I felt compelled to write this letter — it may not make the paper but that is alright, if so. I think back to my uncle who complained about having to spend a nickel for a cup of coffee in England during WWI, a war my dad was in. He took that complaint to his grave.

England would not allow, since they charged, American Red Cross in unless they charged too. It makes my heart so sad when I hear complaints when we save lives. On my first assignment for National, I referred a little on in a diabetic coma to the nurses to save her life. I was not a specialist and worked the field which I loved, meeting the people. I found verification easy as the clay water was so predominant and was proud to be named an honorable Ky Col. on my first assignment.

I worked more hurricanes as a specialist than tornadoes and floods — hurricanes in the bayou country of Louisiana — Hurricane Juan and Hurricane Kate among the lovely Cajun people. I remember especially a young mother and new baby being saved on their first night home from the hospital by deciding to stay all night with her parents rather than her trailer next door, which was blown away during the night. So many memories for an old lady but good ones remembering the good that Red Cross does.