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. 

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. 

National Volunteer Week – Kathleen Doughty

By Kevin Sandell, American Red Cross communications volunteer

As board chair, leading the efforts of an organization’s board of directors is not for the fainthearted. A lot is riding on the board’s ability to guide the organization to meeting its objectives. For the current Board Chair of the American Red Cross South Central Kentucky Chapter, serving with the chapter’s board is an opportunity for the chapter to reach new heights. 

“We have a big potential, but we’re just tapping that potential,” Kathleen Doughty, the chapter’s Board Chair, said.

Doughty, who has lived in Kentucky for nearly three decades, has served on the chapter’s board since July 2017. Her roles not only include facilitation of the board’s meetings, but also directing the efforts of the board to guide the local Red Cross chapter in serving its local communities.

Doughty said the board is comprised of 12 members from all walks of life. She previously worked in higher education and then a local home healthcare agency. After leaving the education and healthcare fields, she opened her own business, which specializes in laser-engraved, personalized gifts and holiday ornaments. 

Her father’s service as a firefighter paramedic in Massachusetts inspired her interest in emergency and disaster response at a young age. She served as an emergency dispatcher in South Carolina and Kentucky but wanted to be able to “see the action, instead of just hearing it on the phone and through the radio,” she said. At that time, women firefighters were not common in the fire service, so she decided to earn her paramedic certification, and eventually earned the rank of lieutenant in a paramedic department in Charleston, South Carolina. 

While working as an emergency dispatcher in Bowling Green, Kentucky, Doughty said a police officer in the department served on the local Red Cross board, which also intrigued her about board membership.

Serving in South Carolina, Doughty said the state endured several hurricanes, including Hurricane Hugo, a Category 4 hurricane. It was at that time where she saw the American Red Cross in action providing support to local affected communities. She said it is important for everyone to do something to mitigate the effects of disasters.

“Disasters don’t discriminate,” Doughty said. “People may be fine, and others lose everything. [Disasters] go where [they] want to go. Everybody needs to be doing something.”

Emphasizing the need for people to step up during disasters, she added, “There’s a lot of ways for people to volunteer. You can do as little as you want or as much as you want.”

Doughty, who is a “big blood donation supporter” said the South Central Kentucky Chapter wants to increase awareness and understanding of donating blood and the importance of working smoke alarms in homes and businesses. The Red Cross South Central Kentucky Chapter serves 22 counties in Kentucky, and serves as the Service to Armed Forces station at Fort Knox, the U.S. Army base south of Louisville.

Learn more about volunteering with the Red Cross at redcross.org/volunteertoday

The Reliability and Devotion of House on the Hill

Joel Hawkins with Halie Chamberlain

How do we combat over half of Americans living one crisis away from homelessness? With agencies like House on the Hill (HotH) who work diligently to provide access to fresh food and housing to low-income families. We spoke with Joel Hawkins, Executive Director at HotH.

“House on the Hill formed in 2010 in Mississippi,” said Joel. They reestablished in Bowling Green, Kentucky. “We have a food box program that we run. We currently serve 250 families per month… With the help of Red Cross and other agencies, we opened a free grocery store in one of the small communities in the county.”

The families that receive food boxes can now have a shopping experience and choose the produce and goods they want to take home. “Empowering families is one way we have been trying to combat the stigma of poverty,” said Joel. “The work we do focuses on the dignity of the clients we serve. The grocery store program is one of those ways we try to instill dignity. It empowers the family to come make their own food choices. But it also gives them the opportunity to shop at a grocery store instead of sitting at home and waiting on a box to be delivered.”

Our Red Cross Community Adaptation Program (CAP) has allowed HotH to advance their service to communities in Warren County. CAP is centered around communities that are at high risk for extreme weather and face socioeconomic challenges. CAP strengthens local nonprofits and their programs before a disaster and seeks to serve families hit hard by this new increasing state of climate disasters. “With CAP, we have received a forklift, a walk-in cooler to provide fresh produce, and a deep freezer we keep proteins in,” said Joel. 

His team is working to turn their focus to affordable housing options for low-income families. “This partnership with Red Cross has allowed us to look at innovative solutions to meet those needs. Whether it’s food, housing, or other programs. We also know a lot of health issues are created because of the housing situations our families are in. So, to be able to provide safe, inhabitable, affordable housing for low-income folks is now on our horizon because of the work.”

The housing program will look to build new houses in neighborhoods that provide common amenities. It will have supplemental aid if families are unable to make rent or pay utility bills on a given month if finances are tight. “Through this program, they won’t have to face getting evicted,” said Joel. While the 2021 western Kentucky tornadoes brought a focus to marginalized communities, Joel wants the spotlight placed on the kindness and service of the people.

