Gulf Oil Spill Everybody's Involved :) by Deborah Dolen

For the first time in history everyone is getting involved before the brunt of a disaster strikes. To the oil spill effort 17,000 National Guardsmen have been activated, the Navy is donating some assets such as 66,000 feet of inflatable boom, several skimming systems, Air force, Army, and countless civilians will help with the oil spill from all different angles. Corporations such as SeaWorld are throwing in expertise, and coastal volunteers responding in droves. Universities such as USF, UF and FSU are also helping in a multitude of ways. Volunteers will also come from other states. On top of domestic efforts, other countries are pledging support. Amazingly, Iran is one of those countries. People will also come from other states to help as well as non-profit organizations such as churches. Eckerd College, my alma matter, is sending out search and rescue teams and have been patrolling Bay area waters.