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 sought refuge in a Red Cross Shelter at the Silver Spur Fairgrounds in Kissimmee, Florida. 

Kemp and other residents of his Good Samaritan Senior Living Community were evacuated before Hurricane Ian and ended up staying together at the shelter. 

“I’m grateful to be here, and everyone has been so nice to me,” he said. When we spoke with Robert, he was waiting to learn how much damage had been done to his home. His community was one of the hardest hit in the area. 

In the shelter, he shared, “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.  

And thank you, Robert, for your service and dedication to our country.