“That’s what I’d love for the story to be is how neighbors help neighbors. We have many people who want to volunteer at the grocery store… Our neighbors are coming together all the time in little pockets around the community,” he said. Joel told us about how agencies showed up with little to do after the tornadoes because community members had already jumped in to do clean up.

He’s most proud of the stability that HotH provides. “We don’t just show up, provide a little bit of help, and leave. We stay.” One of their goals is to develop a community garden and pavilion on the property of the grocery store.

Joel is married to Jackie, and they live on a small farm in Warren County with a couple of miniature horses and dogs. Their son, Jackson, is an artist teaching glass blowing at University in Missouri.

Joel with his wife and son.

Global Oasis: A Haven for Learning, Relaxation, and Community at the International Center of Kentucky

After the 2021 tornadoes devastated western Kentucky, our Red Cross Community Adaptation Program (CAP) was initiated. Focused on Warren County, CAP provides enhanced support in select communities that are at high risk for extreme weather and face socioeconomic challenges. CAP enhances local nonprofits specializing in health, hunger and housing to strengthen their programs before a disaster and to serve families hit hard by this new increasing state of climate disasters.

One of our proud partnerships is with the International Center of Kentucky (ICoKY). We caught up with Albert Mbanfu, CEO of ICoKY. “What we do is resettle refugees and victims of human trafficking and other immigrants. We help them integrate into the community and start their lives over again after disruption from their parent home countries,” said Albert. He’s been the CEO for 11 years. Albert says the partnership with us has been vital. The ICoKY has helped resettle over 10,000 refugees from over 30 different countries. There are over 85 languages spoken in Warren County.

Executive Director, Albert Mbanfu, speaks at the ribbon cutting.

Photo Credit: (Grace Ramey / grace.ramey@bgdailynews.com)

“Immigrants have access to transportation because of the partnership with Red Cross. We can take them to places like the health department, the grocery, and the social security office where they can have their documents established.” Albert says the support has led to ICoKY having a facility where refugees can congregate and access electricity and internet. “We can successfully continue with our programs and classes even if the power goes out. We have back up power with generators.”

The office in Bowling Green has close to 40 staff. The staff come from 15 different countries around the world. “We pick [the refugees] up at the airport and show them hospitality. We make sure there is someone there to talk to them in their language,” said Albert. The center has become a place of safety and fellowship, where refugees can share experiences and learn. ICoKY has a full kitchen, portable showers, a 15-passenger van, and an outdoor charging station for phones and tablets. The staff teaches English speaking classes.

Albert with ICoKY staff

Albert is a refugee from Cameroon, Africa, who came to the US seeking asylum as part of the Refugee Act. The first thing he wants everyone to understand is refugees are coming from a place of trauma. “Just understanding how to use the appliances in their apartment. To start, many of them have never flushed a toilet or used a stove. They don’t know how to condition the thermostat to make it warm or cold. It’s so traumatizing to them when they arrive,” he said. The center shows them how to operate and go about basic life tasks in America.

ICoKY has agreed to become a resilience hub during times of disruption and disaster. This means refugees will have a safe place to gather and discuss what’s happening and gather resources about how to move forward. “Right now, I’m not super worried about the aftermath of a disaster in this community because of CAP. We know the Red Cross will be there for us. We know Red Cross will be ready to support us and provide us the necessary resources to support the refugees. The presence and partnership are invaluable. I have a piece of mind because of this partnership,” said Albert.

Sitting outside in peace may be something Americans take for granted, but Albert says it’s the greatest thing refugees can enjoy. “Just having the comfortability of sitting and charging their phone while they enjoy nature. That’s the American dream for them. They never thought that would happen.” Albert shared with us he escaped poverty and misery; and that’s what many of the refugees have faced.

Albert with family

Coming to America was a way to start over for Albert. He came here in 2005 and got a new job and went to school. He got married to his wife in 2007. They have 3 sons, and he proudly watches them have access to opportunities he never dreamed of. One of Albert’s sons just got accepted to the esteemed Emory University for college. “Knowing my kids have a brighter future just from being in the United States, it’s something you can’t buy with money. I’m just happy God willing, my kids will have a life that is better than mine was… I know I’ve birthed a generation that will not experience poverty, torture, and war.”

We are grateful for Albert’s leadership, wisdom, and kindness. We know this partnership will continue to grow and provide sustainable resources for refugees.

A better night’s sleep for Fort Knox soldiers, courtesy of Tempur-Pedic and the American Red Cross

By Kevin Sandell, American Red Cross Volunteer

A good night's rest is a proven way to improve health and wellness. It’s especially imperative for U.S. service members as they serve and protect America at locations around the world.

