Volunteer Appreciation Week: Doyle Rambo

Open your ears. Be sympathetic, positive, and listen. This motto is one Doyle Rambo stands by graciously. Volunteering for the American Red Cross Bluegrass Area Chapter, Doyle is committed to giving back to his community. Doyle has been a Free Mason and Kosair Shriner for 50 years, he is the originator and curator of his local Shriner Museum, and volunteers at the local VA hospital in Lexington, KY. Doyle is also a musician, where he plays tuba in the “Young At Heart Big Band” and “My Dixieland South Band.” These bands play at nursing homes, festivals, and patriotic events. “Our project is to refurbish and supply instruments to school kids who are aspirant musicians,” explained Doyle.

Born and raised in Franklin County, KY, Doyle left home at the age of 19 to pursue his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Morehead State College. He served 4 years in the United States Marine Corps and discharged with the rank of Sergeant as an expert rifleman and an administrative clerk. Doyle met his wife in Washington, DC, and they have been happily married for 58 years. “I have two daughters, a paralegal and paramedic…4 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. All healthy and prosperous,” said Doyle.

In 2006 during Hurricane Katrina, Doyle answered the call for help and became a Red Cross volunteer. His primary role at the Red Cross is an Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) maintainer and driver. Doyle has been an active volunteer for 16 years and has served on 19 national deployments. Making time to document his experiences, Doyle wrote a book on his journey during Hurricanes Gustav and Ike on the Texas Gulf Coast entitled “Ready, Set, Roll.”

During his time volunteering, Doyle has received many awards for his service. He received the “Ziggie Award” in 2007, the “Grateful Appreciation Award” in 2009, the “CEO Award” in 2009, and back-to-back “Outstanding Chapter Volunteer Award” in 2012 and 2013. Reflecting on his time volunteering, Doyle is thankful for his experiences, saying, “I have been blessed with good health, a reasonable financial means, and the ability to organize and lead.”

Helping others is second nature for Doyle, as he is also an active member of the Citizens Police Academy and an Elder and Worship leader at his church. “As a volunteer, it gives me the opportunity to help aid and assist those who have been affected by misfortune,” said Doyle. 

We have so many reasons to be thankful for you, Doyle! We appreciate your service and dedication to the American Red Cross mission. You can sign up to be an ERV driver and volunteer! Head to Redcross.org to learn more about our open volunteer opportunities. #VolunteerAppreciationMonth