Not only are the residents and servicemembers of the Gulfport area without conveniences like electricity and running water, but the banks are running low on cash, or are closed completely. And with no money, it's a little hard to get the necessary repairs and cleanups done in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.
This is where four Marines assigned to the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit Disbursing Office are making a big difference. Disbursing is tasked with providing money to help servicemembers and other Department of Defense employees get things underway.
"We're mobile money," said Cpl. Omar Lozano, a disbursing clerk with the MEU, "We are just here to pay people."
Lozano, a 22-year-old, from Houston, Tx., along with three other disbursing Marines are currently working out of Naval Construction Battalion, Training Center, here. Their mission is to help pay out Navy personnel and DoD employees that are in need of some cash.
"The Navy couldn't handle all of the people that were coming through here, and that is why we are here. They were running low on cash and we took over until they get caught up and are ready to go," said Lozano.
With hurricane recovery underway, victims may find themselves spending a little more money out of pocket to get things cleaned up. The Camp Pendleton based Marines are acting almost as the bank, providing customers with a pay advance to help with the emergency situation.
"The lines (for gas, food, and other shopping) have gone down, but it's still hard to get anything done without any cash," said Phillip L. Barrett, a painter with public works. "Everything out there is cash-only because they aren't taking credit cards or debit cards because there is no electricity."
Barrett, a 54-year-old Saucier, from Miss., tried the bank first, but found he was unable to withdrawal even 100 dollars because there wasn't enough money at the bank. Even when he reduced the amount to 40 dollars, his transaction was denied.
"It was frustrating, I thought it was going to work, but it wasn't able to handle the transaction," said Barrett. "This service on base has been a great help, I was just thinking what a blessing it is to have these services available on base to lighten the inconvenience outside of the gate."
Taking care of the needs of all of the Sea Bees, retirees, military dependents, and DoD employees requires quite a steady amount of cash. This is especially true since the majority of customers are maxing out their advance-pay.
Business has been booming for the disbursers. They have been paying out anywhere from anywhere from 60,000 to 120,000 dollars a day, according to Lozano. Having only been here since Friday, the disbursers have already helped the Navy financial employees to catch up.
"We've taken over the financial operations here, allowing the employees to take care of their personal matters," said Mulcahy. When they are caught up, they can take over the financial operations again. Once they are back up and running we will be providing these same services to Red Cross volunteers in the area."
Not only is there a vast amount of responsibility and accountability involved with handling bundles of cash that could make most people blink in disbelief, but there is also a warm feeling of pride that goes along with helping those in need, said Mulcahy.
"I love seeing the satisfaction in the customer's face," said Cpl. Jason A. Webster, a 22-year-old disbursing clerk for the MEU. "It's a good feeling knowing that we are doing all that we can to help these people who lost everything get back on their feet. It's only a shame that we couldn't do more for them."
According to Staff Sgt. Keith K. Rodriguez, the MEU disbursing chief, and only member of the team with disbursing experience from Iraq, the job is much better on home turf.
"It is just awesome to help," said Rodriguez, a 33-year-old, from West Hartford, Conn. America is very generous and spends a lot of our time and money helping other countries around the world, said Rodriguez.
"But this is our home," he said. "As far as I am concerned, I am glad that I am here."