Capt. Kyle Hinzman, commander of the 34th and 905th Military
Police Detachments on Fort Knox, secures a new mattress
atop a vehicle at the American Red Cross’ Warrior Warehouse
on post, Feb. 9. 

Tempur-Pedic and the American Red Cross Kentucky Region partnered to donate 80 new mattresses to U.S. service members and families stationed at Fort Knox, the large U.S. Army post south of Louisville. The in-kind donation from the Lexington, Ky.-based mattress manufacturer allowed soldiers and families in need to receive a new mattress at the Red Cross Warrior Warehouse on post. A group of military police soldiers stationed at Fort Knox even helped load the mattresses into each vehicle waiting in line.

For Yvonne Plough, the Red Cross’ Volunteer Engagement Lead at the Warrior Warehouse, seeing soldiers volunteer to help those in need is a tangible way to pay it forward. “[This is] soldiers helping soldiers. We all had a consideration at one point where we needed help, so when we receive help, we should give it forward,” Plough said.

Tempur-Pedic donated the queen-sized mattresses to the American Red Cross to distribute to service members or their families on Fort Knox, and has done so for several years, according to John Matthews, a Red Cross Senior Regional Program Specialist. The Red Cross works with unit chaplains and commanders to nominate enlisted service members E-6 and below in their units to receive a new mattress. Soldiers in the paygrades of E-1 to E-4 are junior enlisted service members, and soldiers in the paygrades of E-5 to E-6 are noncommissioned officers who typically manage junior enlisted service members in day-to-day operations. Each nominated soldier must verify they will not resell the mattresses, nor will they receive more than one mattress per year. 

Soldiers from the 34th and 905th Military Police Detachments
at Fort Knox, Ky. haul new mattresses from inside the
American Red Cross Warrior Warehouse, Feb. 9.

According to a Tempur-Pedic press release from January 2023, the company has donated more than 228,000 mattresses to charities since 2011, including veterans homes and military bases, homeless shelters, fire stations, and the American Red Cross.

A group of eight soldiers from the post’s 34th Military Police Detachment and the 905th Military Working Dog Detachment volunteered to help move the mattresses from inside the warehouse and load them into each waiting vehicle. For 1st Lt. Davis Johns, the Executive Officer for both detachments, the chance to volunteer with the Red Cross helps others understand their profession better.

“I feel like it’s part of our job being military police,” Johns said. “Our job is to protect and serve the people of the installation, and this is just one of the ways we can do that, even if it’s not in a law enforcement capacity.”

The commander of both detachments, Capt. Kyle Hinzman, said many of the detachments’ soldiers have volunteered with previous Red Cross volunteer opportunities on post, and relished the chance to do so again distributing mattresses. He said at least four soldiers in the unit have earned the military’s Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal in the last two years for their volunteerism efforts.

Soldiers with the 34th and 905th Military Police Detachments
at Fort Knox, Ky., load a mattress into a waiting vehicle during
 a free mattress distribution event at Fort Knox, Feb. 9.

“Doing something like this gives a [better] view that we can be part of positive support to the community as opposed to just showing up at someone’s house when they’re having a really bad day,” Hinzman said.

As she and the other soldiers loaded mattresses into vehicles, Staff Sgt. Joann Cassitty, an operations noncommissioned officer with the 34th MP Detachment, said she and her soldiers are “always ready to help.” She called the American Red Cross’ programs on Fort Knox “amazing,” and wished that every installation had comparable services.

By day’s end, all 80 mattresses were claimed - tied onto vehicle roofs or slid into trunks, much to the visible satisfaction of those receiving one.

Volunteer Appreciation Month: Amy Grimm

We all need reminders of the kindness in the world. For folks in Kentucky, you don’t have to look far. Just head on base at Fort Knox to see what Red Cross volunteers do for military families. Amy Grimm leads with a servant’s heart and wakes up with a mission in mind. She is the Helping Hands Warrior Warehouse Lead and Creator. Helping Hands is a Red Cross program available to provide food, household items, and clothing to assist military families with a financial need.

“I started volunteering with Red Cross 8 years ago, helping with Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) and casework,” said Amy. She then had a brilliant idea that has changed lives. “The Helping Hands location had to move. I asked the Fort Knox football team to come help… I used to run football and baseball boosters,” said Amy. She spoke to the Red Cross SAF Region Director, May Giulitto. “I said ‘what do you think about the Airman’s Attic? It’s a thrift store for the young and listed… What do you think about starting one for the Army?”

May and Amy brainstormed about what to call the new location. The name “Warrior Warehouse” was born, and the journey began. “This could be our groundbreaking thing. I grabbed my volunteers and said, ‘hey let’s start this thing,” explained Amy. As people moved, this was a great place for them to drop donations of furniture and clothing. “It turns into blessings for someone else who doesn’t have anything,” said Amy.

