H.O.P.E.

[ree]

Originally Posted by ree

... I'll let you know more once I've done it.

The training was two part, classroom and driving. The driving was really pretty simplistic. They said go out and drive the infield at the AMG test track. It has the following obstacles:
- three rolling wheel obstacle (to demonstrate lockers or traction control features)
- clearance step (10in for H2/3, 16 for H1)
- log
- step climb (16in for H2/H3, 22 for H1)
- Max climb, descend, side slope obstacle
- Rocky hill (really just cement with rocks embedded in the surface)
- Ditch crossing
- Mounds
- Moguls / uneven terrain (different depth ruts for H2/3 and H1s)
- Side slope trail on sand/mud
- Upward slope and downward slope
- A log field
- Rock crossing
- Fording a water basin (20in deep for H2/3, 30 for H1)

These were all easy and you could get instructors to spot you or make recommendations if you really wanted. At that point, they signed your "trail endorsement." It was really not an endorsement that you can really drive your truck safely, but in the end it's up to each program member to decide what they're comfortable doing out in the field.

The classroom part was led by Mike Morris. It covered background of HOPE (how/why it got started), explanation of the partnership relationships between HCI, AMG, GM, and Red Cross, some description of the Red Cross's operational model, discussion of recommended gear and usage, and war stories from Katrina. He also talked a little about what members obligations, limitations (it is a transportation service, nothing else), a little about good samaritan laws, radio pointers, things they were trying to setup to "compensate" volunteers (i.e. discounts on equipment, gas, service, etc), and what to expect to happen at the local Red Cross chapter level once your endorsement is complete.

Mike is a very charismatic guy. Talking to him and hearning stories really gets you fired up and want to help out. It's a shame the HCI section on the program is so thin of info.

If you're interested, definitely email Mike (see http://www.thehummerclubinc.com/) and follow the HOPE link.