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Howard University’s Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity was honored on September 28, 2006, at a reception sponsored by the Be Prepared D.C. program in conjunction with DC’s chapter of the National Association of Student Services, for their service in the Washington D.C. community. The reception marked the end of Emergency Preparedness month.

“Omega Psi Phi Fraternity was honored at the reception because of their overall service in the community,” Mr. Walter Mcgill, a consultant with the Be Prepared D.C. program, said. “The Fraternity was also honored because of their efforts with the organization, which resulted in pre–registering 500 Howard Students and people in the community for the Emergency Tabletop exercise.”

The mission of the Be Prepared DC program is to ensure that the people of the D.C. community are prepared in case of a man made or natural disaster.

“The District of Columbia is a terror target, so we want the people of the community to know what the plan of evacuation is and also what they need to store in their homes in case of an emergency,” said Mr. Mcgill.

The brothers of Omega Psi Phi were named the on-campus ambassadors for the Be Prepared D.C. program at the reception. Be Prepared D.C. will be hosting an event at Howard on Oct. 19 to give the community information that will help people to prepare for a disaster.

“After Hurricane Katrina and 9/11, it became very important for people to be prepared. I am from Houston, Texas and I had family affected by Katrina, so I understand how important it is for people to know what to do if a major disaster strikes,” President of Omega Psi Phi, Montreal McMorris, said.

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity was up against all the other organizations that perform community service at Howard University for the honor. They were also competing with organizations from Georgetown University, American University, George Washington University and Gallaudet University.

“Being honored at the reception was a great thing. The mission of Omega Psi Phi is to serve the community. Being recognized for our services gives us the initiative to strive for more,” McMorris said.

McMorris believes that it is the duty of all Howard University students to serve the community. He said as African Americans we have to expose those who are less fortunate to resources they may not know about.

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity will continue to strive for excellence and serve the community throughout the school year. The organization will take part in Feeding Families for Thanksgiving as well as Toys for Tots. Omega Psi Phi also sponsors a mentoring program at local schools.

“We have to give back to the community because we are in the position to do so. Omega Psi Phi wants to help give people the same chance of success that students at Howard have. Through community service you never know who you can inspire,” McMorris said.