Mission Report submitted by John Miner

Date: September 2, 1998

0415 Departed the cache. Because of the unusually long drive, all team members were told to plan on two days for this operation.

0850 Arrived at the search base. This was on forest road #54, approximately 30 miles from Chewlatchie. It was difficult to locate, with no markings identifying the road or directional markings to the base of operations.

0855 Operations Leader John Miner gave a brief Warning Order to the group. Jim Andrues and Stan Kartes were appointed as team leaders. Jim was asked to make up teams and get everyone ready to deploy shortly with very light packs and extra water while I met with the Deputy Sheriff in charge.

0915 1 met with Skamania County Chief Criminal Deputy David Brown and Chief Tom McDowell of the North Country EMS. These were the two officials in charge of this operation. I was told that we were searching for a missing berry picker, 81 year old Herbert Rooper. He was last seen on Monday, August 31, 1998 at 1500hrs. I asked for and received copies of maps and fact sheets. I was asked to deploy TMRU teams into a rugged area due east of the search base in order to gather information on the likelihood of our missing subject being in that area. It was also high ground from which to survey the area. There had been a ground search, several dog teams, and an air search before we arrived. Pierce County ESAR arrived at the same time we did, with Grant Smith (Smitty) as their Operations Leader.

0930 1 briefed the teams on the information regarding our mission and the search effort to this point. I instructed the teams to carry extra water, to strip packs down to less than 25lbs. with a 9mm. rope, harnesses, and red webbing in case they had to access some of the rock ledges in the area. Jim Andrues divided the teams up as follows: Team #I Jim Andrues, Dave Treber, and Cheryl Wells. Team #2 was Stan Kartes, Phil Pletcher, Jim Creamer, and Fran McFarland. Bill Weber, our truck driver, remained in base camp.

0949 Both teams in the field. We had two radios per team, conducting our business on TMRU while the main search frequency was State SAR. The teams' initial assignment was to proceed east on the spur road some 75yards from the command post trailer where the subject was last seen, 1/4mile through brushy terrain to the timber line. This jagged line marked the boundary of the Trapper Creek Wilderness Area. Upon reaching the

timber, T- I was to search north while T-2 proceeded south. They were to look for signs that the subject may have reached the timber where the traveling was easier due to lighter underbrush. The weather was very hot and dry, with temperatures reaching 90 degrees in the afternoon.

1014 Both teams reached the tree line.

1020 Radio check, broken. Plans were made to check in at half hour intervals

1127 No contact on a radio check.

1137 Radio contact was made with T- I via the truck radio. Their ETA was one hour to

base camp after having completed their initial mission.

1248 No contact.

1255 Radio contact, teams at the spur road, returning to base.

1317 Both teams at base. Channel 8 had their news helicopter up and assisting in the search effort.

1331 Debriefing of the teams with Chief Deputy Brown. Both teams were told to re

hydrate and take lunch. Food and water were provided for all searchers, courtesy of the

Salvation Army. The food was fresh and very welcome by all of us.

1419 Both teams re-entered the field with a dog handler who told us that two of them had their dogs alert on a patch of berry bushes some fifty yards from where the subject had last been seen. They were to search that area and then proceed down a drainage as far as possible, as two members from the Volcano Rescue Team were coming up that same

drainage from a trail. The Volcano Rescue team reported that this was very difficult, with steep ground and a lot of downed timber. There was water in the gully however. At the upper end where our teams started, the ravine was dry.

1500 Updated information was provided to the teams. They were to search this ravine and then return while searching the open ground in between, eventually joining up with ESAR.

1622 No radio contact with the teams.

1639 Both teams aborted their mission. They stated the ground was too steep and that they were returning to base.

1705 Both teams arrived in base.

1730 Dinner

1835 Group de-briefing and secure for the night. We found a grassy area on a spur road several hundred yards south of base. ESAR and TMRU set up for the night there.

