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Florida Governor Jeb Bush Visits the American Red Cross
Wednesday, September 22, 2004 — Less than one week since Hurricane Ivan unleashed its fury onto Florida’s panhandle, Florida Governor Jeb Bush visited the American Red Cross national headquarters in Washington, D.C., to tour the Disaster Operations Center (DOC) and greet Red Cross employees and volunteers to personally thank them for their tireless efforts.
American Red Cross President and CEO Marsha Evans, Florida Governor Jeb Bush and Bonnie McElveen-Hunter, Chairman of the American Red Cross.
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Upon his arrival, Governor Bush joined Marty Evans, Red Cross President and CEO, Bonnie McElveen-Hunter, Chairman of the American Red Cross, and other workers in the DOC to be briefed on ongoing hurricane relief efforts.
Following the tour, in an atrium full of employees and volunteers, Evans welcomed new Chairman McElveen-Hunter and introduced Governor Bush, someone with whom she has spent much time this past month assessing the tragic devastation left behind by a series of hurricanes.
“I know he has his hands full, just like we do, so I want to thank Governor Bush on behalf of the entire Red Cross for making the time to visit us today – and most importantly, for standing by us and supporting our every effort in his state.”
Governor Bush’s visit to our nation’s capital had two purposes: to ask for the continued support of Congress and the Bush Administration for recovery efforts in Florida, including support for the American Red Cross, as well as tour the Red Cross facility and say “thank you.”
Florida Governor Jeb Bush with an official American Red Cross preparedness backpack.
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Governor Bush said thanks not only for the tangible items the Red Cross has provided such as water, meals and ice, adding “It’s the hug, it’s the ‘it’ll be better’, it’s the professional counseling that has made it possible for Floridians to keep their resiliency, to be strong, and to realize that while times are tough for us right now, they’re going to get a lot better.”
Bush expressed his support for the Red Cross by saying “I have always been a strong believer in the American Red Cross--now I’m an evangelist.”
Chairman McElveen-Hunter presented Governor Bush with “the perfect gift” for the remainder of the hurricane season--an official American Red Cross preparedness backpack.
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