Look for the Helpers: Dawn Scholl

They say during times of devastation to look for the helpers. Look for the helpers who pick up the pieces, lend a hand, offer a warm embrace, and sit with you. Dawn Scholl is a helper. She is a member of our Disaster Action Team (DAT) and a CPR instructor within our American Red Cross western Kentucky chapter and volunteers at the Warrior Warehouse on Fort Knox, a program within our Service to the Armed Forces (SAF). She is an Army civilian retiree and military spouse.

“As a former instructor for the Army, I love teaching. When hands only CPR started, I said I’d like to do that… It makes me feel good to teach somebody how to save a life. It’s fun and rewarding all at the same time,” said Dawn. “With disaster, I’ve gone out on several DAT calls… I wear my vest proudly. I get out there and see the devastation. The relief on a families’ faces when we pull up; They know the Red Cross is going to help them one way or another.” Our DAT teams respond to personal disasters like house fires. These teams offer support and resources to families so they can recover.

She admires the reach of the hands only CPR classes. “I have taught 10-year-olds up to 80+-year-olds. People have shared with me their devastation of not being able to do hands only CPR in the moment. Now they can. They are so proud.” Her favorite memory is teaching a class in Bowling Green, Kentucky. “It was for international students. There were 6 different interpreters in the room. I had to be animated. It was a joy seeing all the different languages coming together to learn.”

Dawn talked with us about growing up with little income and how that’s grown her servant’s heart. “It’s crucial for all of us to do a little something… The Toys for Tots program was there for me when I was a little girl.” She has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, Feeding America, Lioness Clubs, and the Salvation Army. Dawn’s husband, Scott, is a member of Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association® (CVMA®). She is an auxiliary member. “It’s veterans helping veterans. We’re all over the country. We ride motorcycles, it’s comradery. It’s fundraising. All the money goes back to local veterans,” Dawn replied.

Dawn was the CVMA® auxiliary state representative for 3 years and the previous president of the Federally Employed Women (FEW) Gold Vault Chapter. FEW is an organization that works as an advocacy group dedicated to promoting equality for women and addressing concerns for women within the federal workforce.

With CVMA®, Dawn and Scott have been a part of sentimental funeral escorts. “We assist in doing the escorts, bring back those soldiers and take them to their final resting place. We ride our motorcycles and go behind the hearse,” Dawn explained. It’s very emotional and a real honor to meet the families. Sometimes generations have passed. Now they’re finding their loved ones remains and bringing them home. 

Dawn is a Kentucky Colonel, the highest title of honor bestowed and selected by the Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. “[Volunteering] is something that I enjoy. Giving back to the community is important,” said Dawn.

Scott is set to retire in 4 years, they have 8 children, many grandchildren and love traveling to see them across the states. Dawn has a green thumb, regularly tending to her greenhouse and garden.

You can learn more about volunteering with the Red Cross at redcross.org/volunteertoday