OHS 1962 Graduates make a difference in the world!

As I learn more and more about my classmates, I find that they are making a dramatic impact on the lives of others in large and small ways, and I'm proud of them all. Here is one of the more dramatic stories of how we touch the lives of others and make a positive difference in the world.

July 2, 2008 - U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice was introduced to Water Missions International’s (WMI) Living Water™ Treatment System (LWTS™) last weekend as she wrapped up her tour of the earthquake- stricken regions in China. "I am really delighted and just moved to be here…providing clean water for the residents," she said during a visit to an internally displaced persons camp in Yutang, where thousands of survivors now have safe drinking water because of WMI’s relief efforts. Rice went on to say that Christian organizations in China are "shining examples and living testimonies of the importance of faith-based charitable groups during times of global crisis."

Most of you know the story, but in case you weren't aware, Water Missions International was founded by an OHS 1962 graduate and his wife.

The following material was copied directly from the "WaterMissions International" website, ... http://www.watermissions.org/index.html ...

In 1981, George and Molly Greene, the founders of Water Missions International, began a small environmental consulting company in Charleston, South Carolina which they called General Engineering Laboratories. Through God's grace this company grew to become one of the top ten environmental testing laboratories in the US, and one of the largest environmental engineering consulting firms in South Carolina.

In 1998, under the direction of George and Molly Greene, General Engineering Laboratories responded to the devastation in Honduras caused by Hurricane Mitch. They designed, constructed and delivered six drinking water treatment units, each capable of producing safe drinking water at the rate of 10 gallons per minute. Within three weeks of the hurricane, sixteen volunteers from the company were in remote locations of Honduras setting up these water treatment units. This initial effort was called "Project Living Water" and the water treatment unit became known as the Living Water™ Treatment System (LWTS™).

Over the next three years, the design of the LWTS was modified to eliminate replaceable components, make it more reliable to operate over extended periods of time, and reduce operating costs. Additional systems were placed in rural communities in Eastern Europe, Africa and Central America, some in response to natural disasters and some in support of ongoing development projects. A project called "The Model Village" was undertaken with Episcopal Relief and Development (the Episcopal Church USA) to design infrastructure systems for drinking water treatment, wastewater management and storm water control in a rural community near San Pedro Sula, Honduras.

During this time, the Greenes developed a growing awareness of the overwhelming need for safe drinking water throughout the developing countries of the world. In order to better focus their attention on these needs, the Greenes sold General Engineering Laboratories in March 2001 and used a substantial portion of the proceeds of that sale to found Water Missions International.

My comments: If anyone is looking for a Christian cause to support, I can think of none better than Water Missions International. Visit their website and find out more about their mission and values.

George C. Greene III, P.E. Ph.D. Founder, Chairman of the Board, Chief Technical Officer Dr. Greene is responsible for providing spiritual, technical, and strategic guidance for Water Missions International. As Chief Technical Officer, he oversees the design and implementation of WMI's safe water solutions. He is also an integral part of developing relationships with strategic partners. Prior to taking the role of Chief Technical Officer, Dr. Greene served as Chief Executive Officer. He held this position from 2001, when he and his wife Molly founded the organization, until 2006. During that time WMI's rapid growth called for internal restructuring in order to maximize the many new opportunities available. Before founding Water Missions International, Dr. Greene founded and served as the Chief Executive Officer of General Engineering Laboratories, where he was responsible for the development and technical administration of analytical and environmental engineering consulting services. Prior to that he worked as a Senior Engineer with Exxon Research and Development Company, and as an Assistant Project Manager for Lurgi Mineraloeltechnik in Frankfurt, Germany. Dr. Greene holds degrees in Chemical Engineering from Tulane University (Ph.D.), Columbia University (M.S.), and the University of Florida (B.S.). He is a licensed engineer in South Carolina and North Carolina. He is an active member of St. Philip's Episcopal Church.

Molly F. Greene Founder, Vice Chairman of the Board, Chief Philanthropy Officer As Chief of Philanthropy, Molly Greene is instrumental in cultivating relationships with corporate, governmental, civic, and faith-based organizations. Prior to founding Water Missions International in 2001 with her husband George, Mrs. Greene co-founded and served as President of General Engineering Laboratories. GEL grew to become the largest privately held single site environmental laboratory in the US and was one of the most comprehensive engineering consulting firms in the southeast. Mrs. Greene was involved in the daily management of community and government affairs, client relations, business development and human resources. Mrs. Greene holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Spanish from Mississippi University for Women. She is an active member of St. Philip's Episcopal Church.