Amy and her fellow Red Cross volunteers help sort and process donations. The last Thursday of the month, there’s a free shop for active-duty military members. The last Friday of the month is open to Veterans, retirees, and dependents. The last Saturday of the month is their “yard sale” open to the public for anyone who can get on base. The team accepts cash donations for the Friday and Saturday shops.

Any funds raised by the shops goes back to support the Fort Knox American Red Cross Soldier Support Program. This includes services like the Helping Hands Food Pantry, Santa’s Workshop, Candy Cane Lane, the Loan Closet, and more. “It feeds my soul because I can give back,” said Amy.

One family Amy helped was moving from Alaska. They had 3 kids, 2 dogs, an SUV, and a trailer. They wrecked in North Dakota. “On the Fort Knox spouses page, the wife posted… She said I can’t get ahold of my command. I need uniforms, boots, and some items for my kids,” said Amy. “Their SUV was totaled. They were not able to recover items… We were the in between. We had [the items] ready to go by the time they arrived. We set this family up for success even though they just had the worst week of their life.”

It's hard work and long days, but Amy and her team love what they do. “It’s what wakes us up. Every one of our volunteers gets up and says: who can I help today and who can I serve?” Amy emphasized that her husband is her main support and cheerleader. They have been together 14 years and he reminds her to “[volunteer] until it’s not fun anymore.”

When she takes breaks and steps away from base, Amy loves to travel and go on hikes. She recently hiked the Appalachian Trail. Thank you for your volunteerism, Amy! We know you have touched the lives of many. 

Interested in learning more about our SAF work on base? Go to redcross.org/kentucky. Follow the Fort Knox Warrior Warehouse Facebook group at: Fort Knox US WarriorWarehouse

Volunteer Appreciation Month: Richard Peters

As a firefighter of 20 years and a Hardin County native, Richard Peters thought volunteering with the American Red Cross South Central Kentucky Chapter was a perfect fit after he retired.

Photos courtesy Richard Peters

“When I left the fire service, I still felt the need to help folks out in their worst times,” said Richard. “As a firefighter, we relied on the Red Cross for client assistance and also to be there for us and our folks with the canteen services they provided.”

Richard has been volunteering with Red Cross in Elizabethtown for going on four years. Starting out, he was doing intake for residents impacted by disasters and volunteering as part of canteen services. As time went on, he moved into the role of Duty Officer. “As the duty officer […], I field the calls from the National Red Cross line and assign them to the local case workers.”

Richard also helps maintain the fleet that is assigned to the chapter office and makes sure that they are kept ready for service. He helps train new volunteers to fulfill the Red Cross mission. “I have learned that everyone learns at different paces and are willing to do different aspects of the job,” said Richard.

For Richard, volunteering is interesting because of how different each situation can be.

“Everyone reacts differently to a stranger coming in to help,” he said. “Dealing with the emotions of each individual that is involved can be a challenge, but it is a very rewarding challenge in the end.”

One of the most memorable things Richard has experienced with the Red Cross was responding as the tornado that went through Bowling Green, KY in 2021.

“Seeing the diversity in one town and not having an idea that there were so many different nationalities living in the town,” Richard explained. “I remember sitting and talking with an individual that had twin babies and having to have everything I said repeated through an interpreter.”

For Richard, volunteering with the Red Cross means being willing to lend a hand and being able to lift some weight off someone’s shoulders. “If I am able to assist somebody having a bad day, then I have fulfilled the calling that has been placed upon my life,” said Richard.

When he isn’t volunteering with the Red Cross, Richard enjoys working with people and helping in any way that he can. He has spent many hours with volunteer organizations, from the food bank at his church to being a firefighter, and he tries to make a difference however he can.

“If I can help someone, that is all I am out to do,” said Richard. “I just have the heart of a servant and God had placed a calling on my life to do so.”

Thank you, Richard, for all you do! Learn more about volunteering with the Red Cross at redcross.org/volunteertoday

Volunteer Appreciation Month: Augusto Beltran

We often joke that Red Cross volunteers wear many hats. Red Cross South Central Kentucky (SCKY) Board Member, Augusto Beltran, is no exception. Volunteering with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Augusto assists with the Peruvian and Spanish Red Cross. “I came from Peru. My family is from Spain. I grew up in both spaces,” said Augusto.

Augusto started volunteering with the American Red Cross in Maryland 8 years ago. “I came here to learn English. I was a bilingual instructor, I helped translate in the aftermath of house fires,” said Augusto. He moved to Kentucky 4 years ago and became a Red Cross SCKY board member, supporting home fire campaigns and training CPR/First Aid classes. “I support different communities that don’t speak English. I’m a volunteer fire fighter,” said Augusto.

