85-year-old veteran calls Houston flooding 'just another thing in my life'

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- As rescues continue around Houston, ABC13 came to the aid of one man who is keeping this week's historic flooding in perspective.

When 85-year-old Charles came out to meet the boat that would carry him to safety, he was dressed in shorts and a sports coat. When complimented on wearing his "Sunday best," his response was, "that's the only way to travel in a boat."

Charles' home, where he lives with his daughter and son-in-law, had about 6 inches of water in it. He had been staying on the home's upper floor, but by Wednesday, it was time to leave.

"Compared to other people in the neighborhood and in the city we feel very lucky that we only have 6 inches," Charles' daughter Diane told ABC13.

Charles, a Korean War veteran, waved to neighbors as they boated past the houses. He's lived in Houston for almost five years and considers Hurricane Harvey "just another thing in my life."

"I lived through the second World War in Germany -- nothing fazes me," he said.

Charles' grandson is taking him to Austin along with his dog Maggie while his daughter and son-in-law clean up from the flooding.

"Everyone needs to know how proud we are of this city," Diane said. "We're so proud to be Texans, especially Houstonians."