I had never experienced the loss associated with a natural catastrophe until last month. This summer I inherited my mom's condo on Galveston Island. We had always enjoyed the island since my mother "retired" there 15-years ago. And despite her passing, I had planned to continue the island experience in the next few years. But Hurricane Ike has put a damper on my plans.

While I was emptying out the condo, I had to remind myself that I was fortunate. My building, while suffering from standing water damage and mold, is structurally sound. And I should be able to move stuff back in later this year.

But I could not say the same for the rest of the island. From my unofficial estimate, only one out of three remaining structures seemed to be structurally sound. There are areas still without phone or electrical service. And much of the island's charm, character, and legacy have been carted off to mainland landfills.

The Galveston loss hasn't had much national exposure. Financial woes, bailouts, and even sports have overshadowed the loss of the Galveston Island culture. I suspect that the island, which once hosted about 52,000 people, will return to be about half its former size.

But what bothers me most is that you and I know much of this loss should have been avoided.

In the last six months, I've been involved in the 2009 MSJC effort. I joined as an editorial reviewer because I thought it would be a good source of information and help reinforce my knowledge of masonry's technical side. But in my limited involvement I've discovered that the value of the work cannot be my personal gain. The people involved have higher goals. Each person views himself as a guardian of the public's safety

When I wrote about our industry's efforts to promote stricter building codes following Hurricane Katrina, I made a fundamental mistake in my coverage. I misinterpreted the effort to be a marketing opportunity to promote concrete and masonry. It was probably something more to the folks who did the work. They are trying to save lives, livelihoods, and neighborhoods.

I plan to make Galveston my home away from home, when I can move back. And it's time I follow the MSJC's example to work toward a safer world using masonry. So I'd like to try and help show my fellow Galvestonians that masonry and concrete construction is the way to rebuild a tragedy into a sustainable community

I have no idea on how I can do it. I want to actively join in any ongoing industry effort. And be forewarned, I'm going to try and use the power of the press to solicit help from everyone to make this happen.

So stay tuned for more.