When deadly tornados tore through western Kentucky in December of 2021, Augusto was on scene helping with search and rescue. “I helped the firefighters. I discovered that peopled needed help but didn’t know how to speak English. I remember thinking, ‘I can do more than this.’ I started helping with Red Cross Community Engagement and Partnerships (CEP).” Augusto remembers a woman thanking him for making her feel seen. “She said, ‘thank you so much. We don’t have a voice because nobody understands. We don’t speak English.”

Augusto also works with the United Nations in Human Rights. “I help with human trafficking efforts. Here [in the USA] it’s happening, but nobody sees it. It’s dangerous. It’s important to know about that and educate people to see the signs. [Human trafficking victims] are prisoners and they aren’t free to talk. We identify where it can happen. We show people how to see and prepare for situations.”

With the Spanish Red Cross, Augusto worked on restoring family links. When disaster would strike and people would look for their family members in the hospitals, he would help create that communication. With the Peruvian Red Cross, Augusto worked on his emergency certifications. He remembers going out with search and rescue dogs to find families after an earthquake hit. “I cannot explain the pain they experienced. I just tried to help. We walked for full days without any rest trying to find survivors,” said Augusto.

He has also worked with the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), which is an agency of the United Nations responsible for providing humanitarian and developmental aid to children worldwide. Augusto lives in Bowling Green, Kentucky with his wife, Patricia. Patricia is an infectious disease doctor who was pivotal during the COVID-19 outbreak. “I am so proud of her. We complement each other. We believe helping people is the best way to better the community,” said Augusto.

In his free time, Augusto likes to travel and go surfing. Here in Kentucky, he rides horses and takes classes in Karate and Taekwondo. Thank you for your humanitarian efforts, Augusto! The Kentucky team is so grateful for your leadership! #VolunteerAppreciationMonth

Learn more about volunteering with the Red Cross at redcross.org/volunteertoday

#MyStoryMonday: Greensburg United Methodist Church

Karen with her granddaughter
from Louisville.

“When you volunteer, you are doing God’s work. You are not getting paid for it. You don’t do it for the accolades. You do it because it’s important. Volunteering is part of your heart.” Karen Warren is the Red Cross Blood Program Leader at Greensburg United Methodist Church in Kentucky. The church has a proud tradition of hosting regular blood drives since 1964. Mrs. Anne Frank started the effort in Green County, and her legacy lives on. “I’ve been with it about 21 years,” said Karen. “I had an aunt that worked with the county clerk and volunteered at the blood drive. I told Mrs. Anne when I retire, I was going to volunteer too. She said okay- you’re going to have to take over when I can’t do it anymore.”

Mrs. Anne with her daughter at the
American Red Cross National Headquarters
in Washington, DC

Mrs. Anne is 92 years old and was the Red Cross Blood Program Leader for 45 years. She has kept a journal of all the volunteers, their hours and the donations collected. “The volunteers are wonderful. We couldn’t do it without them. It’s important to have volunteers because you wouldn’t get anything done without them,” said Mrs. Anne. Greensburg has hosted 331 blood drives, collected 22,859 pints of blood (equaling 2,857 gallons), and saved up to 68,577 lives. Karen now keeps the journal and adds in the information after each blood drive. 

“We’re averaging around 70 units each blood drive. It can fluctuate to 80 and sometimes 60. It’s amazing what we can do. We have politicians that remember to come down. Mrs. Anne’s sons know that if they don’t get down to the blood drive, they will be in trouble. It’s a family affair,” said Karen. That’s the perfect word to describe the Green County community: family. Karen and Anne both expressed the people are why they love giving back. Karen was a teacher for 27 years in the county, and she sees older students who stop her in town to ask when the blood drive is.

Mrs. Anne with Clinton Kelly,
a blood donor who gave over 25 gallons

The Greensburg Record-Herald puts reminders in the newspaper. The radio station gives Karen airtime on the day of so she can encourage people to roll up a sleeve. Karen has a robust list of volunteers she can call on, and they are dedicated to their work. “They put it on their calendar and make sure nothing else is booked that day,” said Karen. In the past they have done a blood drive competition with 3 or 4 fire departments, and that brought in new regular blood donors. Walmart has supported the church efforts in donating cakes and pizza.

“We have so many people who have been important to us that we want to keep it going, and keep on giving,” expressed Karen. She makes sure she has time at every blood drive to mingle with the community members. She makes a point to get to know them, say thank you, and make them feel welcome. Karen’s granddaughter has now expressed an interest in assisting recruitment of donors and volunteer in the canteen area. She helped the church get appointments by doing a video in her basketball uniform and saying “You want to be a winner? Go donate blood!”

