Americans For Resolution Of Kashmir

Americans for Resolution of Kashmir

P.O. Box 96

Warren, NH 03279-4356

Tel: (603)-764-5869 Cell: (603)-219-9643

www.a-r-k.org

Kashmir Trip Report

Dear Friends –

We are back from Kashmir.

Our whirlwind trip presented us with a landscape resembling the bombed out cities of World War II, with collapsed buildings, crushed cars, streets that are barely passable, landslides, rubble, and every possible type of destruction. There are still places where the bodies of the dead remain buried under tons of collapsed concrete. One such place is a school in the community we have adopted, where 125 young Kashmiri women, all of them Masters candidates, were instantly buried when their school collapsed at the very start of the earthquake. Words cannot convey the impact of this terrible event.

We left the U.S. the evening of November 13^th, and arrived in Islamabad at 11PM on November 14^th. Early on the 15^th, we received a round of briefings from our advance party and several high-ranking officials in the disaster relief effort. We then finalized our plan for visiting Kashmir.

On November 16^th, we embarked on two U.S. Army Chinook (CH-47) helicopters and flew to Muzaffarabad, stopping at several other small helicopter landing sites on the way, to deliver relief supplies and to relocate an emergency medical team. We saw one huge pile of rock which completely destroyed an entire village when the mountain above split apart and 1/3 of it collapsed, producing a massive landslide that buried the entire town. We met with the Brigadier in charge of the Muzaffarabad sector, and received a briefing on the enormity of the damage that had been done, and the critical need for interim shelters. The universal assessment is that the tents provided by relief agencies and the government can not provide the protection needed from the oncoming winter conditions.

From the air, we saw tent cities that had sprung up, both those established by the relief operation and “impromptu” tent cities put up by the thousands of newly homeless residents of Muzaffarabad. Every normal source of water had been rendered unusable by the quake, but the Pakistani army had constructed mobile water purification plants to provide potable water to the tent cities and to the surviving residents.

For our return to Islamabad, we found ourselves on board a German army helicopter, with a Dutch NATO liaison officer, several tons of high-energy food bars, and our main party riding in the back. We stopped on our way back to Muzaffarabad, and offloaded these supplies. The picture will remain forever in my mind: German aircrew, Dutch liaison officer, American relief workers, and Kashmiri locals in a conga line offloading case after case of emergency food supplies for a remote mountain village that had been leveled in the earthquake half way around the world. It was a particularly powerful moment, as I was privileged to witness the confluence of compassion, technology, and cultures. It was truly something I will never forget.

We returned to Islamabad, staggered by the enormity of the destruction we had seen, and trying to grapple with the immensity of the task before us. That evening, after quiet reflection, we decided that we needed to see more, and spent the next day (November 17^th) meeting more government officials and private individuals, and planning our next “expedition”. We decided, based upon the information received from civil and military authorities, to go to Bagh, which all considered the city worst hit by the earthquake disaster.

November 18^th dawned bright and clear, and we were at Chaklala airfield early, awaiting helicopter airlift to Bagh. We boarded a Pakistani Air Force MI-171, and flew to the emergency landing zone serving Bagh. We were met by a retired Pakistani Army Colonel and his assistant, who then drove us through the town to a hospital that was standing but condemned as structurally unsafe, and to the former district headquarters – a pile of broken concrete and twisted rebar 12 feet high that had once been a 4-story building. Everywhere we went, the scene was the same: people struggling to bring order out of chaos, children with nowhere to go, collapsed buildings, crushed cars, single-lane roads with piles of debris jutting out everywhere, and dust that permeated every pore of our bodies.

After receiving a briefing from the Deputy District Commissioner on the disaster, its consequences and the government’s civil relief effort, we proceeded by Land Rover to a small town, Rafal Garh, about 15 kilometers above Bagh at an elevation of 6,500 feet above sea level. The scenery was breathtaking, and the drive along single-lane roads with 1000-foot cliffs and multiple switchbacks was incredible. We met with several small groups of people working to rebuild rudimentary shelters for their small paddock areas. Of roughly 300 homes in this area, only 3 were habitable after the earthquake. It was here that the specter of approaching winter became most apparent. Average snowfall is 35 feet, and temperatures will be sub-zero within 3 weeks. Our retired Colonel, who has voluntarily taken responsibility for the welfare of about 100,000 people in this region, led us on foot over a rugged trail to a small encampment area, with several interim shelter prototypes that had been constructed as models. Prime Minister Chaukat Aziz of Pakistan had visited the site just the day before, and we were the next to arrive.

