Three Benton County members of the Oregon Disaster Medical Assistance Team have set up shop at a small university in east Texas, ready to deploy to help victims of Hurricane Gustav.

Peggy Peirson, Benton County Emergency Services Coordinator, said she and her team were waiting at East Texas Baptist University in Marshal, Texas, about 30 miles west of Shreveport, La., with two semi-trucks loaded with equipment.

“We’re ready to roll to the impact area, wherever needed,” Peirson said.

Peirson is the logistics coordinator, organizing personnel and supplies. Joining her from Benton County are Marcia Gilson, a Philomath paramedic, and Dan Kearl, a Hewlett-Packard engineer who will handle emergency communications. The bulk of their team is made up of medical professionals.