Mrs. Anne with three of her sons and only daughter,
 along with Karen and the Mayor when she
was honored with 42 years of service

Mrs. Anne is very proud of the success the blood drive continues to have. She calls Karen after every drive and asks for a full report of how the day went. “I call her as soon as I get home and tell her everything went well,” said Karen. Mrs. Anne is easily recognized as a community leader and is thankful for the support she’s received. “You should always give people reasons they should donate and let them know they can save a life,” said Mrs. Anne.

Greensburg United Methodist Church is a special partner, and we are thankful for their continued dedication to helping hospital patients. For information on hosting a blood drive or donating blood, go to redcrossblood.org. For more information on how to become a volunteer, please visit redcross.org/volunteer.

Photos provided by Karen Warren and Anne Frank.

Red Crossers Visited Communities Across Kentucky to Help #EndHomeFires for Sound the Alarm

A Red Crosser installs a smoke alarm
in a home in Madisonville, KY

This November, our Red Crossers visited communities across the Kentucky Region to make homes safer before the winter season by providing fire safety education and installing free smoke alarms in homes that needed them as part of our Sound the Alarm campaign. Thanks to the work of our volunteers and partners, we are proud to announce that we:

• Made 480 homes safer across Kentucky
• Installed more than 1,250 smoke alarms in homes that needed them
• Provided fire safety education to more than 1,200 of our neighbors

We are so thankful for the partners and supporters who made this possible! It is thanks to the efforts of our community that we could achieve our mission. Special thanks to Lexington Fire Department for their ongoing support of our Sound the Alarm campaign for the past several years.

Red Crossers prepare for a day of installing
smoke alarms in Eastern Kentucky

We would like to thank the following community partners for their help as we work to #endhomefires:

Western Kentucky Chapter

• Ohio Co. Fire Assoc.
• Ballard Co. FD
• Calloway FD
• Cuba FD
• Salem FD
• Goreville FD
• Alton Fire Department

South Central Kentucky Chapter:

• Franklin Simpson FD
• Glasgow FD

Bluegrass Area Chapter

• Corbin City FD
• Georgetown FD
• London City FD
• Madison Co. FD
• Nicholasville FD
• Shopville FD/Pongo FD
• Scott Co. FD
• Swiss Colony FD
• Winchester FD
• Woodford FD

Eastern Kentucky Chapter

• Cumberland City FD
• Harlan City FD
• Lynch FD
• Middlesboro FD
• Bath Co. FD
• Hazel Green FD
• Hazard City FD
• Lewis Co. EMA
• Menifee Co EMA
• Morehead City FD
• Benham FD
• Coon Creek FD

Louisville Area Chapter

• Pleasure Ridge Park FD
• Franklin Co. FD
• Simpsonville FD

Recognizing Denise McGillian, South Central Kentucky Chapter Volunteer, for Receiving our Regional Clara Barton Award!

 

Denise, receiving the Clara Barton Award

Each year, the Kentucky Region honors the work of several key Red Cross volunteers who dedicate many hours in service to the Red Cross and their local communities.

One of those honors is our regional Clara Barton Award for Meritorious Volunteer Leadership. The Clara Barton Award is awarded to a volunteer who has served in several leadership positions held over a period of years, and who has demonstrated compassionate service and extraordinary achievements that have greatly benefited our community or organization. This volunteer embodies the pioneering leadership qualities of our founder and president, Clara Barton. This year, we were excited to honor Denise McGillian from our South Central Kentucky Chapter as our regional Clara Barton Award recipient! Denise gave more than 1,801 volunteer hours in 2022 and celebrated her 4-year anniversary with the Red Cross in August.

When Denise, a military spouse, first joined our Services to Armed Forces (SAF) team in 2018, she brought with her a wealth of personal military family experience and knowledge. Her first volunteer position at the Fort Knox American Red Cross office was as an office assistant, which she quickly expanded to organizing the office, supervising the main office volunteers and establishing volunteer recognition guidelines. Denise has since expanded her knowledge and expertise throughout the many services offered by our Services to Armed Forces.

Always looking for ways to help, Denise trained to become a SAF Casework Volunteer, working with military families to make sure their needs are met when they are faced with an emergency. Denise completed all the online course training and was quickly promoted to a lead caseworker role. Since then, Denise has worked on more than 1,000 SAF cases.

Denise also developed a training curriculum for both SAF caseworkers and other SAF volunteers, outlining all classes necessary for each SAF position, which serves as an excellent guide as new volunteers navigate the training process. Additionally, with a love and talent for research, she soon developed a comprehensive resource guide and referral list to assist the caseworkers.

