information in these articles are statements of personal opinion by the author, Jim Eckles, which are not necessarily the official position of White Sands Missile Range or the U.S. Army- After Doc´s death Ova Noss inherited the story of treasure at Victorio Peak and its inherent benefits and curses. She continued to work at the peak with the help of supporters and family members and to sell shares.In 1952 she visited the Denver Mint and inquired if Milton Noss had made any deposits of gold at the Mint from November 1937 to March 1949. Mint records showed none was made. Interestingly she wrote the Mint in 1939 asking officials what they should do if they found gold. She indicated they had an old map showing the location of gold bars and they were searching for them. She was told to notify the Mint immediately if they found anything.Another interesting fact from 1939 involving the Mint is a "gold brick" which was submitted to the U.S. Treasury for assay by Charles Ussher of Santa Monica, Calif. He supposedly paid $200 for the brick which he obtained from a man named Grogan. The assay revealed the bar contained 97 cents of gold. In an investigation conducted by the Secret Service, Grogan revealed he obtained the "gold brick" from Doc Noss in New Mexico.On July 13, 1950 the Army entered a lease agreement with Roy Henderson for the land where Victorio Peak is located. Many people don´t realize there was a goat ranch right at the foot of Victorio Peak. The Henderson family lived there and before that it was grazed periodically by the Gilmore family. In fact, in 1973, Mart Gilmore said he took Noss to Hembrillo Basin in 1936 to show him a cave---at the request of Noss.This was originally state land and the U.S. Government was granted the use of the land "for any military purpose whatsoever."A search of records by officials in December 1950 revealed there were no existing legal mining claims in the area. On November 14, 1951 Public Land Order No. 703 was issued which withdrew all WSMR lands from prospecting, entry, location and purchase under mining laws and reserved their use for military purposes.Interestingly, on January 5, 1953 Ova Noss assigned four percent of her Victorio Peak interests to J.L. Fowler of Enid, Oklahoma, who, in turn, sold parts to at least 10 persons in Oklahoma and Kansas. In February 1955, a Mrs. Miller of Caldwell, Texas wrote to the Mint concerning the purchase of gold mining stock from Ova Noss. This is intriguing since public records showed Ova had no legal claims at the peak. There is some correspondence showing the Treasury Department was concerned about the possibility of fraud and an investigation was made.The next highlight in the story of Victorio Peak is the Fiege episode. Leonard Fiege was an Air Force captain assigned to Holloman AFB in 1958. He later claimed in 1961 that he and three men--Berclett, Prather and Wessel--went hunting in the Hembrillo Basin in 1958 and stumbled upon a tunnel in Victorio Peak. Fiege and Berclett claimed they crawled through it into a small room which contained a stack of gold bars. Berclett recently admitted in a press interview they were hunting gold to begin with, not wildlife.Not to jeopardize their positions with the military, these two bright guys claimed they did not remove any of the gold. NOTE: Lost treasure stories always have a lot in common with horror movies. The participants never seem to be too bright and they never learn from past stories which clearly tell us not to open the closet door when creepy things are happening and to take some of the gold with you when you find it.Berclett still claims he scratched his initials on one of the bars. They then spent several hours caving in the entrance to the little room so no one would find it.In May 1961 the WSMR commander received a letter from the Holloman commanding general requesting Fiege and partners under a Col. Garman´s supervision be allowed to enter Victorio Peak to "get evidence which they will then provide to U.S. Treasury activities." On May 29 Fiege and group met with Maj. Gen. Shinkle, the WSMR CG, and Fiege stated it would be a simple matter to recover a few bars of gold. The request was denied.At the end of June a group which included Fiege, Berclett and Colonels Garman and Gasiewicz from Holloman visited the director of the Mint and pleaded their case. As a result of that meeting the director sent a letter to the Secretary of the Army stating the Mint had been bothered a great deal by the gold story at Victorio Peak. He told the secretary they might be able to put an end to the rumors if the group was allowed to dig in the supposed tunnel.The Secret Service had indicated earlier that there might be a cache of non-gold bars on the site which they said may have been placed there by Doc Noss to further his bunco game.An old timer from El Paso calls me periodically to talk about Victorio Peak. He claims he knew Noss and that Noss used to buy copper bars in Orogrande and have them electroplated with gold in El Paso. When asked why he doesn´t tell his story to the press, he says he doesn´t think they would care. It would spoil the story.Another old timer who ranched near Victorio Peak claims Noss used to salt the sand at the springs around the base of the peak. When prospective investors showed up, Doc would be panning flakes of gold out of the sand at the spring.When the Department of Army received the letter from the Mint, officials asked for the WSMR CG´s comments. He said, "My stand has been that I shall deny entry...unless I obtain such permission. I desire this permission...and would like these rumors laid to rest." On July 30, 1961 Shinkle received permission to allow the investigation.As we go through this scenario, you might want to keep in mind that this is the same operation which television´s "Unsolved Mysteries" claimed only four people knew about.So, on August 5 a group including Shinkle, Garman, Fiege, Berclett, Prather, Wessel, Major Robert Kelly, a number of WSMR military police and Special Agent L.E. Boggs of Treasury went to Victorio Peak. For five days Fiege and his three partners worked to enter the tunnel but failed. At that point Shinkle told them to go away.The Fiege group came back to Shinkle in August and September stating they would like to continue and was willing to work on weekends only. On September 20 Shinkle notified the Secret Service he was going to give Fiege more time but they would be restricted to the same tunnel. No new excavations would be allowed.Work then continued on an intermittent basis for about five weeks under the surveillance of Capt. Swanner. In late October WSMR records indicate two men named Bradley and Gray entered Hembrillo Basin and approached the workers. Swanner supposedly ordered them to leave the missile range since they were trespassing. They demanded a piece of the action or they said they would tell Mrs. Noss. Swanner told them to leave.On November 1 the state land commissioner notified the Army that Mrs. Noss was accusing them of mining her treasure. Things came quickly to a head and Shinkle ordered all work to stop on November 3.Shinkle communicated with the Secretary of the Army and local officials that work was stopped and that the Fiege group had found nothing. The Secret Service already knew it since they had a man on site. The Noss lawyers pushed for access for Mrs. Noss. On December 6, with advice from a long list of other agencies, Shinkle excluded all persons from the range not directly engaged in conducting missile tests.By the way, the fact that Capt. Swanner´s name is on the walls of one of the fissures in Victorio Peak is not the big deal that "Unsolved Mysteries" made it to be on Sunday night. According to Don Swann of Las Cruces, who was stationed at WSMR in 1956, soldiers were always spending weekends and free time in places like Victorio Peak. He says he put his name in one of the peak´s tunnels as did the soldiers with him. It is sometimes called "soldiers hole."At this point we need to make a clarification or fine distinction involving the Army´s activity during the Fiege episode. The press pounces on this and often says the Army admits it did work at the site. This is not the case. The Army allowed a claimant to do work at the site. The Army does not admit that it conducted any kind of official or unofficial search at the peak for its own benefit.After this the Noss group continued to seek permission to enter. The range´s position was that the group had no legal claim, therefore there was no reason to grant such an entry.In late 1962 the Gaddis Mining Company and the New Mexico Museum approached the missile range seeking permission to enter and dig at Victorio Peak. The state of New Mexico sponsored the request and the Army recognized the state´s interest in a possible historical find. Rumors flew during the dig saying Harold Beckwith, son of Ova Noss, was financing Gaddis. On June 20, 1963 a license was granted by the Army for a 30-day exploration.The work began with simultaneous archaeological, seismic and gravity surveys. According to Chester Johnson, a museum rep on site, nothing was found. He added that "a D7 caterpillar was used to cut and build roads where ever they were needed, even on top of the peak." Most of the scars on the peak are a result of this activity, not any Army work at the site.The roads and platforms were necessary for placing a drilling rig. According to Johnson, the rig, "using a 4.5 inch rock bit and drilling with air, was used to test the anomalies (those places indicated by survey that might be caverns). Drill holes varied from 18 to 175 feet in depth, depending on location....There were about 80 holes drilled during the project."In addition to this work the company drove their own tunnel 218 feet into the side of Victorio Peak in an attempt to gain access to the lower regions. This failed.To accomplish all this the state had to request an extension which was granted. The 30-day extension made the exploration period July 19 through September 17.In the end the company found nothing and reportedly spent $250,000. As part of it White Sands filed a claim with the state for reimbursement for support during the quest. The claim for $7,640.54 was filed in October 1963 and finally paid in November 1964.Next---a look at the 1977 gold search.---Interlaced with the historical information in these articles are statements of personal opinion by the author, Jim Eckles, which are not necessarily the official position of White Sands Missile Range or the U.S. Army You might theorize after a mining company had spent two months on Victorio Peak without results, most people would realize gold bars don´t grow out of the ground there. On the contrary, more dreamers rushed into the breach and came forward seeking quick riches from the uncooperative Army.In 1964 and 1965 the Museum of New Mexico and Gaddis Mining were both back seeking permission to reenter the range. In the same period D. Richardson and R. Tyler visited White Sands requesting permission to locate "lost treasure."Also, Violet Yancy, Doc Noss´ second wife, showed up asking to get onto the range. Violet popped up again in 1969 making headlines in Texas and New Mexico. She hired two Fort Worth lawyers and was trying to establish her right to the treasure. She indicated there was documentation showing Doc left her 76 percent of the treasure and Ova the other 24 percent.One person conspicuously missing from the recorded requests during the sixties is Ova Noss. More than likely she was operating through various backers at this time. A hot rumor during the Gaddis search was that