VICKSBURG, Miss. -- The nation's first FEMA Corps members made for a historic Thursday in Vicksburg. Over 230 young people ages 18 to 24 from across the nation were sworn in at the Southern Regional Campus. FEMA Corps is the collaboration of two federal agencies Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). 

FEMA Crops will not only enhance government disaster capabilities but the program will also serve as an educational opportunity for young people to gain leadership skills and emergency management training. Although emergency management is usually a career filled with older employees FEMA Deputy Administrator Rich Serino says he is looking forward to working with younger people because of their enthusiasm and energy, but also their fresh outlook on emergency management.

Members have already been through training in psychological first aid, CPR, and diversity. They will be sent of to Anniston, Alabama for the next two weeks to train with FEMA directly. Members tell us it is likely their first focus will be Hurricane Isaac relief.