We spent time speaking with families, children, men and women – all of whom were most hospitable and helpful in providing us with a sense of the devastation, and the looming shelter crisis given the rapidly approaching winter. We then attended a “town meeting” at the site of one of the schools which had been, quite literally, leveled by the earthquake. This community had lost several elementary and high school children, as well as numerous adults. Of the 909 school buildings (including Primary, Middle, High School and Colleges) in the region, 847 were totally flattened, and the remaining 62 were damaged beyond repair, and too dangerous to occupy.

There is an urgent immediate need for 2000 interim shelters to enable the people of Kafal Garh to survive the winter. Currently 100 shelters are under construction, materials to construct 100 more are on the way, and ARK has committed to an additional 100. With winter only 3 weeks away, we have much to do, and very little time.

My colleagues and I spoke to the assembled people of Kafal Garh, as the mountains bore stark witness to the devastation all around us. Yet amidst all the destruction, there was a quiet sense of resolve among these people who had lost homes, businesses, schools, and loved ones, and who faced a daunting and uncertain future with winter’s fast approach. As we spoke, we were treated to lunch, hand-prepared by people who did not know where their next meal was coming from, or how they were going to weather the bitter cold and deep snows in the weeks and months ahead. We had come to this devastated land to help a people who were facing a very uncertain tomorrow, yet even in their need, they provided us with a home-cooked meal – roasted chicken, rice, vegetables, hand-made sweet pastries, tea and water. I remember thinking to myself, “Here they are with nothing, yet they have chosen to provide for us from their need.” There was a lesson somewhere in that meal...

Because of the difficulty of the drive back to Bagh, we missed our helicopter flight back to Islamabad. As a result, we drove in excess of 5 hours down dark and dangerous mountain roads, returning to Islamabad with only enough time to take a quick shower, repack, and drive another 5 hours to Lahore. We arrived at Lahore at about 2AM on the 19^th, ate a hasty “supper” at 3AM at the home of a friend, and boarded the first leg of our 6AM return flight to the United States (via Manchester, England). We arrived in the U.S. (JFK International Airport, New York) at approximately 2:30PM on November 19, 2005.

Throughout our travel, our radio reporter and I were broadcasting live on several networks and numerous independent radio stations throughout the U.S., reaching some 425 stations. We used cellular phones as well as satellite communications when necessary. These broadcasts were live, and some can be heard using links on the ARK website. We are working hard to get network TV time in the U.S., and any assistance in gaining access would be greatly appreciated and extremely helpful. If you can assist, please contact me at the ARK business phone, (603)-764-5869.

So what can you do? Begin by truly trying to understand the enormity of this disaster, and its potentially catastrophic consequences in human terms. ARK is doing what it can to address the immediate desperate need for shelter. Our longer term objective of rebuilding a school will require more resources, and will help avert a cultural disaster of enormous proportions. Your support of ARK’s commitment to this project remains essential, even as we have been provided with several engineering designs for school structures which were produced by an eminent engineering firm in Pakistan at no cost.

We are home now, safe and warm. I would like to ask you to consider donating again, or establishing a regular monthly donation for 1 year, in support of our goal of providing at least one school for the children of Kashmir.

Thank you, every one of you, and God Bless You.

Respectfully,

Robert J. Giuda
Chairman
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Americans for Resolution of Kashmir

P.O. Box 96

Warren, NH 03279-4356

Tel: (603)-764-5869 Cell: (603)-219-9643

www.a-r-k.org

Earthquake Relief Update #4
November 13, 2005

My Dear Friends:

I am in Kashmir this week, with two trusted advisors and a radio news correspondent. Our advance party performed superbly in laying the groundwork from which we will operate, both politically and operationally, in this devastated region.

