Below is a touching note from Scott Belknap, a close friend of David’s, and how they provided relief after Hurricane Jimena devastated the town of Mulege (Baja, Mexic0).
September 2nd, 2009 the hurricane developed on the west coast of Baja and by the 4th had devastated the town of Mulege. Dave called and asked if we could fly down with supplies and medicine to assist the people he had grown so fond of during his residency in this small town. My response was that we should wait a week or so until the airport opened and get a guarantee Aviation fuel was available. I remember exactly what he said to me, “Scott, these people are hurting, they can’t wait until next week.” I made some calls, got in touch with a local that witnessed a plane leaving the town of Loreto with fuel, so two days later (September 7th, 2009) the three of us were airborne with 400 pounds of dry beans, rice, medicine, clothing and dog food en route to Mexico.
Upon arrival into Loreto Dave performed his usual magic. He convinced them it was okay to bring these goods into the country, to let us drive the rental car out to the plane to load the supplies and managed to have our fees reduced because of our intent to help people in need. Off to Mulege we went. It was David’s intent to get in touch with the fire department that he worked so closely with during the time he and his family lived in Mulege. He knew he could trust these people to help distribute the food and supplies. Upon reaching the fire department Dave was informed of a temporary soup kitchen the town had set up at one of the elementary schools. They were serving meals to any family in town that couldn’t provide for themselves. As you can imagine, this was a large number of people. While Dave discussed our options with the fire department one of the representatives from town (I believe he held the position of Mayor, but I cannot be certain of his title) asked the fire department if they had any rations or food for the school as they were out. Dave knew this gentleman from his previous residency and informed him we would drive to the school and provide them with enough food for the night.
The next order of business was to get the landing strip repaired so the Baja Bush Pilots could start flying relief missions directly into Mulege. Dave negotiated with the same official to take the motor grader they were using to scrap mud from the streets and drive it to the Serinidad Hotel and repair the dirt landing strip. This was done the following day and we sent emails to the Baja Bush Pilots confirming the strip was soft, but repaired. Relief efforts followed by this organization and continued to show up for weeks.
That night after taking a swim and putting our feet up and Dave’s neighbor Ellen’s house, Dave said to me, “We did good Scott.” That was the best feeling I’ve ever had.
Thanks Scott for sharing.