KINGS POINT, N.Y., March 22, 2019 – Last Saturday, 115 members of the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) Plebe Class completed a 4-hour training session to become Red Cross volunteers.

The class, held at USMMA, began with an introduction from Mr. Gary Chin, Queens Disaster Program Manager, American Red Cross Greater New York Region.  Chin was joined by volunteers, Nanci Banninger, Lead Presenter and Trainer and Brian Gerber, Regional Mass Care Manager.

The training began by dividing the group into four teams. The teams rotated through simulations that allowed them to assume the major responsibilities of responders during an actual disaster. Some midshipmen played the part of displaced residents, while others learned how to complete registration, dormitory set-up, information stations and feeding.  

Midshipman Lauren Green,1/c, Regimental Community Service Officer, who spearheaded the Plebe Spirit Mission, said, “It was a great experience because it showed the Plebe Class the importance of sheltering in the event of a natural disaster, and how these lessons relate to the Maritime Industry.”