The purpose of this trip is to evaluate and assess how we may best utilize ARK’s resources to achieve our stated purpose: short and long-term relief and reconstruction, specifically of a girls’ school that was destroyed and took the lives of over 250 children representing the promise of tomorrow.

According to our advance party, the devastation is beyond description, and will take years, if not decades to remedy. The generational impact of this horrific disaster is beginning to become known, in that a disproportionate number of those who died were school-aged children. This makes our commitment to building a school even more critical, in that we must ensure that all surviving children and those who are born in future years have access to the best possible education in buildings that are specifically designed to keep them free from harm.

We are bringing a radio news correspondent with us, and will be communicating live through the Talk Radio News network in the United States, as well as to local print and television media in Kashmir that will broadcast worldwide when possible.

The radio affiliates carrying our live telephone interviews in the United States are listed below, along with the times they will be aired. Interviews will begin on Tuesday, November 15^th. Because we are using new technologies from halfway around the world, I ask you to please forgive any technical difficulties as we get the system on line.

ARK will also carry web links to our interview audio on our website at www.a-r-k.org. I hope you will check in regularly to keep informed about our operations in Kashmir, and to share our progress as we lay the groundwork for our long-term reconstruction commitment to the future of Kashmir.

Finally, we are deeply grateful to those who have given, and to those who continue to give. Many are weary of the continuing natural disasters keep challenging our level of commitment to helping those who suffer. But God’s generosity continues to grace our lives, and we must in good conscience continue to answer the cry for help for those whose lives, homes and families have been destroyed by this horrific event. Please continue your financial support, and encourage those with whom you interact at work, in school, and in your communities to give to our critically important effort.

I know you remain steadfast with me in our commitment to build a new girls’ school for Kashmir’s tomorrow, even as we address the terrible circumstances facing Kashmir today. Please listen to our telephone interviews during this trip, and continue to visit the ARK website on a regular basis.

Thank you again for the love you have shown, and the trust you have placed in ARK, and in me. I will likely never have the honor and privilege of meeting most of you, but be certain that your contributions are very carefully managed and every dollar will be used to build this new school as our contribution to rebuilding this shattered land.

God bless you, each and every one.

Robert J. Giuda

Robert J. Giuda
Chairman

Talk Radio News Service Affiliates (Local Times)

Weekdays:

Dan Mitchell - WKBK, NH 6:50 AM

Steve Bowers - WNWS, TN 6:30 AM

Howard Monroe - WVLY, WV 7:40 AM

Doug Stephan - National 7:50 AM (EST)

George Russell - WNTK, NH 8:20 AM

Thom Hartmann - KPOJ, OR 6:20 AM

Mark Johnson - WDEV, VT 10:00 AM

Rodd Stowell - KLAV, NV 7:40 AM

Marc Bernier - WFHG, VA & TN 10:50 AM

Jeff Brucculeri - KAKC, OK 11:10 AM

Carole Marks - National (Wednesday only) 11:30 AM (EST)

Scott Hennen - WDAY, ND & MN 10:45 AM

Dan Reaves - WNWS, TN 12:30 PM

Thom Hartmann - National 1:20 PM (EST)

American Urban Radio Network, National 1:30-2:00 PM (EST)

Marc Bernier - WNDB, FL 5:50 PM

George B. - WNWS, TN 4:20 PM

Alan Nathan - National 5:30 PM (EST)

Jon Anderson - K-57, Guam 10:20 AM

Weekends:

Saturday

Doug Stephan Countdown Show - National 8:20 AM (EST)

Ed Martin - WGY, NY 10:00 AM

Todd Feinburg - National 2:00 PM

Sunday

Todd Feinburg - National 2:00 PM

Bob Bevill - WNTK, NH 9:00 PM

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Americans for Resolution of Kashmir

P.O. Box 96

Warren, NH 03279-4356

Tel: (603)-764-5869 Cell: (603)-219-9643

www.a-r-k.org

Earthquake Relief Update #3

November 1, 2005

Our advance party has left for Kashmir, and will be reporting back to us as to specific needs for the families devastated by the earthquake. As well, they will provide us with an assessment of conditions we will be facing in the area in which we will be working.

