As Otter Six’s unofficial cameraman, I have had the opportunity to capture some… interesting, pictures of the members of O6. From sweet to utterly embarrassing, here are some of my favorites:
Contributed by Eduardo Venancio As Otter Six’s unofficial cameraman, I have had the opportunity to capture some… interesting, pictures of the members of O6. From sweet to utterly embarrassing, here are some of my favorites: A compilation of team bonding when we were community mapping. Just one of the things that make Harmony Harmony Harry socializing with his fellow otters. Grace trying on some new things. Work. Lunch. Starbucks. Repeat. Before arriving in Colorado, we had to work together to fix our van. Those travel days that brought us closer than we ever thought we would want to be. Literally! My HAWL activity that brought out hues of emotion, and of course paint. When Shane first revealed the country boy within him. Harmony again, just being Harmony. Examples of our...creative ways to pass the time at work.
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During a rough patch this round, our Otter UL came up and told us that she didn’t believe in luck. To be honest, I don’t either. I think it takes people to have the willingness to want to make it work. The saying goes, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade." But if you give my team lemons, they’ll make lemon meringue pie. They’ll pretty much make anything but the expected outcome. I tried thinking of ways to describe the creativity that’s on this team, but it’s almost impossible. The creativity is what makes our team so much fun and successful. This year hasn’t been easy but with effort and a positive mentality, we somehow made it out of this craziness alive without ripping each other’s heads right off and I’m glad.
Mostly, I’m glad because I like having a head above my shoulders. Contributed by Harmony Chai Shane and Jessica were able to find a few minutes to sneak in some questions with the Deputy Director of External Affairs, Stephanie Tennyson. We would like to thank her for her time and her service to the agency.
Question: How did you get involved with FEMA? Stephanie: I was recruited to apply for this position by the former Chief of Staff. I had worked in DHS Intergovernmental Affairs and had been there for almost five years by the time I left. I applied and began working as Deputy Director on January 12, 2013. Question: What is your favorite part of being Deputy Director of External Affairs (EA)? Stephanie: The mission and the people. It's great being a part of what we do to help. The EA team just makes it fun and enjoyable. Question: What was your first day like? Stephanie: Chaos. I didn't go through duty readiness. Lars was acting director and there was no deputy. The Senior Leadership VTC was the next day and there was a lot of pressure. Question: If you could change anything about FEMA Corps, what would it be? Stephanie: I would like to see teams come to headquarters after being in the field, making sure that HQ is not where their first rotation is. Question: Where do you see FEMA Corps in five years? Stephanie: I see them being a larger presence, getting into more outreach with minorities, getting into tribal outreach to increase diversity in the Corps. It would be a great asset to the tribal outreach efforts we are continuing. I hope to have them with one year of noncompetitive hiring as well, like what happens when you complete a term of service within the Peace Corps. Question: What is your dream job in FEMA? Stephanie: I'm doing it. Being Deputy Director is my dream job within FEMA. Question: What is your dream job in general? Stephanie: Owning a vineyard. Question: What is one thing our society needs? Stephanie: Compassion and respect for one another. Rapid Fire Questions: Pepsi or Coke? Coke Brownies or Cake? Cake 80s or 90s music? 90s Cher or Madonna? Cher iPhone or Android? Android Spanish or French? Spanish ABC or NBC? ABC Shane Miller and his father, First Sergeant Dennis Miller, were granted permission to lay a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, at Arlington National Cemetery.
The Tomb of the Unknowns is a monument dedicated to American service members who have died, in foreign wars and conflicts, without their remains being identified. All of the unknowns interred are recipients of the Medal of Honor, presented by the United States President who presided over their funerals. “I have had the chance to do a lot of things in my life: I have traveled to several different countries, I have lived in other countries, but I can honestly say that there is nothing that compares to laying the wreath on the tomb. I have grown up with the military all of my life, my father joined when he was seventeen years old. It is not only an honor but a privilege to lay a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, to pay my respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for this country and being able to share this memory with my father is priceless” said Miller. First Sergeant Miller, a North Carolina National Guardsman, entered his 27th year of service this year. Throughout his career, he contributed to relief efforts after Hurricane Fran in 1996, which caused severe damage to the coast of North Carolina, Hurricane Katrina, numerous winter storms, Governor’s Inaugurations, the 2012 Democratic National Convention, multiple missions to Moldova to train the region in the Incident Command Systems (ICS) and disaster preparedness, and was deployed to Iraq in 2005 to take part in Operation Iraqi Freedom II. After placing the wreath, First Sergeant Miller discussed military opportunities, North Carolina National Guard and Active Duty Forces with Miller’s FEMA Corps team members. He gave examples of the similar work that they do with disaster relief using ICS and disaster response. Furthermore, he discussed the North Carolina National Guard’s Adjutant Generals Plan for strengthening ties with different intergovernmental agencies, and how best to foster relationships and build rapports with FEMA, NCCC, and the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). “I was honored when my son asked me to assist in laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The moments of the wreath laying ceremony are truly cherished, especially getting to spend them with my son; it is one of those proud moments every father dreams of having with their children. It hit especially close to home knowing that he one day wants to join the military. I had visited Arlington National Cemetery in previous years and had watched the Sentinels guarding the Tomb of the Unknowns. The respect and honor that the Sentinels exude had always put a lump in my throat. They walk the same path day by day, knowing they are guarding fallen brethren, an American Soldier known but to God.” said First Sergeant Miller.
Washington D.C. Cherry Blossoms
So, living in DC in the springtime definitely has some perks, a big one being the amazing bloom of cherry blossoms! I had to opportunity to go see them with my Dad this past weekend and was blown away. I’ve never seen anything like it! No wonder people come from all over the world for this season in DC! Way to go Mother Nature! After seeing a ton of dog owners walking their pups, it’s difficult not to have puppies on my mind 24/7 (which is pretty much the inspiration behind this post). If you know Otter 6, you’ll know that it’s a team comprised of unique individuals. Then I wondered, “If O6 pups were dog pups, which type of breed would they be?” I, literally, sifted through 140+ breed personality descriptions to find each member’s dog breed counterpart. To no surprise, the breeds that represent each member are different as well. Do you think the breed accurately matches the Otter 6 member? Leave a comment and let us know! (Click on the dog breed for more description ) Brandi Briones: Pembroke Welsh Corgi Harmony Chai: French Bulldog Greg Cowan: Alaskan Malamute Kendra Eull: Golden Retriever Courtney Green: Kuzvasz Shane Miller: Tibetan Spaniel Grace Simoneau: Jack Russell Terrier Jessica Stapf: Bichon Frise Eduardo: Antolian Shepard Dog
This past Friday, the team drew a board of all the things that they love that arent able to be found in the DC area. I didn't think you could find otters cuter than Otter 6, but this video may have just that. |