Harold Beckwith, Ova´s son, was financing the Gaddis operation. Reporters pressed the question at the time but could not confirm it. It may be the family was operating through some other group.In 1968 E. F. Atkins and party started a series of requests and petitions which carried on for years. This was a persistent group which pulled out all the stops in trying to get in.Senator Barry Goldwater wrote requesting permission for the Birdcage Museum of Arizona to explore for treasure. It was determined the museum and Atkins were one in the same. They supposedly also sought entrance through the cooperation of a man named Gill with ABC-TV.Then the range received a letter from the Great Plains Historical Association of Lawton, Oklahoma which stated they had accepted scientific sponsorship of a treasure project at WSMR as outlined by an E.F. Atkins.When all this was denied, Atkins asked for reconsideration and stated several Washington Army Authorities and senators and representatives had recommended approval. On checking with the Department of Army, WSMR learned the Secretary of Army had made no commitment and would back WSMR´s decision 100 percent.This cat and mouse game went on for years. In August 1971, The Department of Army indicated it had already received 55 Congressional inquiries that year on the behalf of Atkins and his request to search for gold. In a 1972 memo for record one range official noted he had received another request from Atkins to explore for gold. He indicated Atkins wanted to get together on a friendly basis and maybe something could be worked out so Atkins did not have to exert Congressional pressure on the Department of Army to gain access to WSMR. He did not get on White Sands.This brings us to the point where Victorio Peak gained national exposure through the Watergate hearings and the likes of Jack Anderson and F. Lee Bailey.On June 2, 1973, Jack Anderson reported in his syndicated column the story of noted attorney F. Lee Bailey´s involvement with gold bars in New Mexico and specifically, White Sands Missile Range. According to Anderson, Bailey was authorized by a consortium to gain legal possession of the golden treasure at WSMR. The group promised to pay taxes and then sell the rest of the gold at a profit to themselves.Bailey was supposedly skeptical at first so he asked for proof. The group came up with a gold bar about four inches long and promised hundreds more to prove their claim. Bailey sent it to the Treasury Department and had it assayed. It proved to be 60 percent gold and 40 percent copper. Anderson´s article quickly pointed out ancient gold ingots often were not pure and this percentage shouldn´t be viewed as significant.A Bailey spokesman later stated the consortium knew the location of 292 gold bars, each weighing about 80 pounds. However, Treasury and Army expressed disinterest in Bailey´s proposals.Just a few numbers at this point. The bar given to Bailey was obviously not one of the alleged 80 pounders. An 80-pound bar with the stated proportion of gold and copper would be about 12 inches long, five inches wide and three inches thick. Interestingly, modern 14-karat gold jewelry is 58 percent gold and 42 percent other metals such as copper. In 1974 the same bar was examined by Los Alamos which came to the same conclusion. The press dutifully reported experts saying the bar was basically the same as jewelers gold. Hmmmm, maybe some old rings melted down?I suppose because he is well connected, Bailey took his problems to U.S. Attorney General John Mitchell. Mitchell then repeated much of it at a lunch with H.R. Haldeman and John Dean. Finally, Dean, during his Senate Watergate Investigation testimony, mentioned something about Bailey, gold bars in New Mexico and making a deal for his client to avoid prosecution for holding gold.As with any story repeated several times, by the time Dean told it there was some distortion---according to Bailey´s people. After a storm of Watergate headlines linking treasure to the investigation, Bailey´s people said there were actually two groups of people. One was a small group which had stumbled onto the gold and the other was a group of businessmen supporting them.Bailey never would reveal who his clients were but it later came out one was a Fred Drolte wanted by authorities on an arms smuggling charge. Bailey later was quoted as saying that given a helicopter and access to White Sands he could have gold bars in 30 minutes.At this point things really started to get interesting. In late 1973 several people stole into the Hembrillo Basin and set off a dynamite charge in a side canyon east of Victorio Peak. They supposedly blasted the Indian pictographs off of a rock wall. Some people claimed if you knew how to read the drawings they would guide you to the treasure.After the trespass, security was beefed up and a house trailer was put in at HEL site just west of Victorio Peak. It was to house range riders and military police. In July 1974 the range announced it was making more improvements to the site with the addition of a helicopter pad, a 30-foot antenna and portable generators. The additional work was done in anticipation of approval for another gold search.At this point Victorio Peak was in the news all the time. There was lots of maneuvering by various groups trying to gain entrance. The Bailey group signed a deal with the state(New Mexico would get 25 percent) to allow them first crack at the peak. The Army didn´t buy it and New Mexico battled the Army in the press for quite a while. At the time it must have been very serious for the two sides. But looking back on it and seeing how it was played out in the press, it looks pretty humorous---especially when you consider no one ever came up with anything approaching a whole gold bar and the basis for the whole