Four Kadlec Medical Center employees are back at work following a 14-day tour of duty assisting with the hurricane relief efforts. Chase Walters, Kathy Kesler, Steve Marston and Bertrand Mennetrot, were honored recently at a "welcome home" reception held at the hospital. The four were presented with recognition plaques by Kadlec CEO Rand Wortman.

Marston and Kesler spent the bulk of their time working in Baton Rouge, where much of the relief efforts are being coordinated. Walters split his time between Baton Rouge and New Orleans where he assisted with computer data management. Mennetrot was part of a medical team that worked out of a damaged hospital that had not yet re-opened.

Below is a message we received from one of the commanders in charge of a team of volunteers, talking about Bertrands contributions to the relief effort.

Bertrand Mennetrot assisted the team CDR Paul Krispinsky & I lead in New Orleans, LA from mid October to early November 2005. Bertrand was a vital part of our Primary Care Mobile Team # 5 at the clinics we set up at a Red Cross shelter, Methodist Hospital, and a church. Several of the doctors and nurses on our team commented to me how polite and friendly Bertrand was with the patients we saw, as he directed them towards either nurses for immunizations or doctors for medical exams. Bertrand was quick to help running prescriptions to and from the mobile pharmacy we had in the large box truck, find necessary supplies, and even make sure we had lunch by bringing it to us, or staying behind so we go and eat. I observed the same as the doctors and nurses, and was equally impressed with his service and attitude.

I cannot say enough positive things about Bertrand. After the first day out, I decided I was not going to let Bertrand be reassigned for any other duties, or to any other teams, because he was too valuable to our team. Whether Bertrand was helping by mopping a floor or listening to the story and experiences of a hurricane victim / patient, he was always professional, and looking out for the best interest, security and welfare of people - either on our team, or the clients we saw. Bertrand never needed to be told what to do. He always just did the right thing when it needed to be done, in addition to his primary team responsibility, which was patient administration.

Bertrand is a great ambassador from your organization to this mission, and brings great credit to your organization. We appreciate his service, and your willingness and support in allowing him to help. Also, if possible for Bertrand to extend his time, or return for another deployment, he is more than welcome by us, and he is needed. Again, thank you.

CDR Nelson Mix, P.E.
US Public Health Service officer
EPA's Office of Emergency Management

Kadlec also supported the relief effort financially. A fundrasing drive among employees, physicians and volunteers brought more than $111,000 to the hurricane relief effort. And Kadlec contributed $10,000 in medical supplies in the days immediately after the first hurricane.