I am working hard to find a qualified professional media correspondent whose schedule will permit travel with our operation. If unable to do so, I will provide internet updates (including digital photos, if possible) as time, circumstances and capabilities permit.

ARK was notified of a desperate need for female doctors to assist with the hundreds of thousands of injured women in the disaster area. Accordingly we have made our first real contribution to the relief effort: we have paid 1/2 the airfare for a female Muslim doctor to go to Kashmir. She will be leaving the comfort of her home and life in the United States this weekend, and joining a medical team already in full operation to deliver emergency and continuing medical care to the seriously injured women of Kashmir. Know in your hearts that this was made possible only because you have given to help those in need. God knows you.

I want to thank those of you who have, and who continue to donate to our relief effort. The need is desperate, and the situation remains critical. ARK has no employees, and I personally write and sign the “Thank You” letters to every donor. Because of the preparations required and the very short time remaining before the main body of our Emergency Relief Operation leaves for Kashmir, please know that you will be receiving letters of thanks stipulating that your donations are fully tax-deductible in accordance with Federal IRS regulations, after our return from Kashmir. I know you understand that our priorities must be with those in desperate need.

Thank you again and again for all you are doing.

Respectfully yours,

Robert J. Giuda
Chairman

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Americans for Resolution of Kashmir

P.O. Box 96

Warren, NH 03279-4356

Tel: (603)-764-5869 Cell: (603)-219-9643
www.a-r-k.org

Earthquake Relief Update #2

October 24, 2005

Things are moving quickly. We continue to raise funds, and to order emergency relief supplies even as ARK organizes its Emergency Relief Operation. Plans are being finalized to deliver desperately needed shelter components to those who are exposed to the biting cold of the mountains.

Our advance party is leaving very shortly for Kashmir. A small group of 3 will follow with the supplies, after the advance party has established necessary logistic network to go where the need is greatest. We will be going directly into the heart of the devastation, along with a professional journalist. We are bringing satellite communications voice technology with us so we can broadcast live whenever possible from Kashmir. We will also be issuing press releases, video clips and digital photos whenever and wherever conditions permit.

Living conditions are very difficult, and much of the communications and transportation infrastructure is in ruins. Dangerous aftershocks hinder efforts to rescue those trapped, to recover those who have perished, and to aid those who are injured. ARK is going into the belly of the beast, armed with desperately needed supplies and relying on your prayers and your generosity. Our itinerary will remain flexible, as we are not certain of any of the arrangements made on our behalf given the rapidly changing emergency requirements that continue to develop with each passing hour.

The bitter cold of winter does not distinguish between parent or child, rich or poor, Christian or Muslim, Jew or Hindu. All are created by God, in His image and likeness. We are measured by our response to the call for help from those who desperately need us. Please give generously, knowing that every dollar you donate goes directly to purchase relief supplies. Be certain that ARK remains committed to doing whatever we can for the suffering people of Kashmir. As I stated in Update #1, this immense tragedy brings each of us face to face with our own humanity, and our faith. We thank God for the warmth of our homes, the love of our families, and the prosperity that enables us to enjoy both.

Thank you again and again for all you are doing.

Respectfully yours,

Robert J. Giuda

Chairman

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KASHMIR RELEIF EFFORTS UPDATE LETTER:

Americans for Resolution of Kashmir

P.O. Box 96
Warren, NH 03279-4356

Tel: (603)-764-5869 Cell: (603)-219-9643

www.a-r-k.org

Earthquake Relief Update #1

October 15, 2005

As relief operations begin to take form, ARK, working closely with authorities in Kashmir, has been apprised of the desperate need to provide victims with shelter from the elements. Nighttime in the mountains brings precipitous drops in temperature, and is putting thousands of men, women and children at risk of hypothermia and death by exposure.

