#MyStoryMonday: Eugene McCord

Written by: Gabby, Holy Cross High School Intern

Eugene McCord is the epitome of what it means to be an American Red Cross volunteer. His dedication to service does not go unnoticed. Eugene has been a part of Red Cross since May 27, 2014 and has served more than 25, 209 hours. He is on pace again this year to reach up to 10,000 volunteer hours. Eugene is always one of the first to raise their hand to volunteer when there is a call for help. He is usually the first to arrive at the site and is usually the last to leave.

This year, Eugene has taken on more responsibilities and leadership roles in the Bluegrass Chapter. He is currently serving as the Territory 5 Disaster Program Manager Volunteer Partner, and is the Territory 5 Disaster Action Team Coordinator. In these roles, he has since developed a Disaster Action Team training program for new trainees, engaged in several disaster preparedness exercises, represented Red Cross at countless community meetings and functions, and deployed in sheltering and case work.

In addition, Eugene has supervised canteen services, created and hosted new volunteer orientations, and has served as a mentor for any volunteer wishing to expand their Red Cross experience. Eugene is also a former Bluegrass Volunteer of the Year award winner.

Learn more about volunteering with the Red Cross here.

#MyStoryMonday: Dave Krasny

Written by: Gabby, Holy Cross High School Intern

Dave Krasny is a very reliable volunteer for Red Cross. He has been a member since June 10, 2015 and has served 1259 hours. He has assisted in disasters dealing with shelters, case work, and damage assessment. Dave has also updated shelters and vendor agreements in various counties throughout Kentucky. 

In the Western Kentucky area, Dave has installed more smoke alarms than any other volunteer since the partnership with Almost Family. He personally believes in the mission of making homes safer and this is exhibited by his efforts. He doesn’t just volunteer for Disaster Services, but also volunteers with the Blood services every Thursday as well. 

“Thank you for your hard work and dedication. You are one of a kind and we are grateful for everything you do.” – Dawn Carty

#MyStoryMonday: Jim Hall

Written by: Gabby, Holy Cross High School Intern

Jim Hall has been a volunteer since May 21, 2014. Jim is the longest serving board member of the entire Eastern Kentucky Chapter. He has been the head of the chapter over the past several years while the Red Cross transitioned into its Regionalization model. 

Jim was in Ashland when it was a two county chapter, a five county chapter, and a twenty-three county chapter. Jim has been there for major flooding, tornadoes, and numerous fires. Not only did he provide financial support, but he has also provided moral and logistical support as well. He has yet to decline a favor that he could do. As the need for help increases, so does Jim’s contribution. He is the epitome of what being a Red Cross Board Member means.

#MyStoryMonday: John Bush

John Bush (left)

Written by: Gabby, Holy Cross High School Intern

John Bush, who joined the Red Cross on April 21, 2017, is a heavily involved volunteer and has served over 3,900 hours. 

His involvement first started with case work which then expanded to being a part of the Disaster Action Team for Webster, Union, Henderson, and Hopkins Counties, and he is a member of the Home Fire Campaign for the counties that were mentioned. 

He was also involved with response to the Marshall County School shooting in February 2018, as well as the Henderson County flood that happened in March 2018. 

When John found out about the events at Marshall County High School, he quickly joined the Integrated Care and Condolences Team which were sent out to meet and console the impacted families. Learning from this experience, John used his newly found skills to work with victims from casualty fires and incidents later in the year. During the flooding in Henderson County, John opened a shelter as part of the in response. Since then, John has transitioned between damage assessment, government operations, sheltering, feeding and distribution. John has been a key factor in building the volunteer size in Henderson County and surrounding counties. Thank you for all you do, John!

Learn more about volunteering with the Red Cross here.