Tooting the Horn of Another: Louie Keeling

Justin: So it seems that even during his years of retirement, my father has become a bit of a celebrity in some circles. Growing up I was always amazed at how many people knew my dad. Between being a news caster, being in the army, working at the flea market with my grandfather, heading the local chapter of the Jaycees, and working his 9 to 5 (usually 7 to 4 when we were young) for some 30 years, my dad got to know some folks. I think the most memorable time was when we were on a family outing to Big South Fork River and Recreation Area - some hour+ outside of Knoxville - and we ran into someone he knew while we were on a trail. We weren't surprised, really... mostly just amused.

I have always known my father to be very generous and willing to help anyone in need. He has rushed to the aid of victims all through out my life, be they victims of storms, vehicular accidents, or just of the hostilities of life in general. And now, in his retirement, my father has joined the Red Cross as a volunteer and has become a very valuable asset. So much so that I just discovered he won the Volunteer of the Month award for August.

No, he didn't tell me - I had to find out through other people. He's humble like that. Some (me) would say almost annoyingly so...

POWELL RESIDENT NAMED
RED CROSS VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH
FOR AUGUST 2007

When Louie Keeling retired three years ago, he wanted nothing more than to help make an impact anywhere he could, giving his services to the community. While figuring out how to spend retirement, over 300 refugees from hurricane Katrina were sent to Knoxville.
Keeling responded immediately and spent the days following Katrina at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum, doing anything necessary to help. Not only did Keeling direct hundreds to the resources they needed, he observed something that would shape his retirement.
"I really saw how much of a difference (the Red Cross) makes, and the overwhelming show of support from (the Knoxville) community," said Keeling.
With his mind made, Keeling decided the Red Cross provided the opportunity for him to use his talents. Now the Red Cross is honoring Louie Keeling as August 2007 Volunteer of the Month.
Keeling typically responds to disasters, usually house fires, in the greater Knoxville area, but never hesitates to volunteer outside of the area. The Knoxville Area Chapter is now responsible for 16 counties, so Louie takes on some of the responsibility himself. He’ll quickly reassure he doesn’t hesitate to travel to outlying communities anytime, regardless of circumstance. During those calls, Keeling acts as an initial response for the Red Cross, assessing needs of victims. From there, Keeling acts quickly, providing basic needs first: food, clothing, temporary shelter, and other emergency needs.
Keeling’s favorite part of the process is witnessing these families, most of whom face the toughest challenge of their life, move from chaos to normalcy, while being there all along to help and make sure the recovery is successful. Its obvious Louie is anything but selfish. When driving home from local disasters, Louie admits he feels very humbled and blessed that the Red Cross helps make a difference when victims are usually at the lowest point of their lives.
In addition to local disasters, Louie responded to a few disasters of national scale with the Disaster Services Human Resources team. Louie’s first assignment was to Gibson County, TN immediately after the April 2, 2006 tornado killed 15 and destroyed an estimated 1,600 homes. The Knoxville Area Red Cross team arrived within 24 hours, and found tragedy soon after arrival.

Keeling described beautiful farmland and rolling pastures of Gibson County and the first family the DSHR team helped. He said the tornado literally scraped the earth, moving dirt and foundation from its original location. The team soon learned of three fatalities, and although very disheartened, the team had to continue. After the team helped and secured that initial family, they traveled from area to area, home to home, distributing food and water, comfort kits, clean-up kits, and offered anything they had, but usually the people really wanted someone to listen. And Keeling was glad to do just that.
Keeling felt the same when he responded to floods in Pennsylvania, two months after he returned from Gibson County. He acknowledged the disasters were very different, but the needs were very much alike. With the magnitude of both events, Keeling and the DSHR team had to act quickly and efficiently to reach as many victims as possible.
Now, Keeling has helped more victims than he ever thought possible. In both cases and on every call, Keeling drops any plans, forgets about himself and quickly does what is needed- help. Keeling is retired, but he may be rewarded for his work now more than ever.
Keeling says the award was a great surprise. He acknowledged other Red Cross volunteers that have volunteered for more years and been just as dedicated. Humility is just one of Keeling’s virtues.
A Knoxville native, Louie served in Vietnam, graduated from the University of Tennessee, and worked for Rohm and Haas, where he retired. Since then, Louie has served on the Red Cross Disaster Action Team to help victims from across the state of Tennessee and beyond. He lives in the Powell community with his wife Donna. They have two children, Justin and Kara, and two grandchildren, Hayden and Cooper.

Congratulations, dad. As always you deserve this recognition and much more. You have always been a hero to me and I strive to follow closely in your footsteps. How about next time you get an award, let a guy know a bit sooner, okay?