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Bush Visits Volunteers in Storm-Weary Florida
Thursday, September 30, 2004 — The past month and a half have not been easy for the volunteers and employees of the Martin County Chapter of the American Red Cross. Their tireless efforts were rewarded today with a visit from President George W. Bush. Making his sixth visit to Florida communities ravaged by four consecutive hurricanes, the President came to offer his thanks. Accompanied by Governor Jeb Bush and Federal Emergency Management Agency Director Mike Brown, the group offered their support and praise for Florida's relief workers.
Making his sixth visit to Florida communities ravaged by four consecutive hurricanes, the President came to offer Red Cross volunteers and employees his thanks |
Taking a tour of the chapter with Executive Director Mary Sawyer and Joe Becker, Vice President of the Red Cross' Response Department, the group met privately, shook hands and answered questions with more than two dozen local faith-based organization leaders, chapter volunteers and employees, and a dozen Red Cross youth. The youth volunteers, most of whom are from Martin County High School, have played an integral role in the Red Cross' disaster response by answering phones and providing to callers information via the chapter's 24 hour information hotline. The President's praise energized the group. “The prayers of America are with you. America stands with you during these trying times. What you are accomplishing is tremendous.”
Speaking to a crowd gathered in front of the chapter, President Bush remarked, “volunteers are showing the true heart of America. What these organizations represent is what America is all about.” He expressed thanks to the Red Cross' for sheltering over 400,000 people affected by the hurricanes and encouraged the public to donate by calling 1-800-HELP NOW.
Executive Director Sawyer commended the President's visit. “We are privileged to have the President visit our chapter. Our entire community and its leaders have given tirelessly to making sure we survived and are recovering from Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne. We are glad the President showed his support of our organization and the many faith-based organizations that are critical to the recovery from these and many other disasters.”
Following the visit, Joe Becker addressed the chapter's workers thanking them for their work and dedication. “The American Red Cross can't do what it does without you. You could be somewhere else and you chose here….thank you.”
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