Department Of Health & Human Services     Office of the Surgeon General Rockville, MD 20857 8 May 2007   Patrick DeMoon Coordinator, Kane County Medical Reserve Corps 1240 N. Highland Avenue Aurora, IL 60506                         RE: Dean Akey   Dear Mr. DeMoon,   After the events of September 11, 2001, and the anthrax mailings that soon followed, national public health and emergency planners recognized the need for a cadre of pre-identified local volunteers, especially those with health-related backgrounds, to assist with response efforts.  The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) program was thus developed as a grassroots initiative and part of the White House’s USAQ Freedom Corps and the Department of Homeland Security’s Citizen Corps.  The mission of the program is to improve the health and safety of communities across the country by organizing an utilizing public health, medical and other volunteers.    This national system of community-based MRC units currently has over 650 units in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Palau, Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands and more than 123,000 volunteers.  These units focus on giving their members a way to offer their skills in support of their skills in support of their local communities.  MRC volunteers work with existing local emergency response programs and also supplement ongoing local public health initiatives such as health education and prevention efforts, immunization programs and disease screening.   The Office of the U.S. Surgeon General, which houses the national Medical Reserve Corps program office, relies on the efforts of MRC leaders at the community level.  An outstanding example of such a leader is Dean Akey.  Mr. Akey has been a strong proponent of the MRC concept, and his efforts have been instrumental in developing a unique model for other MRC units across the nation to emulate.  Dean has worked with you and other community leaders to integrate local motorcyclists into a “Rescue Rider” program with the Kane County MRC – as a way to get necessary supplies or personnel to areas in need when roads are closed or blocked.  In addition, since October 2006, over thirty bikers have been certified in First Aid, CPR and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED).   Mr. Akey also plans to work with you to develop a Rescue Rider training program template to share with other MRC units looking to start a similar program.  This shows a real commitment and dedication to the Rescue Rider and MRC programs.   Dean’s efforts with the Medical Reserve Corps program bring credit to himself, his community and his nation.     Sincerely,   CAPT Robert J. Tosatto Director, Medical Reserve Corps Program   CAPT. Robert J. Tosatto

Dear Dean, Where do I start? Thank you so very much for everything.  For caring, for all of your time and insight in putting an event together like the benefit.  Thank you to your wife and your friends for their time, help & effort. I miss and love Lance more every day.  It's with help from people like you, who care that we can get through this. Thank you.   Kim, Justin, Tristan & Logan H.   Kim H.

Dean, Thank you for all of your help and advice on our benefit.  We surpassed our goals and greatly appreciate your time in meeting with us and helping us plan our event.  You really know your stuff. Don R. Scyamore Oddfellows Don R.

Dear Dean, I first of all have to say "thank you" from the bottom of my heart for the lovely article you wrote on the Shelby Edwards benefit.  Our family is truly grateful for the kind words and for you coming and being a part of such a great event.  Growing up knowing how to ride a motorcycle before a two wheeler was one of the best memories I have as a child and now Shelby's twin brother is saving for a bike when he heads off to college in another ten years.  Shelby now has the pleasure of knowing that (in her words) "the bikers are my friends and they were there to help me". I think form a five year old, that said it all.  The power of compassion and kindness makes a powerful difference and for that I thank you.  Shelby will always need continued care, but this made it a little bit easier for us.  Thank you.   Ron, Rebecca, Bradford & Shelby Edwards