ABOUT
CAJUN NAVY GROUND FORCE
OUR VISION
Our vision is to be a data-driven action oriented 501c3 non-profit that swiftly intervenes to protect and stabilize elderly and disabled victims living in communities impacted by natural disaster.
NON-DISCRIMINATORY POLICY
Cajun Navy Ground Force is committed to equal employment, volunteer opportunity, and assistance provision without regard to age, ancestry, disability, national or ethnic origin, race, religious belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or veteran status.
This policy applies to all areas of employment and volunteer participation, including recruitment, hiring, training and development, promotion, transfer, termination, layoff, compensation, benefits, social and recreational programs, all other conditions and privileges of employment in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. This policy also applies to all response and relief recipients.
OUR HISTORY
In South Louisiana, in August 2016 a rare, tragic rain storm lasted a full three days and dropped the equivalent of 7.1 trillion gallons of water or enough to fill Lake Pontchartrain about four times. Hurricane Katrina, by comparison, dumped about 2.3 trillion gallons of rainwater in the state (though more in other states)
This horrific event left over 150,000 homes across South Louisiana submerged by flood waters over a 10 day period. The great flood was a 500-year event that left dozens of towns and cities in 21 parishes across south Louisiana under tens of feet of water.
The floodwaters fell in the mid-central region of the state, then wound their way southward towards the Gulf of Mexico inundating every structure in its
path as it overflowed banks and dozens of rivers and bayous that canvass the southern portion of the state. Citizens would find their yard dry one minute and minutes later, they would find themselves in need of urgent rescue and all of their possessions underwater.
The Cajun Navy grew from a need to assist our neighbors and overwhelmed first responders during the great flood of 2016.
It was only a year later that Hurricane Harvey created a similar flooding emergency in Southeast Texas and Houston, leaving tens of thousands needing rescue, and over 140,000 homes badly damaged needing citizen support. The Cajun Navy, for the second time in a year, was called upon to assist overwhelmed systems in Texas. Similar to the Louisiana flood we performed thousands of citizen rescues and assisted dozens of homeowners with the cleanup.
That was many years ago, and the Cajun Navy has changed little. We are still finding ways to assist during and after disasters. To date, in mid-2021, we have assisted with rescue and recovery in over a dozen natural disasters.
BOARD MEMBERS
ROB GAUDET
Founder and CEO of Cajun Navy Ground Force, Rob was 2016 Louisianian of the Year for his efforts to organize citizens to become a force multiplier and perform safe boat rescues in the 2016 Great Louisiana Flood. He is a team builder, software architect, engineer, developer, humanitarian. Rob uses his systems development expertise and people moving skills to help vulnerable populations impacted by weather disasters. Rob has become a nationally recognized expert in innovative technology and media driven approaches to disaster relief and recovery. He has lectured at the the Wharton School’s Future of Cities Conference, the National Association of Attorneys General and numerous conferences. Rob is a regular media personality that works to bring national and international media attention to disaster recovery efforts, keeping the needs of victims in the national spotlight. Rob’s mission is to utilize his background in systems development to create more efficient disaster relief processes. He is a team builder who knows how to organize and move the right people to engage during and after a natural disaster.
Rob Gaudet Board Member - CEO, Founder
PAT MILLER
Pat served in the Louisiana Army National Guard from 1971 to 1977 attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. His education includes a Bachelor of Science degree from McNeese State University and a Juris Doctor from the LSU‑Law Center. He is an authorized agent for Stewart Title Guaranty Company, The Security Title Guarantee Corporation of Baltimore, and First American Title Insurance Company. His commitment to the ongoing recovery efforts in Louisiana is embodied by his participation to serve on the voluntary board of The Cajun Relief Foundation as he lends his expertise and mentorship.
Pat Miller Board Member - Secretary Graduate LSU Law President, Preferred Title Company
JAMES WOOD
James is a public safety professional with a diverse career including the fire service, law enforcement EMS, Emergency Management, and military. He currently serves as a Command Master Chief with USCG Port Security Unit 308. James holds advanced degrees in Emergency and Disaster Management, Fire Administration and Fire Prevention Technology, and Fire Science. He also has more than thirty professional certifications and designations in the fields of emergency management, law enforcement, rescue operations, and firefighting.
James Wood Board Member - Senior Manager Incident Response at Entergy ~ Coast Guard Command Master Chief ~ FEMA USFA Executive Fire Officer
Sheila Pritchett
Sheila has a clinical and supervisory nursing background that includes healthcare management and sales on a district, regional, and national scale. She has extensive experience working with and coordinating care for medically complex and chronic care patients. As someone who has also worked as a Clinical Sales and Marketing Specialist, Sheila has first-hand experience with the importance of training, relationship management, and implementation of business and care management systems. She is the Vice President of the Louisiana State Nurses Association and a consultant and volunteer for 232-HELP.
