Replies to '09/08 Hurricane Katrina'

   Dr. Phil, I want to first say thank you for what you do on your show. Many lives have been touched and changed due to your efforts. I applaud you for your strength, wisdom, and uncanny knack for changing peoples lives. I have watched your show since you have come on TV. Thank you. 

   Now I need to ask for your help if you can. My name is Richard and I am from the fine State of Louisiana. As you are well aware of the devistation of Hurricane Katrina along the Gulf coast, many people have lost all they have in life due to this killer storm. Many people have lost their lives due to the flooding and storm surges in many areas. I personally lost my father in Hurricane Katrina. 

  I had the gruesome task of going into an area called St. Bernard Parish after Katrina. I went in with the sole purpose of finding my father who stayed in his home for the storm. September 11th is not only a date that changed this nation but has changed my life as well. I found my fathers body in his home on this same date the anniversary of 9/11. I identified my fathers body along with my Fiance. It was a task that no one should have to under take. 

  On that day I was able to obtain the assistance of the Body Recovery Team to remove my father from the home. The team sent my fathers body to St. Gabriel, Louisiana for Autopsy. I gave the team all the information on my father on 9/11. Since 9/11 I have yet to see or remove my father for proper cremation. I have been through every step of the channels to get him back. To this day I have not gotten him out of there. I followed every protocal in the system to properly identify and gain his body. 

  I have contacted FEMA, the Red Cross, Family Assistance, Two State Legislators, a Letter to the Governor's Office, and personally gone to the site where the bodys are. I have been told by each level in each agency that they have no information on him. At each level I have repeatedly given all the nescessary information on my father. I have a Chaplin at St. Gabriel who is personally looking for his body for recovery. 

  I have tried in vain to not seek outside assistance and to make the system of Louisiana look inept. I am at my wits end with that system now. I was hoping to not have national media get involved. Now I must do this not only for my sake but, for the sake of 100's of other familys suffering the same fate. Maybe with some national help we all can rest our loved ones in peace. I am seeking your advice in this matter due to my great respect for you and your show.  

  I hope to hear from someone here soon. Respectfully, Richard Reysack III