0600 Teams up.

0645 Breakfast at base.

0748 Briefing

0755 The morning briefing was complete. Several more members of the lost subject's family arrived. The plan was to close grid search the area next to the road, on both sides, And then around the area where he was last seen

08 10 All teams in the field. ESAR teams from Multnomah and Kitsap County joined the

operation. Jim Creamer, a timber cruiser in real life, was pressed into action as the "end man," running a string line off of his counter to mark the end boundaries of the close grid search. All search leaders and the members of his family felt we were looking for a "downed" person. Pierce and Kitsap ESAR, several family members, and TMRU formed the group on this grid search.

0850 Teams completed the search on the east-side of the road. They returned to base and refilled water containers.

0855 All teams back in the field, this time searching the west-side of the road. This covered an area roughly 1/4mile long and 220' wide per grid.

0848 1 participated in an interview with the sister of the missing person.

0930 At my request, I had the sister take myself and Smitty to the point last seen. It was some thirty yards off of the spur road. She told us that she had left him there, that she was to return in one hour, which would have been 1600hrs., on Monday. There were two women camped at the end of this spur, only yards from where Herbert was picking berries. He had no gear or water with him, only a large can attached to his belt for picking berries. She told us that when she returned, he was no where to be seen. She honked the car horn and began yelling, all to no avail. The two women said that they had seen him only a short distance away and went immediately there to locate him, all again to no avail. The sister then returned to the forest service station in Chewlatchie to summon help. The two women camped there all night. A search, albeit limited, was conducted that evening. The roads were searched as well. She told us that Herbert was not experienced in the woods, that he had a bad knee and would not walk very far. He had an angioplasty two years ago and some minor mouth surgery recently, but other than medication for high cholesterol, he did not take any thing else. We thanked her for her assistance and returned for the short walk to base.

1013 Radio check, both teams nearing the end of their sweep.

1021 All teams finished this sweep.

1034 Starting return sweep. The plan here was to do four sweeps, covering a swath between the road and the timber line. The ground was varying in grade, generally sloping uphill north to south.

1109 Status check, teams reported sweeping through the point last seen.

1155 End of sweep. We took water to the teams and had the arriving van with the food meet the teams on the road rather than marching them back to base, for efficiency.

1313 All teams started the next sweep. Kitsap ESAR was taken out of the line and redeployed. One of their team suffered a minor sprained ankle and three were having difficulty with the heat. Bee stings were also a problem.

1346 A status check was made with our teams. They reported they were half way on this sweep and the ground was very steep. This was again near the head of the dry drainage they had been in earlier.

1415 The teams finished their search.

1422 Teams back in base.

1515 Group de-briefing. Everyone was very discouraged. Family members, several who

had been inserted in the search lines were understandably discouraged and distraught.

They were very cordial and appreciative of everyone's efforts. A Huey from Ft. Lewis

was searching with a Skamania County Deputy while we were debriefing. We were all convinced that our subject was not in the search area, the question was where did he go? Kitsap, ESAR teams were still in the field conducting road edge searches. Vehicles were deployed to search farther away. Due to the long drive and work commitments, Pierce

ESAR and TMRU had to leave. Chief Brown said they would call if they wanted an additional call out over the week-end, that they would continue the search, but he was not sure what configuration that would be. 1530 TMRU secured from the search. 1545 We left search base. 2153 We arrived at the cache and cleared.

As a general comment on the operation, all team members performed well and it was a good mission. There were no gear issues. We went very light, which worked well for this operation. This was more of a grid search environment for us, but a good experience. Chief Deputy Brown and Chief McDowell were very pleasant to work with and valued the input from all of the unit operations leaders. As a postscript: the subject was found

ALIVE the day after we left, in a drainage. Smitty is checking for details, which we will report in a follow-up later. From what little we know, his boys stayed with him (we do not know who found him) and a helicopter lifted him out. Virtually everyone felt the subject was deceased, but once again we see a subject not doing what is most likely and surviving against the odds.

