When I began working for the Federal Emergency Management Administration as a presidential appointee in 2009 as director of the Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, I knew little about natural disasters and emergencies (“Severe weather warning,” May 5). Word got around that the new guy was a Mennonite. Because of Mennonite Disaster Service’s platinum reputation at FEMA, the usual wait-and-see welcome for “politicals” was pocketed, and I was warmly tutored. While many faith-based and voluntary organizations are doing effective disaster work, it is only MDS that has received the informal answer to the question, “What does FEMA stand for? Find Every Mennonite Available.”
David L. Myers, Ocean Pines, Md.
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