This distinctively detailed Challenge Coin commemorates the dedicated and courageous service of the multi-agency rescue and recovery operations during the coordinated response to Hurricane Katrina in 2005, including members of the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD), New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), U.S. Marshal’s Service (USMS), Louisiana State Police (LASP), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), American Red Cross (ARC), Federal Air Marshal Service (FAMS), U.S. Coast Guard Service (USCG), United States Navy (USN), Search and Rescue Task Force (SAR-TF), U.S. Army National Guard (USANG), U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and representatives of other local, state, and federal agencies.

Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast of the United States in the early morning on August 29, 2005. When the storm made landfall, it had a Category 3 rating with sustained winds of 100 to 140 miles per hour. It was a very large storm; at its peak, maximum winds stretched 25 to 30 nautical miles and its extremely wide swath of hurricane force winds extended at least 75 nautical miles to the east from the center. The storm itself caused extensive damage, but its aftermath was catastrophic. Hurricane Katrina proved to be one of the deadliest hurricanes ever to hit the United States. An estimated 1,833 people died in the hurricane and the flooding that followed. Katrina was also the most destructive storm to strike the United States, and the costliest storm in U.S. history, causing $108 billion in damage. Levee breaches led to massive flooding, during which over one million people in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama were displaced from their homes. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), it ranks sixth overall in strength of recorded Atlantic hurricanes.

This uncirculated emergency management Challenge Coin measures approximately 1.5 inches in diameter.

Note about the seller: I am a retired Army veteran with deep love for God, family, and Country. Proceeds from my sales of Challenge Coins will be used to purchase exhibit iconic images that honor America's heritage and celebrate our blessed life and liberty. Please visit the preview of America's Gallery on Twitter at usagallery.

Inventory:  All of the listed Challenge Coins are in my current on-hand inventory and available for immediate shipment. I purchased the Challenge Coins in wholesale lots from several manufacturers and commercial distributors. None of the coins for sale were presented to me during my service, nor were any listed coins acquired from military or government owned inventories.

Feedback: Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions, concerns, or need any additional information. God bless America!