argument anyway was the story of a man arrested for practicing medicine without a license.As the story grew in the mid 70s a kind of gold fever or hysteria developed with it. The Bailey group starting claiming thousands of bars of gold, not just 292. Maybe it was the oil crisis, but somehow inflation kicked in and the treasure´s worth grew to 225 billion dollars. The Washington Post came to the rescue and rationally pointed out Fort Knox only stored 6.2 billion dollars in gold reserves.As the story spread the missile range started receiving letters from people all over the world asking for information or permission to explore. Perfect strangers came forward to offer their ESP capabilities, their divining rods, their great grandfather´s knowledge and their old maps.Some supposedly legitimate claimants emerged from this. In August 1973 White Sands received a letter from a lawyer named W. Doyle Elliott. It turns out he was retained by Roscoe Parr to get himself a piece of the action. Elliott stated in his letter that Parr, "alone possesses all of the necessary information and instructions from Dr. Noss to," settle the issue. The letter goes on to say Noss had an insight he might die before gaining access into the peak again and gave Parr all the necessary instructions to access the gold. Also he supposedly told Parr how to divide the treasure and generously offered Parr the balance after it was divided. Elliott solemnly pointed out Parr, "accepted and agreed to fulfill the requests made of him by Dr. Noss." None of this was apparently in writing.By the end of 1974 you needed a program to keep all the claimants straight.Someone reported Fiege had gone into partnership with Violet Noss Yancy. There also was the mysterious Bailey group, Ova Noss, Parr, the Shriver group, the "Goldfinder" group and Expeditions Unlimited headed by Norm Scott. Ova Noss took the bull by the horns and sued the Army for one billion dollars. The case was dismissed.The Army was reluctant to deal with any one group for fear of showing favoritism. A number of solutions were proposed which included a lottery drawing to determine order of entry and a free-for-all gold rush which probably would have ended in a blood bath. None of these approaches was acceptable. Then Scott was able to organize the various claimants and he proposed Expeditions Unlimited represent the various groups and deal with exploring their claims.The Army accepted and the search was set for mid 1976. This was postponed twice and, finally, "Operation Goldfinder" got underway in March 1977. It was put up or shut up time for most of the claimants.Before it even started the range had to battle the rumors. Just a few days before the start word got around that the search was open to the public. Public Affairs scrambled to get the word out that only authorized searchers and press would be allowed in.A press conference was held on March 18 and the actual search began the next day. Each day, press and searchers were registered at the peak and searched. At one point there was a report one of the claimant groups was going to try to salt the site. They were asked to leave by Scott. The searchers went site to site seeking the elusive gold bars. Eventually, an extension was granted to run the operation until April 1.To say there was some press interest in the event would be an understatement. The New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, London Daily Mail, Newsweek, Time Magazine, Rolling Stone and the National Enquirer were all there along with the local and regional print media. Of course, the television and radio stations showed up in force too. Probably the most notable, or, at least, most famous reporter attending was Dan Rather then with "60 Minutes." He attracted almost as much attention as the peak itself.In the end most of the claimants had their time on Victorio and failed to turn up any gold bars---or anything of value. Immediately following the 1977 search there was a flurry of requests to reenter the range but the Department of Army emphatically stated, "That no exploration for lost treasure on WSMR will be permitted for the foreseeable future."With the "foreseeable future" now behind us it is going to be interesting watching what happens during the next year at Victorio Peak. Recently, several people have said Doc Noss must be laughing in his grave. Henry James, in his book The Curse of the San Andres, said Victorio Peak was a haunting place with unusual sounds. Maybe he was only hearing a distant chuckle.To view black and white photo of Ova Noss on Victorio PeakFOR MORE INFORMATION: Three books have been published on Victorio Peak and it is easy to tell one from another. They all refer to the peak by a different name. The first is The Curse of the San Andres by Henry James. This book was published in 1953 and may still be available. He calls the peak Soledad.The second book is 100 Tons of Gold by David Chandler. This was written right after Operation Goldfinder and is noted for Chandler´s gullibility. He seems to swallow whatever claimants tell him, hook, line and sinker. And he shows some paranoia by having the Army steal the gold about four different times. Just can´t get it right, I guess. He calls the peak Victorio and his book is probably out of print.The third book is Treasure of Victoria Peak by Phil Koury. Koury was once Ova Noss´ lawyer and his book went on sale in 1986. It is still available and was being sold by the Ova Noss Family Partnership in January. The title tells you what Koury calls the peak.---Interlaced with the historical information in these articles are statements of personal opinion by the author, Jim Eckles, which are not necessarily the official position of White Sands Missile Range or the U.S. Army--See more articles by Michael Webster: journaldeskblog