Recently, due to Denise’s expertise and knowledge of casework, she was asked by the Division Director for the Central Atlantic Division, which the Kentucky Region is a part of, to assist with casework throughout the Central Atlantic Division. Without hesitation, Denise again accepted the challenge. As part of her role, she now helps review and provide feedback on casework notes to other regions in the Central Atlantic Division, and jumps in to help other regions in managing casework loads.

Denise’s passionate dedication to volunteering with SAF comes from her love of giving back to her community: “We get to help so many people here. It’s just so heartwarming,” said Denise. “I love the opportunity to help our veterans and retirees, especially when they’re on really hard times.”

As a military spouse, Denise knows and sees the needs within our active duty and veteran communities. She is extremely compassionate, knowledgeable, and makes sure she uses all available resources to help meet the needs of the people she helps. For these reasons, we are so proud to name her as our Clara Barton Award recipient!

Learn more about volunteering with the Red Cross at redcross.org/volunteer.

Volunteers - the backbone of the Red Cross

As residents begin their recovery from the devastation left by historic tornadoes, Red Cross volunteers are arriving from around the country to help. Some volunteers from the Jennings Creek Elementary shelter shared their reasons for deploying. 

Pictured from left to right: Volunteers Jeff Roediger, Vonetta Woods,
Deane Oliva, Matt Strafford and Carrie Odegaard

Jeff Roediger from Charleston, SC, in Disaster Mental Health, is on his fourteenth deployment. He says he keeps deploying because there aren't as many volunteers who specialize in mental health services as there are in other volunteer positions, "so, when something like this comes up, you know, out the door I go.”

Vonetta Woods, originally from Benton Harbor, MI, now lives in Bowling Green. She says she knows people affected by the tornado. She came to help because, “It hit so close to home, and I'm just blessed, and it didn't touch us and I wanted to help out the others.”

Deane Oliva, from Bowling Green, KY, serves in Disaster Mental Health. Deane is the regional lead for the Disaster Spiritual Care Team in Kentucky and is from Bowling Green. Disaster Spiritual Care Team members provide spiritual care support to individuals and families who have been impacted by a disaster.

Matt Strafford is from Erlanger KY. The 20-year-old says he came to help because “I just wanted to help people any way I can, and I just enjoy intense situations and I feel that's where I'm called to be the most.” He encourages others to volunteer, saying, “[W]e need more young people, more people like me, with the energy and the strength to be able to help others.”

Carrie Odegaard from Shelly, MN, has deployed more than twenty times. In her experience, she says, “Every disaster response is different, and all the people we help are totally different on each disaster that we go to. But the main thing that we try to keep the same is how we take care of people.”

You can help people affected by disasters like tornadoes and countless other crises. Sign up to become a Red Cross volunteer at redcross.org/volunteer.

Kentucky Red Cross Honors Rickey Porter as Clara Barton Award Recipient

Since 2013, Rickey Porter has been a “Serving Leader” in the Red Cross Kentucky Region and the Western Kentucky Chapter. Rickey maintains incredible empathy, patience and poise while taking the steps to ensure that the Red Cross is prepared to serve our community. 

He has mentored new and seasoned volunteers alike, and has paved the way for others to provide high levels of service to those in their moments of greatest need. For these reasons, we are proud to announce him as a recipient of this year’s regional Clara Barton Award. The Clara Barton Award recognizes service in volunteer leadership positions held over a period of years.

In the nine years Rickey has been with the Red Cross, he has continued to take on additional responsibilities to ensure that volunteers and the region have what they need to grow and be successful. He has deployed to disasters at home and across the country more than 20 times because he believes in providing for those who have been affected. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Rickey has deployed 8 times and logged more than 1,060 hours helping locally. He also responds to an average of 200 home fire cases a year and treats each one as they are the most important one.

Rickey is also a member of our Integrated Care and Condolence Team. In this role, he supports not only the Western Kentucky Chapter but the South Central Kentucky Chapter as well, often leading to interactions with hospital social workers, medical professionals and local coroners. He has been essential in the growth of community partnerships within Western Kentucky with various churches and has provided preparedness and safety education to the community. He is a hands-only CPR instructor and a First Aid/CPR instructor and maintains his certifications just so he can teach life-saving skills to our volunteers. He also provides First Aid stations on behalf of the Red Cross when requested for events such as the Owensboro Air Show and the Senior Games in Hopkinsville.

Rickey’s calm, competent leadership has been essential to the success of the Red Cross mission and objectives here in the Kentucky Region and his expertise is invaluable to our mission delivery. As a region, we are grateful for the support of such an outstanding volunteer!

National Volunteer Week: South Central Kentucky Chapter

The Kentucky Region of the American Red Cross is a brighter place because of our treasured volunteers! During this National Volunteer Appreciation Week, we want to deliver some inspiration directly from some of our volunteers, who were randomly chosen from their Chapter and line of service.

