American Red Cross volunteers recognized for service at Fort Knox ceremony

Story and photos by Kevin Sandell, Communications Volunteer

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Over 20 volunteers who serve within the American Red Cross Kentucky Region were recognized for their service earlier this fall, during a lunchtime ceremony at Fort Knox, the sprawling U.S. Army base south of Louisville. Many of the recognized volunteers had served hundreds or even thousands of hours to Red Cross chapters throughout the state.

Fort Knox is home to the Warrior Warehouse, a function of the Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces program, and is a building where service members and their families can shop for donated household, clothing, and food items. The warehouse is also the location for the annual “Santa’s Workshop” on base that provides free, donated toys to children of U.S. service members stationed at Fort Knox during the holidays.

One volunteer, who was recognized as the Volunteer of the Year for her 14-year service to the South Central Kentucky Chapter of the Red Cross, said the honor is humbling.

Deann Burns (center) received the Volunteer of the Year award at a
Red Cross volunteer recognition ceremony, Aug. 13, at Fort Knox, Ky.
Burns has served as a volunteer for 14 years
with the Red Cross Kentucky Region. 

“I don’t volunteer for the recognition, or for anticipation of an award, or to try and achieve some elusive number of volunteer hours that are tallied each month with the right to brag,” said Deann Burns, a spouse of a former soldier stationed at Fort Knox. “I volunteer to help someone that may be experiencing some challenges and who needs a little extra help, a kind word or a smile, and to make it a little easier for them to make it through the month.” 

During the ceremony, Burns received a silver platter engraved with her name from members of the American Red Cross Kentucky Region and later described her start with the organization. She began volunteering for the Red Cross in 1981 when her husband was stationed in Grafenwoehr, Germany. When she and her husband arrived at Fort Knox in 2010, there were no Red Cross-hosted blood drives on post, and she was initially asked to be a Blood Donor Ambassador to spearhead the program on base.

Five years later, she was asked to be the Santa’s Workshop Coordinator, where she directed volunteer recruitment, toy donations and coordination with off-base stores and charities, marketing and promotion efforts, and distributing toys to Fort Knox families. Her first year in the job, the Santa’s Workshop provided toys and books to over 200 military families. In the years since, the Santa’s Workshop program has grown in popularity, and nearly 300 children are helped every year.

Another volunteer, who achieved 10,956 hours of volunteer service to the Red Cross services on Fort Knox, said her extensive volunteerism came from being an “empty nester” and wanting to give back to the Red Cross.

Amy Grimm (center), a volunteer with the Red Cross at Fort Knox, Ky.,
earned nearly 11,000 hours of volunteer service, and was recognized
for her service during a volunteer ceremony, Aug. 13, at Fort Knox. 

“[Being recognized] is not what drives us to do what we do, but it's nice to be recognized,” said Amy Grimm, a Fort Knox volunteer and military spouse. “All my kids left at the same time and I just didn’t know what to do with my hands … It worked out perfectly that I could dive into this resource that I’m really trying to assist families with versus staying at home and doing nothing.”

Grimm added that she’s a firm believer of “doing something positive” with her time and that it “fills [my] soul.”

A Red Cross youth volunteer, Gabe Fulkerson, was recognized during the ceremony for his outstanding work with the International Humanitarian Law Youth Action Campaign. The Glendale, Kentucky native is a first-year aeronautics student at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida, and said he volunteers for multiple reasons.

“I volunteer with the Red Cross to improve myself as a person and because I enjoy helping people,” Fulkerson said.

The International Human Law Youth Action Campaign empowers high school and college-aged students to learn about laws that govern armed conflict, known as international humanitarian law. Youth volunteers educate the American public on humanitarian law through peer-to-peer education campaigns and training.

Fulkerson added that other students should volunteer with the Red Cross because doing so “shows leadership, cooperation, and compassion, all of which are skills colleges are looking for.”

Other volunteers recognized during the ceremony received Exceptional Volunteer Service Awards and Time-in-Service Awards for volunteering with Red Cross chapters across the state.