Accordingly, ARK’s first relief initiative is to procure and deliver items providing shelter and warmth. We have been advised that tents and corrugated sheet metal from which to build temporary shelters are already on order in far greater quantities than we could effectively provide. Therefore, we are contracting to purchase bulk quantities of space blankets – lightweight, metallic highly reflective survival blankets which, when wrapped around a person, retain 80-90% of body heat. I have personally used space blankets in military extreme cold-weather survival situations. They are very lightweight, portable, and reusable over and over again. They will provide excellent protection from the bitter cold that descends every night in the mountains of Kashmir.

This immense tragedy brings each of us face to face with our own humanity, and our faith. We thank God for the warmth of our homes, the love of our families, and the prosperity that enables us to enjoy both.

Please give generously. Somewhere in the mountains of Kashmir, someone we will never meet – a mother, a father, a child – will thank you for giving them shelter from the killing cold.

Thank you again and again for all you are doing.

Respectfully yours,

Robert J. Giuda

Chairman

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APPEAL LETTER FROM ARK CHAIRMAN FOR RELEIF EFFORTS:

Americans for Resolution of Kashmir

P.O. Box 96
Warren, NH 03279-4356

Tel: (603)-764-5869 Cell: (603)-219-9643
www.a-r-k.org

October 12, 2005

Dear Friends:

There are no words sufficient to describe the devastation in Kashmir. The approach of winter adds special urgency to the desperate need for food, clothing, shelter, medical supplies and equipment. From around the world, governments and relief agencies are rushing aid to Kashmir to meet the immediate life-and-death needs of her people.

In the days since the earthquake, I have asked myself many times, “What can ARK do?” After careful consideration, we are moving forward on two fronts: first, we are raising funds to provide immediate emergency relief; and second, we will help rebuild this shattered land.

Emergency Relief

Your donations will be used to purchase food, clothing, building supplies, and medical supplies and equipment. ARK is partnering with reputable, frugal NGOs operating in Kashmir to purchase and distribute these items, thus ensuring best use of our relief dollars. With the onset of winter, and with the utter destruction of housing, schools, hospitals, hotels, roads, water supplies and communications infrastructure, we must move immediately to avert compounding this disaster with the dreaded secondary effects of weather, starvation, disease, and desperation.

Rebuilding A Shattered Land

I searched for a project that is within our capabilities, which would serve the future even as it honored the past. I found the answer in the rubble of a school in Muzaffarabad which collapsed and killed hundreds of young Kashmiri women. These children dreamed of a better life for themselves and for Kashmir, and their school was the doorway to those dreams. I am asking your help to rebuild that school and reopen that doorway.

ARK is committed to raising $250,000 USD to rebuild this school. I believe that your love and generosity should be known to every student that ever studies there. Accordingly, recognition of contributions will be provided in the following way, unless you wish to remain anonymous:

Donor ($250) – Your name inscribed on an exterior brick

Friend ($1,000) – Your name inscribed on a stone window arch

Sponsor ($2,500) – Your name inscribed on a Side Entrance capstone

Patron ($5,000) – Your name inscribed on the Main Entrance capstone

Benefactor ($10,000) – Classroom or Laboratory named in your honor

Founder ($25,000) – Your name inscribed on Commemorative Monument

The importance of both of these initiatives to the future of Kashmir cannot be overstated. While the immediate needs are desperate, we must also begin marshalling the resources that will be needed for reconstructing the institutions upon which Kashmir’s future will stand.

How to Give

You may donate by using the PayPal link on the ARK Website (www.a-r-k.org). Or you can send a check or money order, (payable to “ARK – Kashmir for Tomorrow”) to

            ARK
            P.O. Box 96
            Warren, NH 03279

(Note: Donations are tax deductible according to the IRS, and ARK will mail a written receipt.)

I pledge to you that every dollar we raise for both the emergency relief effort and the school project will be spent directly on those initiatives. Funds to cover administrative expenses will be drawn from other sources.

A dear friend once said, “What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others lives forever.“ Please join me in this critical effort to relieve the terrible suffering in Kashmir. We must reach out to the Kashmiri people, even as they deal with the many horrors facing them in the days to come.

Thank you in advance for your generosity.

Respectfully,

Robert J. Giuda
Chairman