Chief Criminal Deputy Dave Brown called me at work today (9-8-98) to relate the following information. He was scheduled to interview the person, Herbert Rooper, this afternoon. His son-in-law and a couple of other relatives decided to search further into the steep drainage that TMRU had started down and that the Volcano Rescue team had started up. The likely areas had been searched, and this was on "the list" of areas that had not been totally covered yet. They worked their way far down this ever steepening drainage, water finally appearing in the bottom. One member of this search party, while they were conversing on the unlikely possibility of Herbert being in this area, spotted a small piece of blue clothing, a patch, far down the ravine.

They went to it and found foot prints. They called back to the search base and checked with a relative, probably his sister, and found that this was a patch Herbert had on his clothing. They searched further and found nothing. They were ready to turn around, totally discouraged, when Herbert stood up out of the brush only ten feet away. He was weak, hungry and somewhat dehydrated. A helicopter came in and got him out on a jungle penetrator. No further details on this yet. According to the information from the rescue party, Herbert fell during that one hour period when he turned up missing, hitting his head. He started walking downhill. When he regained his senses, he looked up at this huge hill and realized that he could never climb out, so he kept going down, following this deepening and curving drainage, taking him into the Trapper Creek Wilderness. He stumbled and fell on his journey, spending the first night out in the drainage. He moved further downhill the next day and finally his strength gave out. He sat down and told himself that this was where he would die. He ate the last of his berries. He was now in the timber and no more berries to pick, though he did have water. He then, of course, was found. He was 1500' to 2000' down into this drainage and nearly a mile out of the search area, from what is known at this point. He was in between the TMRU and Volcano Rescue teams.

There will undoubtedly be more details when Deputy Brown interviews Herbert, and there is a critique that I will try to attend near the end of the month. I called Smitty and left a message. I will fill him on the details thus far. Herbert spent one night in the hospital in Portland and was released. He hurt his knee, but nothing serious. The news is at the same time elating and frustrating. Certainly there is elation that this gentleman was found alive, but frustrating that we did not find him sooner. This is a good one to remember. Our search plan was sound, and I want to thank all of the TMRU members who participated in this operation. We represented TMRU well. I'll see you on the next one.

To the Team,

These are the parting words one always expects when a leader leaves an organization. I know some of you have thought that I would stay single forever and always wear a pager, ready to blow off any commitment for a rescue mission. One probably thought that since that is what I did for the last 11 years. I also deserve some ribbing since I was the first to bad mouth anyone who got married; that we would never see them again. So any smart remarks towards me are well deserved.

Before I leave, I do have a few comments about Tacoma Mountain Rescue and volunteering that I would like you to remember. Always remember that you are a volunteer and that family and your job comes first. Don't ever risk your life on a rescue mission. Most victims are dead or stable and can wait those few extra minutes while you safety check a system. on a mission, always pack the ten essentials, your mind, flexibility, and the willingness to listen to others. Pack the ability to say, "this isn't safe, let's find a different way to do the mission." Leave behind your ego.

Mountain Rescue is our primary mission. Climbing skills and technical rescue systems are the building blocks of TMRU. Swiftwater and helicopter skills are important, but are secondary to the primary mission. Don't count on a helicopter to do a mission. As we have experienced the harsh truth, helicopters crash, and weather keeps them on the ground. The hardest reality about being in Tacoma Mountain Rescue Unit is knowing that we have little control on how a mission is executed. The sheriff's department, the department of emergency management, and the park service are the responsible authority for rescues. We are one of many tools that they utilize to complete the mission. Mountain Rescue leadership can only suggest how a mission should be run. (Sometimes we have to make it sound like their idea to get them to accept it. Tact!)

Leadership is in fact the most difficult skill to learn on a volunteer team. There are no classes in it, your followers can quit at any time, and often the leader does not have the authority to execute the mission. Yet OL and TL's still hold the responsibility of the lives of the rescue team. I challenge Tacoma Mountain Rescue to develop a leadership program. Our operations leaders and team leaders often operate with their hands tied and without formal leadership training. word of caution, most leaders have egos, (that is a natural and expected part of being a leader). A good leader controls his ego. A leader educates and guides a team instead of ordering in a condescending manner. Followers must also know when to stand up and say, "this isn't safe."

