Gerald L. Dunlap

Gerald L. Dunlap, Plans, Operations, and Military Support Officer for the Maine Army National Guard, wrote notifying Botanical Gardens President John R. Giles of the mobilization "for a lengthy assignment overseas."

Gerald Dunlap

of the Maine National Guard."That kind of brought it home to people.It

could have been anywhere."

Dunlap heads the Weapons of Mass Destruction 11th Civilian Support Team, a

Guard unit that is one of 27 being formed around the country as part of a

new commitment to preparing for terrorism on U.S. soil.

The federal Department of Justice awarded almost $500,000 to Maine last

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"Terrorists look for a place where they can make a statement," Dunlap said.

"It doesn't have to be New York City.It's really not a matter of if

something happens, it's when and where and do you want to be the one that

isn't prepared."
...
The state's existing resources will be bolstered by next year, when Dunlap

expects his National Guard team to be certified.Once operational, the team

will be available to be dispatched by the governor to a terrorist attack or

any chemical, biological or radiological emergency.

The team will help identify the threat and how to respond to it, and alert

...
shouldn't be there," said Dunlap, of the Maine National Guard."The more you

can increase awareness, the better.But not so people are frightened,

because then you're falling into the perpetrator's hands."

Gerald Dunlap, commander of the Maine National Guard's 11th Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team; Dr. Kathleen F. Gensheimer, chief medical adviser and epidemiologist for the Maine Bureau of Health; and retired Gen.
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"The best thing to do is to bounce questions off ourselves," said Dunlap.

The panelists also suggested that people keep an emergency supply kit on-hand and talk with family members about procedures that should be taken in the event of an emergency.