Volunteer Rebecca Marshall visits with World War II veteran Robert Kemp at a Red Cross emergency shelter in Kissimmee after his retirement community was evacuated for Hurricane Ian.
From working on a destroyer in World War II to fleeing Hurricane Ian in Florida, Robert Kemp has seen a lot in his 98 years. He is one of several military veterans who are in a Red Cross shelter at the Silver Spurs Arena at Osceola Heritage Park.
Kemp and other residents of Good Samaritan Society - Kissimmee Village, a senior living community, were evacuated before Hurricane Ian and were reunited at the shelter.
“I’m grateful to be here and everyone has been so nice to me,” he says. Robert now waits to learn how much damage has been done to his home. His community was one of the hardest hit in the Greater Orlando area.
In the shelter, he says, “I’m going to live my final years with my son. I don’t want to have to worry about anything anymore.”
He gratefully thanked Red Cross volunteers for talking with him and for caring for him after the devastating storm.
We thank you, Robert, for your service and dedication to our country. It has been our honor to serve you.
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