Katrina Lost & Found: Loyalty

Upon his return to New York, Volk said he called a White House aide who told him they were getting overwhelmed with people calling to complain. "I said I wasn't calling to complain but to try to figure out how I was supposed to get out."

"I also arranged to meet [Clinton] and to say thank you for Dan Burton," Volk said. They had a long chat, and while "she and I don't agree on a lot of things," he said, there was common ground on key issues such as the need for a balanced budget, strong armed forces and health care concerns. "We need to get an informed debate going," Volk said. "I am thoroughly unhappy with the direction of our government."

The Dec. 11 Clinton fundraiser that he co-hosted raised nearly $100,000 for her Senate campaign. Would he support her in 2008 if she runs for president? "I probably would," Volk said.

Remember, constituent service.

Stealth Spokesman Under Pentagon Wraps

Reporters at the Pentagon are still hoping to meet, perchance to interview, J. Dorrance Smith , who's been assistant secretary for public affairs since Jan. 4. One reporter spotted Smith leaving his office, but he accelerated before a question could be asked. Another apparently bumped into him in the men's room. And another body-blocked him in a hallway and managed to chat for a few minutes.

Things may not change soon because the Pentagon has decided to adopt the White House model of a communications director and a spokesman, with Smith directing and press aide Eric Ruff doing the speaking and the briefings.

Longtime Pentagon Reporter Wraps It Up

Speaking of the Pentagon, retired Air Force Gen. Richard B. Myers , who left his post as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in September, has joined the board of directors of aerospace giant Northrop Grumman Corp. Under ethics rules, he's not allowed to go near his old F-4 for two years.

Also across the river, Reuters reporter Charlie Aldinger , dean of the Pentagon press corps, retired last week after 22 years covering seven secretaries. Aldinger won a word of praise, on the record, from Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld , who said Aldinger -- "even I have to admit, almost always gets it right -- or about right."