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American Red Cross President and CEO Joins President Bush on Tour of Disaster Scene
Wednesday, September 15, 2004 — Just days after Hurricane Frances disrupted lives and damaged property along the eastern coast of Florida, American Red Cross President and CEO Marty Evans joined President Bush, Governor Jeb Bush and FEMA director Mike Brown, for the second time in one month, on a tour of several ravaged communities.
Storm-weary Floridians were thrilled to see the President helping distribute ice and water. |
Evans greeted President Bush at the St. Lucie County International Airport as he debarked from Marine One early Wednesday afternoon. The group, which also included Florida Attorney General Charlie Crist, visited the Lawnwood Recreation Area, where scores of volunteers from the Convoy of Hope and the Red Cross collaborated in the hot sun to distribute much-need supplies to disaster victims.
As cars pulled up one-by-one at the distribution site, volunteers efficiently and in assembly-line fashion, loaded each vehicle with ice, water, cleaning supplies and groceries. Many unsuspecting drivers did double takes as President Bush cheerfully asked, “What can we help you with?”
One Florida girl about the age of ten gasped in excitement, immediately asking for President Bush’s autograph as he and Governor Bush loaded supplies into the family’s minivan.
“It was apparent that people really appreciated seeing the President roll up his sleeves to help disaster victims,” said Marty Evans, President and CEO of the American Red Cross. “His presence lifted the spirits of those affected by the storm and the volunteers, many of whom have been working tirelessly since Hurricane Charley battered the western coast of Florida.”
President Bush thanked the volunteers at the distribution site, shaking hands and posing for pictures. For Red Cross volunteers the importance of this personal thank you was augmented by the President’s unique status as Honorary Chairman of the American Red Cross.
After greeting nearly every person at the distribution site, Evans joined President Bush and Governor Bush as they visited the St. Lucie Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Hurricane Frances was particularly brutal to the residents of St. Lucie County, damaging more than 1,200 homes and destroying more than 600.
Evans accompanied President Bush to the National Hurricane Center in Miami, Florida, where they received a briefing on current hurricane activity and preparation. With Ivan looming, this year’s hurricane season is proving to be particularly ominous.
In an address to Florida residents from the National Hurricane Center, President Bush remarked:
"I want to thank the emergency operation centers all across the state of Florida, the first responders, and the police and firefighters. People are working long hours here to help bring stability and help into the communities in this state, and they're doing a really fine job. I want to thank the Red Cross—and I appreciate the president, Marty Evans, joining us today. It seems like every time I've been to a disaster, the Red Cross is always there first. And that means a lot to the people of our country."
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