* MCM 4 Miler
Earliest wake up, shortest event on record
Marine's send their thanks for our support
"Warrior Chips" at the next meeting for those who helped
"Tacker" was our NCS (first time)
Tacticals were used
New operators, Ester and Derek

* Weather Ready
- Do you have a rain coat if rain is expected? How about ready for snow? Is it going to be 100 degrees? Whatt about the next day?

* Can opener
- make sure your can opener is a manual one

* A note about batteries
- during a disaster, the big box stores will be raided by the OEM for their batteries. If your gear runs on something odd, such as a Lithum 123, you will be out of luck getting batteries from the "cache"

* First Aid kit
- a small collection of bandaids and coveerings for accidental nicks and cuts.

Really important stuff:

* ID
Photo ID (Driver's License)
Copy of FCC license
Other ID

* Radio
At least a 5w dual band HT
Charged battery
A (well read) copy of the manual

* Quick reference guide
Manuals and such

* Appropriate clothing
Be weather smart, dress in layers

* Food and Water
This should be enough food for you to operate for days. MRE or HeaterMeals are good options. Never expect you will be able to get food if you deploy
You will also want to toss in a roll of "sucky things" including things for sore throats

* Work gloves
A good pair of leather gloves will always come in handy. Work gloves with surgical/latex gloves underneath keep hands warm in cold weather

* Radio parts
Antennas, connectors, etc

* Money
Small denomination bills and coins for the snack machines

* Stationary
This is the collection of forms, paper and writing implements. At a minimum a Sharpie and a China pencil are essential.

* Change of Clothes
A deployment might last more than one shift. It is a good idea to have at least a change of underwear.

* Batteries/Generator
With the cost of generators coming down, it is almost cost effective to have one. Otherwise, AGM (Gel Cell) batteries are preferred to sealed lead acid

* Book/Cards
Most events are a lot of hurry up and wait. You might want to have a book handy. You can only read the radio manual so often.

* Something you can carry
Suggestions are single sling bags, backpacks, day packs.

* Vests
Nothing beats a good mulit-pocket vest. Sometimes you will find you cannot take a bag into a zone so you will have to fill your pockets.

* Plastic boxes
If you carry gear in your vehicle, you will want to have it in something that keeps moisture out.

* Expense
Don't build it all at once. Add things as you find you need them, but take care of your kit.

* Rotate your food, water, and meds

* Rubber, especially in waist bands ages, and clothes in go-kits tend to shrink over time.

* Winter items
Dress in layers
Add extra clothing to your kit
Lip balm, throat lozenges
Gloves/warm hat

* Summer items
Sun screen
Sun hat

* Remember that DC has 40 degree temperature shifts in spring and fall.