In closing that is the bottom line. If the mission plan is not safe, do not do it. I know that the unit will continue just fine without me. The board and a few dedicated individuals have made leading the team the last two years (usually) an enjoyable job. Rely on each other to get the job done, don't try to do it all yourself. Good luck on future missions, and bring 'em back alive.

Ed 'RIV' Hrivnak, President

BOARD MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE:

Jeff Sharp, Bill Weber, Phil Pletcher, Alan Givotosky, Ken Capron, Larry Crum, Gus Bush, Jim Andrues, Chris Berryman and Fran McFarland

OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE:

Dave Treber, Connie Crum, Rex Creamer, Kate Roberts, Rob Lutz and Terry Leeby.

The July minutes were amended to change the following: Treasurer's report added. Donation of gear moved to the "new business" section "cell phone" was corrected to "cell phone service" The minutes were accepted as revised.

TREASURER'S REPORT: Larry Crum

• Accepted as read.

OPERATIONS REPORT: Gus Bush

• An incident involving members of Tacoma Mountain Rescue occurred during the volcanic study on Mt. Rainier. One person on the team became very sick and showed the symptoms of High Altitude Cerebral Edema. After a night of being given lifesaving first-aid, the victim was flown off the mountain the following day. See last months Rucksack for details.
• 8/4/98 - The unit was called for a carryout from Camp Schurman for a climber with a broken leg. 7 members responded. See last months Rucksack for details.

TRAINING REPORT: Jim Andrues

• Pat Lilly conducted the Wed. "ropes and systems" training. 21 members attended.
• Chris Berryman instructed the training at Camp Shepard on Saturday evening. There were 15 members in attendance. Training next month covers ice and crevasse rescue.

EQUIPMENT REPORT: Ken Capron

• Yellow webbing is now available. He will be inspecting the rigging kits webbing.
• Ken also purchased a 300', ½ rope and a 50m 11mm rope.

COMMUNICATIONS REPORT: Fran McFarland for Stan Kartes

• The new radios should be arriving next week.
• Stan is also about halfway done with the new radio upgrade in the rescue truck. He anticipates its completion the beginning of September.

SAFETY AND EDUCATION REPORT: Phil Pletcher

• No Report
• Gus Bush reported that he will be working a booth at his employers Safety Fair.

MEMBERSHIP REPORT: Chris Berryman

• Chris asked if anyone had information on a potential member named James Jenning to let him know.
• Leslie Iverson was voted in at Field Support.
• A new, updated roster is in the red file at the cache. Feel free to make a copy but please return the original.
• Member Steve Stowall has been transferred in the military.

FINANCE REPORT: Bill Weber

• No Report

AIR OPERATIONS REPORT: Jeff Sharp

• The Pierce County Sheriff's Department has "ok'd" the continuance of the helicopter program. Jeff is still working through paperwork and funding questions.
• A vote was taken from board members for the continued support of Tacoma Mountain Rescue towards the helicopter program. The vote was positive in support of the program.
• Jeff will be getting in touch with the new Reserve Chinook rescue team to begin communication with them.

OLD BUSINESS:

• Gus reported on the printer situation. After discussion of options and costs it was decided that TMRU will not purchase a new printer and will work with local printers for all printing projects.
• Fran McFarland showed the brochure and received more input on its style.
• Larry Crum reported that the web page has had some technical difficulty lately but it should be cleared up now.

