(How We Told the National Guard That) We're Not Gonna Take It!

Good morning, Charlotte!

This weekend, Molly and I had the immense pleasure of helping out the National Guard with their Vigilant Guard exercises. If you happened to be driving down Brookshire Boulevard this weekend and saw crazy protestors in bright vests screaming outside the water treatment plant, it was us. We were so happy to include our Charlotte-Mecklenburg Volunteer Emergency Support Team in our efforts as well, and I believe everyone had quite the wild and wonderful experience. If you've ever wanted an excuse to make a ruckus and yell at your Armed Forces and pretend to get arrested and fight against riot gear, let me know; I'll include you in our plans next time.

It was a beautiful weekend to volunteer in Charlotte!

Zondra, Molly, Tara, and Shannon walked into a day of shenanigans on Saturday!

We also had volunteers helping out in the Emergency Operations Center at a different site. There, representatives from all sorts of government and non-government organizations had to practice their reaction given actions by the crazy protestors at the water treatment plant and different scenarios at other sites across town.

Here, Shannon, Zondra, Molly and I told the National Guard that we could lay down forever until we were able to speak with the appropriate personnel about chemicals in the water. Shannon even braided Molly's hair for a while as we laid in the streets!

Zondra berated the guards at the back fence for close to an hour, even throwing her legs under the fence as she tried to sneak through that way!

We didn't just protest, though. There were all sorts of crazy hijinks we were able to pull. At one point, Zondra faked a heart attack to initiate the medical team's response from another location, and Tara had an asthma attack, couldn't breathe, and a National Guard soldier had to initiate CPR. Thanks for taking one for the team, y'all!

Tara helping the National Guard walk through whatever steps necessary to save a life whenever needed, and I think she enjoyed every minute of it!

On Sunday, we brought in a whole new crew of protesting volunteers. Crystal, Kaitlin, Zach, and Chris joined us to fight against soldiers in riot gear, and we had some more nontraditional methods (like laying down in front of the riot gear and rolling toward them). I was even able to find a spot to break in after some good hassling, and I was immediately arrested.

It happens to the best of us!

All in all, it was really quite the exciting weekend and reminder that AmeriCorps' Community Emergency Preparedness Corps really can provide the time of your life. If you have any questions about what Molly and I do, or if you would like to become involved with our volunteer emergency support team and attend an upcoming training to join our ranks, please do not hesitate to e-mail me at rob@handsoncharlotte.org. It was certainly a weekend I will remember forever, and I am glad to have been able to share that experience with our volunteers.

The organizations involved at our site included both Army and Air Force National Guard, CM-VEST, Charlotte Fire Department, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Sheriff's Office, and staff from the water treatment plant. There were many, many more back at the Emergency Operations Center!

And, because a good protest isn't complete without some good Twisted Sister (Have any of you seen Rock of Ages??), enjoy this for your day, and please, join us next time and sing with us at our next faux protest. It's the time of your life, I promise. Stay safe, y'all!