Red Cross volunteers from throughout the Kentucky Region were
recognized for exceptional volunteer service during a
recognition ceremony, Aug.13, at Fort Knox. 

Disaster Action Team Volunteer, Peter Waldrab, Says Helping Others is 'Rewarding'

Every day dedicated Red Cross volunteers in Kentucky help their neighbors recover from disasters. When the unthinkable happens, like a house fire, these volunteers assist disaster victims in big and small ways. Peter Waldrab is one such dedicated volunteer. 

Peter and his wife, Alicia, are Disaster Action Team (DAT) volunteers who meet with families just after they've experienced a home fire. Peter said, "We meet with families, talk with them, and collect information to help case workers get families assistance with recovery." Peter and Alicia serve with the Red Cross in addition to maintaining day jobs and raising three children.  

Peter is the VP of Electric Distributions Operations for Louisville Gas and Electric Company (LG&E) and Kentucky Utilities Company (KU). In this role, he leads a team responsible for keeping the lights on in about one million Kentucky homes. Peter explained that because his work keeps him very busy on weekdays, he often volunteers with the Red Cross on weekends.  

Peter started volunteering with the Red Cross Kentucky Region in 2023 after moving to Louisville from Philadelphia in 2022. He explained that supporting others through volunteering is important to him. He emigrated to the United States from the United Kingdom at a young age, and because he received "invaluable helping hands along the way," he wanted to help others. He has previously volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and food banks.  

In addition to helping him give back to the community, volunteering with the Red Cross has also helped Peter get to know the communities in Louisville. "I've met some incredible people volunteering," Peter said. "It's incredible to see how people come together for one another in a difficult time. I routinely see neighbors who were strangers before a fire occurs jump in to support one another in recovery." 

Peter recalled responding to a recent home fire in Indiana where the family lost everything. "The smoke alarms went off, and the family had time to evacuate, but they only got out of the house with the pajamas that they were wearing, their dog, and their cellphones.  Everything else—wallets, cars, etc—was destroyed in the fire." Peter explained that even though the family had insurance to replace their things, they needed short-term help. They had lost their wallets and cars and couldn't get around or buy the things they needed for the next few days. "We were able to provide some valuable information and cover their immediate needs. It was a huge relief for the family, and a rewarding moment for my wife and I," Peter said.  

DAT volunteers like Peter and Alicia make an immeasurable impact on the lives of the people they serve. Thank you, Peter, Alicia, and all the other DAT volunteers, for your continued service! 

Josh Riddle: Neighbors Helping Neighbors through the Red Cross Community Adaptation Program

Written by Remy Kennedy

Josh Riddle wants the message about the Red Cross community adaptation program (CAP) to be one of longevity. “I don’t like to say CAP is only linked to disasters. We’re doing the work whether there’s a disaster or not,” he said. Coming from 7 years of foster care work, Josh joined us in 2022 as our CAP Risk Reduction Manager within Warren County, Kentucky. CAP’s goal within the county is to bolster existing nonprofits and community resources with a focus on the international and low-income communities.  

“Our three H’s are health, hunger and housing. If you take [the 2021] tornado out of the picture, the need is still extremely high. Families need to be connected to food sources. Reliable transportation. Affordable housing. I don’t want people to focus on the tornado. We are working with the community so in case [disruption] happens, people will be more resilient and less likely to be displaced from their homes…,” said Josh. One team goal is to build community coalitions comprised of local organizations to hold regular meetings to brainstorm and plan. 

Josh spoke with us about how the credit for building up the community goes to the people and neighbors helping neighbors. “They were already doing the work. I don’t want to say we are coming in and building resilient people. The resiliency was already there. I’ve never seen groups of people come together like that (after the tornado response). The community was already working together, we are just helping fill in some gaps.” 

The CAP team is working with 15 local partners to improve their programming and community reach. The team helped the International Center of Kentucky install an industrial kitchen in their building, where the women are doing cooking classes and providing food resources. They have provided a passenger van, commercial refrigerators, and freezers to the Delafield Co-Op market. House on the Hill received apple smart devices, walk in coolers and a box truck to assist with their food delivery service. 

