Operation Resilient Response: An Organization Providing Help to Victims of Natural Disasters

Recently, BM Windows installed replacement windows in the home of Joshua Mickels, a retired United States Marine who is living in San Diego. As we got to know Mickels a little bit, he told us about a new initiative he was undertaking to help victims affected by national disasters: Operation Resilient Response (ORR). We were so impressed with what they are doing that we wanted to share it you!

In short, ORR is an organization that brings together veterans and law enforcement officers and sends them to affected areas to provide help during the immediate aftermath of a disaster.

Mickels grew up in Louisiana and knows the devastating effects natural disasters can have on a region. He had family members who lost their homes during Hurricane Katrina, and his own home was damaged as well. He also saw people being taken advantage of by so-called “relief organizations,” and he watched others wait many months for help to arrive in the form of federal relief efforts or insurance payouts.

When Hurricane Helene hit Florida earlier this year, followed shortly after by Hurricane Milton, Mickels knew he needed to help the victims in a tangible way.

For ORR’s first mission in Florida, they raised about $10,000, and about $7,500 of that was used to purchase much-needed supplies, such as water, food, and diapers. ORR delivered those supplies directly to hurricane victims. In addition, their volunteer team cut approximately 40 downed trees off of houses and patched up the homes temporarily until permanent help could arrive. Mickels estimates that ORR provided $50,0000 worth of labor and supplies to Florida hurricane victims during that first mission.

Operation Resilient Response really serves a dual purpose, according to Mickels. Not only does the organization help those affected by natural disasters, but it also provides former members of the miliary with ways to give back. He explained that many veterans struggle to find a sense of purpose after getting out of the military—even those who now have successful civilian careers. In addition, veterans often have specialized skills that can be very useful in disaster situations—expertise in areas such as diving, climbing, search and rescue, and medical triage.

ORR is run completely by volunteers. No one takes a salary, and each volunteer currently pays his or her own way to the disaster areas. Volunteers come from all over the country to help. ORR coordinates with local and federal officials (Sherrif’s departments, FEMA, etc.) to provide the services that are most needed in the early days following a natural disaster.

When we asked Mickels what was next for Operation Resilient Response, he said that they are in the process of filing for their 501(c)(3) to become a registered nonprofit organization. They are also raising money so they can be prepared for the next natural disaster—whether that’s a wildfire, an earthquake, a tornado, or another hurricane. At the same time, they are working to build their network of volunteers across the country so they can have a point person in many different regions who can help connect them with local authorities, as well as receive the supplies that will be distributed to disaster victims.

Here at BM Windows, we are highly impressed with what Mickels is doing with Operation Resilient Response! It’s rare to find an organization where your donation can make such a real impact, with the money going directly to help victims (as opposed to bloated overhead costs). If you’re looking for a great organization to support, we ask that you consider ORR. To donate, visit their GoFundMe page. You can also follow them on X for updates.