NEW BUSINESS:

• Chris Berryman suggested that we add more people to the callout system. He and Tracy will try to recruit more people to help with the callouts and will also conduct a training for them. If you know anyone interested in helping with the callouts, please see Chris for more information.
• There was a long discussion concerning the management of missions. Subjects included the following:
  • More Operations Leaders for missions
  • The possibility of more that one OL on a mission
  • How to train OL's in people management
  • The levels and distinctions of FS, RS and Rescue status and also Team Leader and Operations Leader.
  • Possible courses available for these types of training
  • The importance of assessing your abilities for a particular mission.
  • The training program offered in the past and potential conflicts for new programs.
  • Who should be required to take these courses and who would be allowed to attend these programs.
  • According to the by-laws, disciplinary action towards a member must be a board decision.
  • The importance of keeping an eye on each other for safety during and even after (the drive home) a mission. We are a TEAM.
  • The importance of a debrief after each mission.
• It was decided that the December training will be changed to a SAR management course. Jim Andrues will set-up the trainer for that month.
• Elections will be held in October. Nominations will be made at the September meeting.
• The Tegners are looking for help with the "kits". If you are interested or know someone interested in helping with this continuing project please contact Lee.

Adjourn 21:55

Respectfully submitted,

Fran McFarland, Secretary

The unit is currently in need of people to assist in mission callouts. Callout personnel do not need to be current operational members or field qualified. If you are interested or know someone who might be, contact Chris Berryman at 253-581-6614 for details. First training class is October 16^th.

Purpose: To give unit members specific instruction on rigging rope systems commonly used in rescue work.

When: 7:00 to 9:30 P.M. October 9, 1998

Where: Rescue Cache

What to bring: Bring a note pad and pencil for notes and to diagram systems.

Instructor: Chris Berryman

Attendance: RSVP 581-6614

The following members were nominated for the office of President and Vice President of the Tacoma Mountain Rescue Unit.

President:

• Alan Givotovsky

Vice President:

• Fran McFarland
• Russ Brinton

Elections will be held at the October membership meeting. At that time nominations will also be accepted from the floor.

All elected officers hold terms of two years starting on January 1^st

I received this poem over the National Mountain Rescue Association Lister. I have edited it quite a lot from the original which was over four pages long. But have left what I think is the heart of it. Editor

I beg some small indulgence, a tiny passing out of your hectic day, I speak to you as one, of Mountain Rescue, I speak to you personally, as friend and alike spirit, I speak to you of grief most enveloping...

Mountain Rescue is an Avocation, a Cause, a Desire, a Compulsion, a Great Kindness meted out to others unknown and a Vast Burden upon the knowing. A Joyful Pursuit. A Happy Play. An Ennobling and Uplifting Trade, one of all Good Hope and Gentle Good Will. And of other things. For where all light does shine, some darkness will seek to balance the world.

Of these other things, one must talk. This is important, it demands some telling and much knowing.

There are so many things one could say, yet a search of the mind for words revealing emotions always fails. Comes up short. If you travel in places where others may suffer or die, you will see some unhappiness. Of varying degrees. Depending upon your own special assemblage of heart, mind, spirit and emotion, you may more than be a dispassionate witness.

You may as well be a witness to families asundered. To the vast waves that engulf those who loved well when we, bring forth from a world wild to paved lands the Lost One. One who may choose to be in rescue, may well see these displays, of grief and pain and dismal emotion taking strong men and loving mothers and impassioned hearts to tears and knees. To witness such as this, is no happy business. It is the Darkness of a life spent in Rescue.

Do Good Honor and Noble Action upon yourselves, by being at hand for those who too serve. What they may carry, or you, is a thing that the other shares. A telling of the least trouble does with some magic uncomprehended release the injury to extent most effective. Be at hand, be knowing, be caring. Know that they may one day be in need not of your strong back and mule-ish demeanor but rather of your open ears and stout heart.

Of those in Mountain Rescue I have no shortage of Good Opinion and Merry Tidings. Such people who give so freely, who yearn with Mountain Spirit and Giant Heart. These are a Noble People. To these my Thanks Unending, my Appreciation and Respect meeting no boundary.

©Copyright 1998 Tacoma Mountain Rescue