These are just a few of the services CAP has provided to help these local organizations provide aid to more families in need. Josh said no day is the same and there isn’t a set “routine” for his job, but he likes it that way. “I have a passion for helping others… It’s a new adventure and a new type of problem to solve every day.” 

Josh has a daughter named Sierra and three grandkids, Kacie, Axel, and Jameson. He’s married to Melissa, and they play in the band, Wet Eyed Liars, together. Melissa sings and plays the guitar, and Josh plays the drums. You can find Wet Eyed Liars on all the streaming services! Josh loves the outdoors and hiking. When he’s at home, he’s snuggling his two dogs, Ollie and Mitski. 

Welcoming Misty Thomas as Red Cross KY Region Volunteer Services Director

We are happy to announce that Misty Thomas is our new Red Cross KY Region Volunteer Services Director, serving KY, southern IN and IL. Misty joined the region team in April 2021, serving as the executive director of the Red Cross Western Kentucky Chapter. Misty will help lead the region with our volunteer services group to recruit new volunteers and engage current volunteers with all lines of services for the Red Cross such as biomed services, disaster response and preparedness, Service to the Armed Forces, among others. Before Misty joined the Red Cross she worked in broadcast journalism, where she had a voice as a leader in the news conversations on K105 and 103.9’s “In the Know” and “Shop Local Leitchfield.”

Misty had only been with the Red Cross a little over six months when the devastating December 2021 tornado swept through much of her chapter area, impacting multiple counties and devastating hundreds of individuals and families. She tirelessly helped her communities by working alongside Red Cross disaster workers, working closely with county judge executives, mayors, and multiple organizations to help communities and families respond and recover from the tornadoes.

“My journey with the American Red Cross has allowed me to serve communities on their darkest days, offer survivors resources, and connect with community partners. However, the unexpected and most fulfilling part has been the opportunity to watch the best of humanity come alive as community members step into the heroic roles of serving their own neighbors. It’s been an honor to serve and guide them. Additionally, the American Red Cross has gifted me the most amazing friendships and opportunities to grow as a humanitarian,” said Misty.

In the three and a half years Misty has been with us, she has jumped in to help, not only in the KY Region, but has deployed to assist in other areas outside of western KY and across the country:

• 
  Worked in public affairs for the 2022 Eastern KY Floods
• Elected Official Liaison in fall 2022 for Hurricane Ian
• Housing Liaison for the 2023 Maui wildfires
• Responded to the 2024 Memorial Day weekend storms, which re-impacted many of the same areas devastated by the 2021 December tornado in western KY.
• Serves as a Kentucky State Relations Representative for the Red Cross

Misty leads with a servant’s heart and has been active in her community serving on many boards and nonprofit groups:

• She was honored as a Kentucky Colonel for her work in co-creating Saving Hope Charities, a transitional living facility for homeless women with children.
• Grayson County Chamber of Commerce President and Vice President
• President of the Twin Lakes Professional Women’s Organization
• Worked with Grayson County Poverty Coalition and Grayson County Women of Worth
• Served as Vice President of Silverleaf Sexual Trauma Recovery Services

Misty holds a BS in Organizational Leadership and Learning; MS in Human Resources and Organizational Development – both from the University of Louisville and is currently a doctoral candidate at Liberty University where she studies public administration and policy analysis. She has been married for 28 years and has three grown children in their mid-20s.

Finding Strength in Community: The Ward Family's Journey

The Ward Family. Photo credit: Karen Ward

What do you turn to when despair strikes your family? When the devastation takes your breath away? Karen Ward turns to her faith and the strength in community. Karen and Justin Ward have three beautiful girls together, Tenley, Adley, and Caselyn. In December of 2018, Tenley was two years old when she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The family, from Hodgenville, Kentucky, moved temporarily to Cincinnati for treatment at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. 

At four years old, Tenley relapsed and had to receive a bone marrow transplant. After years of treatment and blood transfusions, the family was preparing to go back home. The day they were packing, Adley was diagnosed with the exact same cancer. She was just three years old. The Ward’s had to start their journey all over again, focused on saving Tenley and Adley, while raising Caselyn, who was a newborn baby at the time.

