Et cetera : NCCC FEMA Corps Spruce Five meets President Obama at FEMA headquarters

Team Leader Matt Labbe shakes President Obama’s hand.

By Thomas Kenny and Dana Macabales, FEMA Corps members

On October 7, 2013, exactly one week into the federal government furlough, Spruce 5 arrived at FEMA headquarters expecting a quiet, slow paced day. Since the furlough began, the office had been almost empty. It was a typical morning during the furlough at FEMA headquarters. They did not foresee a highlight of their first service project. They did not expect to get an opportunity that many Americans only dream about. Spruce 5 did not expect to meet the president.

Spruce 5 was working on projects when they were told that Administrator Craig Fugate had an announcement for everyone in the National Response Coordination Center (NRCC). Thinking that they would finally get to meet Craig Fugate, Spruce 5 excitedly practiced the FEMA mission statement on their way. When they arrived at the NRCC, tornado watches dominated the screens. It was assumed that Administrator Fugate was going to announce something that had to do with a natural disaster. In just minutes however, Spruce 5 was told that they were not allowed to tweet, make any Facebook posts, or take pictures. Almost immediately after this, the whole room stood up and a strong voice was heard from the doorway. This voice was President Barack Obama.

Upon his arrival, President Obama addressed furloughed workers. He then made it a point to walk around the entire room and shake everyone’s hand. When he got to Spruce 5, he praised FEMA Corps, thanked, and congratulated them for all of their hard work. Collectively, Spruce 5 was both in shock and overjoyed. FEMA Corps member Marcha Thelisma from Miami, Florida summed up the experience when she stated, “His presence alone spoke volumes. Meeting President Barack Obama was a memorable lifetime experience for me. I felt a sense of honor, dignity, and pride.”