Sheila has shared her experience with Cajun Navy Ground Force as a valued board member for four years.
Sheila Pritchett Board Member - BSN, RN Clinical Solutions Specialist, Other Board Positions 232-HELP, March of Dimes, Acadiana Council on Aging
Jennifer Jagneaux
Jennifer came to the Cajun Navy Ground Force in 2020, just before Hurricane Laura. Here is where she feels like she finally found “her people.”
Her background as a manager in the finance industry and collection agency business owner has made her uniquely qualified as the Director of Operations and a dedicated board member.
Her experience in disaster relief began when she worked in the North Louisiana shelters following Hurricane Katrina in 2005. She began following the Cajun Navy Ground Force in 2017 when she, her daughter, and her husband put their boat behind their truck and drove to Houston to do rescues after Hurricane Harvey.
Jennifer has worked in every Cajun Navy Ground Force department, including deployments to Hurricane Laura, Hurricane Ida, the Colorado Wildfires, Kentucky Tornados, Kentucky Flooding, Hurricane Ian, and the tornados in Rolling Fork, MS.
When you meet Jennifer, her passion for serving is immediately apparent. She works tirelessly to ensure our team members have everything they need to be successful.
Jennifer lives in North Louisiana with her husband, two grandsons, and two dogs, Paco and Rayne. She has two daughters, two step-sons, and 11 grandchildren.
We are fortunate that Jennifer is on the Cajun Navy Ground Force team.
Jennifer Jagneaux Director of Operations and Board Member
STAFF
Camille Dominque
Camille Gaudet, a passionate advocate for bringing people and organizations together to make a positive impact, serves as the Director of Sponsor and Donor Relations for Cajun Navy Ground Force. With her unwavering commitment to connecting like-minded individuals and fostering collaborations, Camille plays a pivotal role in mobilizing resources and support for the organization’s mission of assisting those in need.
Hailing from Lafayette, Louisiana, Camille’s roots in the community run deep. Raised in the heart of Cajun country, she developed a strong sense of community and a profound appreciation for helping others. Her genuine empathy and innate ability to understand the needs of both individuals and organizations have been honed through over 30 years of experience in customer relations.
Throughout her career, Camille has been a relentless network builder, bridging gaps and forging meaningful connections between individuals, corporations, and non-profit organizations. Her innate talent for fostering relationships and nurturing partnerships has garnered her a stellar reputation in the field. Her ability to align people and organizations with shared values and goals has been instrumental in driving the collective effort to support those affected by natural disasters and other crises.
In addition to her local roots, Camille has also experienced life on a global scale. Her diverse background and exposure to different cultures have enriched her perspective and broadened her understanding of the world. This global outlook allows her to navigate the complexities of today’s interconnected society and effectively engage with a wide range of stakeholders.
In 2022, Camille embarked on a new chapter in her career, joining Cajun Navy Ground Force—an organization close to her heart. Drawing on her extensive experience and network, she works tirelessly to build and strengthen relationships with sponsors and donors who share the organization’s vision of providing timely assistance to those in distress. Camille’s ability to communicate the mission and impact of Cajun Navy Ground Force has been instrumental in securing vital support for their relief efforts.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Camille finds solace and inspiration in her family. She is happily married to Rob Gaudet, the visionary founder of Cajun Navy Ground Force. Their shared dedication to helping others has not only fueled their personal relationship but also serves as a testament to their unwavering commitment to making a difference.
Camille Gaudet’s role as the Director of Sponsor and Donor Relations for Cajun Navy Ground Force allows her to merge her lifelong passion for community service with her remarkable ability to build bridges between people and organizations. With her strong network, unwavering dedication, and deep-rooted values, Camille continues to empower individuals and communities, leaving an indelible mark on the world of humanitarian efforts.
Camille Gaudet Director of Sponsors and Partners
MICHELLE SZINAVEL
Michelle has been working alongside the Cajun Navy Ground Force Founder & CEO, Rob Gaudet, since 2016, when Rob formed our organization.
She is perfect for the Systems and Security Manager position thanks to her background as the Director of NASDAQ Stock Market Computer Operations from 1987 to 2007. And her ongoing love of cutting-edge technology.
Michelle has worked on the Dispatch and Social Media Teams and is always ready to step in to help. She handles the volunteer NDAs, background checks, software programs, and more. Michelle is the person our teams turn to for advice and direction.
Michelle lives in Connecticut with her husband and dogs. She is grateful for her family and Cajun Navy Ground Force friends. And we’re lucky to have her with us!
MIchelle Szinavel Systems and Security Manager
Nancy Perkins
Website Director/Social Media Team Lead
Nancy’s desire to help began at an early age. As a child, she tried to rescue every animal she could, and from there, she began working with a mentally disabled child. While living in Southern California, she was a team leader/co-manager for the Southern CA Special Olympics, Friends of the Olympics program for ten years.