“[Talking about the support] makes me cry. I’m from a small town. Larue county. Full of wonderful people. Above and beyond. In that time, we could have asked for the world, and it would have been delivered to the hospital,” said Karen. Tenley needed to receive blood immediately. “We knew she needed blood and we thought it would be an easy thing. It turned out, she was A-. There was no A- blood anywhere in a radius that would get to us quick enough for when she needed it… It’s a horrible feeling when it’s your child. You want to be able to get them whatever they need,” said Karen. Thankfully, Tenley was able to take the RhoGAM shot to receive a transfusion with a different blood type.

Tenley with Karen.
Photo credit: Karen Ward

Tenley developed a brain injury after her bone marrow transplant. “Tenley had lost all motor function. She couldn’t walk, talk or move her facial features to let you know she was sad, happy, angry. She couldn’t drink or eat… She was in a gait trainer and a wheelchair. It was a long road,” Karen said. 

Tenley and Adley both needed whole blood and platelet transfusions to survive. Platelets are most often used during cancer treatment for blood clotting. “We’ve had lots of transfusions… For us, it became almost a daily thing. My children wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for people who were willing to donate.” Combined, the girls received over 100 blood product transfusions during treatment. 

The family was persevering through prayer. “Because of our faith, we never doubted our kids were going to get better. I think it’s because God protected us from some of that. I remember when Tenley was first diagnosed. The room was quiet, I was at the end of her bed. I told God, you have to take it because it’s too heavy. There were days that were sad and hard. But I never felt hopeless,” said Karen.

Caselyn has had a unique upbringing, as a village of caretakers helped fill in for Karen and Justin when they were needed at the hospital. Karen became emotional discussing Caselyn, as there were times she wanted alone time with her new baby. She didn’t get to share the newborn bonding time with her. “She’s grown up different which she understands and embraces. She was born during the hardest time of our life… God has a way of working all those things out. This child has always been loved. She has been wrapped up in every way possible since she was born.”

Tenley and Adley.
Photo credit: Karen Ward

The community support for the family never wavered. “It makes you so proud of the people here [in Larue county]. They have carried us when we couldn’t walk… I can’t even remember how many blood drives in honor of the girls were put on with huge showings of people. People who signed up for the bone marrow registry because of Tenley and Adley. People started doing fundraisers, there were shirts made. We had a family who donated a wheelchair to Tenley,” said Karen.

Karen said the best part of their story was the inspiration the girls gave people. “I feel like the girls have had a huge impact on a lot of people. The most important ones are people who said ‘My family didn’t really pray before your girls were sick. Now, we pray together every night.’ I feel like if that was the purpose, then it was worth it.” Karen shared many people who were nervous to give blood overcame their fear in honor of the girls.

Tenley, Adley, and Caselyn are currently at home and happy, trying to live with a bit more routine and stability. Tenley developed epilepsy after her brain injury and experiences 5-10 seizures per day. Karen expressed after cancer, “Life doesn’t move on. It’s part of your daily life. She’s happy and that’s what’s most important to us.” Tenley and Adley both do gymnastics and Adley is starting cheer classes, while Caselyn recently started T-ball. Tenley loves music and coloring. The sisters share a tight bond, ganging up on mom and dad when they try to discipline them.

Tenley, Adley, and Caselyn.
Photo credit: Karen Ward

Karen praised Justin, saying he was born to be a girl dad. He’s the perfect balance for Karen, and they give each other strength when the days get exhausting. “Some people say, ‘We don’t know how you all have done it.’ I say, what choice do you have when it’s your kids? You’re going to do whatever you can. We wouldn’t have been able to endure this without our family and the community.” 

You can help people like the Ward family by donating blood. Schedule an upcoming appointment at our Stars, Stripes and Pints blood drive in Louisville! Go to redcrossblood.org and enter code: HERO. You can keep up with Tenley and Adley by following the “Ward Warriors” Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/teamtenleyiamthestorm/

The Ward Family. Photo credit: Karen Ward