This is an article by Mitchel Reed, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, September 10, 2025.
Formed after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the United Cajun Navy unites boat owners and other volunteers to aid during floods, hurricanes, and other disasters, bridging gaps in official response and recovery. A volunteer “technical industry liaison” partners with businesses to add technical capabilities and strengthen its efforts.
Learn how this model shows how collaboration with such liaisons enhances volunteer effectiveness.
Mitchel Reed
Mitchel Reed has over 20 years of combined experience in military operations, strategic planning, technology management, and executive leadership. A United States Army veteran, Reed deployed to Afghanistan and Qatar, earning the Bronze Star medal and Meritorious Service medal. He holds a master’s degree in leadership studies from the University of Texas at El Paso and certifications as a licensed Scrum Master and Lean Six Sigma Green Belt. Reed is also the chief executive officer of UKnightedXP Inc., a nonprofit charity, executive board advisor for RescAlert, Okaloosa County School Board candidate, NASA University Student Launch Initiative mentor, and volunteer national technical industry liaison for the United Cajun Navy.