Nancy fulfilled her passion for saving animals when she & her husband moved to South Mississippi. They foster puppies for a local Shelter and various rescue groups to give them an excellent start to life before moving into their forever family. Moving to So Mississippi brought Nancy up close & personal to hurricanes. Shortly after moving, Hurricane Katrina made landfall 10 miles from their home. While they were spared, she began volunteering to help those who weren’t as lucky. Since then, she has been involved in some form of Hurricane relief for each storm that has racked the country.
Nancy’s background as a Sales & Marketing Director of a major hotel and her current position as a Sales & Marketing Director of a property owners association has brought her into the Remote Team for Cajun Navy Ground Force, where she is the Marketing Team Lead. She has been a proud part of the organization since Hurricane Harvey in 2017. The ability to work remotely has been a blessing. Because of her job, Nancy can’t deploy but can contribute to the critical story-telling aspect of the Cajun Navy Ground Force. And provide vital information to disaster victims or simply be a remote shoulder to cry on.
We’re lucky to have Nancy with us!
NANCY PERKINS Website Director/Social Media Team Lead
Chad Chiasson Ground Force Volunteer Team Lead
Lori Kirkpatrick
Lori is a native of Wilmington, NC. After Hurricane Florence devastated her community in 2018, she learned about the Cajun Navy Ground Force. She immediately jumped in to help by writing blogs and assisting our Social Media team.
Lori is a writer and has a background in education. She is the Communications Director for Safe Haven of Pender, a nonprofit that serves victims and survivors of domestic violence.
She is grateful to be a part of the team and share disaster survivors’ stories.
We are lucky to have Lori as a team member!
Lori Kirkpatrick Blogger, Public Relations
Harold and Debra Robinson
E-commerce/Food Service and Fleet Manager/Food Service
Debra and Harold (Cowboy) are a retired couple from Texas who embody the God-given spirit of giving back with their philosophy of love, food, and hugs!
They travel to areas affected by a disaster, set up their mobile kitchen, and serve delicious, nourishing food to disaster victims and volunteers. But it’s not just about the food for Debra and Cowboy. They take the time to sit and listen to those who need to talk about their harrowing experience or offer a smile and warm hug.
Debra has a computer, accounting, and technology background and was an Insurance Adjuster. Cowboy was in the Laundry and Cleaning business and has always loved to cook. Their disaster experience began with Hurricane Katrina, specifically, Chalmette, LA, where Debra first volunteered and told Cowboy he needed to start cooking. They remained in the area for four years. After that, they spent 14 years in Mexico. Hurricane Harvey made landfall while they were in Mexico, and Debra manned two 800 numbers. One was organizing rescue efforts, and the other was organizing relief efforts.
When Hurricane Ian made landfall in Florida, this time, Cowboy deployed first for two weeks with a crew of tarpers. After returning home, Cowboy told Debra there was a need for their skills, and they returned as a team. That’s where they met Cajun Navy Ground Force CEO/Founder Rob Gaudet. When Rob asked them, “What can you do?” they replied, “Cook.” Rob told them to start the next day, and they stayed for six weeks.
In addition to cooking, Cowboy serves as our Fleet Manager, overseeing our equipment in Lafayette, LA, and Debra manages our E-Commerce.
Their food, hugs, and love philosophy make them a perfect pair for the Cajun Navy Ground Force, and we’re lucky to have them on board!
Harold and Debra Robinson E-commerce/Food Service and Fleet Manager/Food Service
Matthew Dower
Matt serves the Cajun Navy Ground Force (CNGF) as a SAFE Camp Team Lead and a Trade Show Event Manager. A big believer in helping people & animals after natural disasters, Matt has unselfishly served with the Cajun Navy Ground Force since 2020. As a SAFE Camp Team Lead, Matt has been on disaster relief deployments in Louisiana, Texas, Colorado & Mississippi. Matt has also represented the Cajun Navy Ground Force as Trade Show Event Manager at the 2023 National Hurricane Conference in New Orleans & the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters(NVOAD) Conference in St.Louis.
No stranger to helping others in disasters, Matt has been volunteering his time and skills since 1994 when a tornado ripped through the town of Germantown, TN. In 2013, Matt also volunteered in the disaster relief effort for the people of Moore, OK, after a devastating EF-5 tornado destroyed most of the town.
Matt is born and raised in Memphis, TN, and resides in beautiful Prescott, AZ. Matt enjoys hiking, camping, golfing, traveling, kayaking, and attending concerts & festivals. Matt was also a former reserve police officer & varsity football team member at the University of Memphis.
Passionate about helping people & animals in need during natural disasters, Matt has loyally served with the Cajun Navy Ground Force, and we look forward to him helping us grow as we serve more communities for many years to come.
We’re lucky to have Matt on our team!
