Clearwater man heads to Alabama on 45th Red Cross deployment

Frank Hall, a 74-year-old American Red Cross volunteer from Clearwater, is gearing up for his 45th deployment to assist with tornado relief efforts in Birmingham, Alabama. His journey begins Tuesday morning, following devastating storms that impacted several states. Since his retirement in January 2011, Hall has dedicated himself to helping others, often working 12-hour days in disaster zones. This deployment will involve sourcing essential food and supplies for shelters and neighborhoods, a task he describes as both physically demanding and emotionally taxing. Hall reflects on the challenges of his work, stating, “We can go back to the shelter, but these people are having to deal with this.

This is their life. ” His upcoming mission marks his fifth deployment in six months, revealing the toll such work takes, especially as he approaches 75. Despite the weariness, Hall feels compelled to help, driven by a deep sense of duty and empathy for those affected by disasters. His story exemplifies the dedication of Red Cross volunteers, who play a crucial role in community recovery during times of crisis.