To start off the week, we bring to you from our South Central Kentucky Chapter:

RICHARD PETERS, Glendale. “I used to be a firefighter, so I was familiar with the Red Cross. When I left the fire department, this felt like the right move to keep connected with my community.” 

Richard is a very active Disaster Action Team (DAT) member. During this COVID-19 crisis, Richard stepped up to help out at the local blood drives in Hardin and LaRue counties as a Blood Donor Screener and Ambassador. Richard also maintains the fleet vehicles in Hardin County and maintains the lawn around the building. 

MELISSA BERGMAN, Guston. “Red Cross helped my family in 1995 when we were affected by a tornado in New York. Now I can give back to my community and the soldiers and veterans (like myself and my husband) in Kentucky.” 

Melissa wears many hats in the Red Cross, including lead positions in Volunteer Connection and Volunteer Engagement for Service to the Armed Forces (SAF), as a SAF Caseworker, Fort Knox Advisory Board Member and Volunteer Services Screener, among others.


BILL HARGAN, Greensburg. “I have a servant’s heart, I like serving people. Many years ago, we suffered a small house fire so I see and appreciate every day how Red Cross helps those in need.” 

Bill has volunteered for the Red Cross for many years. He first brought Red Cross CPR/AED/First Aid training courses to Fruit of the Loom while employed there (and currently trains Red Cross volunteers), then ventured into Disaster Cycle Services in 1998. He currently sits on the South Central Kentucky Chapter Board, is an active member of the DAT team as well as the volunteer partner for the South Central Kentucky Chapter's disaster program manager, Jason Dotson, and plays several other important roles for the chapter.

Our Red Cross volunteers are community heroes who give their time to help others. Join their ranks and be part of our lifesaving work! Visit redcross.org/volunteer to find an opportunity near you.

Shelia Allen Celebrates 20 Years with the American Red Cross

Shelia Allen is celebrating 20 years with the American Red Cross South Central Kentucky Chapter on February 16, 2020. Shelia’s passion for the Red Cross and its mission goes back to her childhood living along the Gulf Coast. In an area often impacted by tornadoes, flooding and hurricanes, the Red Cross has always been present in delivering hope and comfort to the communities she’s called home.

Shelia has served as a staple with the American Red Cross South Central Kentucky Chapter through many changes and transitions over the years. She has met many volunteers, seen disasters that impacted one to thousands, and communities that always come together to help.

Her dedication has remained constant and the Red Cross Kentucky Region and South Central Kentucky Chapter are proud to celebrate her 20 years of service.

Here’s your opportunity to get to know Shelia a little better.

Current Job Title: Administrative Assistant

Hometown: Columbia, Mississippi

Family: Married to Chris for 37 years, two daughters (Rachel and Jessica), two sons-in-law, two grandchildren and two cats.

The one thing no one knows about me is… me and my husband went over Niagara Falls in a barrel.

My first job was… at Fotomat Booth (yes, I am that old).

What led me to working at the American Red Cross was… I have always had a passion for serving others. Seeing the Red Cross at work at a young age led me to the Red Cross as an adult.

My most memorable moment/moments with the Red Cross is/are… during 9/11 seeing the community come together wanting to donate blood to help.

The best advice I ever received was… always look for the positive in everything, doing so helps you solve the problems you face with a better attitude. (My dad)

If I could do it all over again, I… wouldn’t change a thing!

My favorite part of working for the American Red Cross is… seeing people give of themselves to help others in need.

The best meal I ever had was… my grandmother’s homemade biscuits and fresh garden vegetables.

At the top of my bucket list is… travel to every state (seven more to go).

My favorite pastime is… traveling, needle knitting, loom knitting and crochet.

Red Cross Caseworkers Join Family Fun Night in West Point, KY

Written by: Kristen Perdue, Virginia Region and Amy Miller, Kentucky Region
Photo provided by Jessica Rains

Every March, the American Red Cross celebrates Red Cross Month as a chance to honor and celebrate the everyday heroes who help us fulfill our Red Cross mission. This year, Kentucky and Southern Indiana rang in Red Cross Month with flooding up and down the Ohio River, and Red Cross volunteers that came from across the country to lend a hand to those who were impacted.

While some disaster volunteers drive emergency response vehicles, assess damage, or provide hot meals or clean up supplies, Red Cross caseworkers assist individuals one-on-one with recovery planning. Casework assistance could include connecting people with existing social service programs in their local community, getting them counseling, identifying child care resources, or helping to locate new housing.

After meeting with Red Cross caseworkers who had been visiting West Point, KY to help residents recover, West Point Independent School’s Family Resource and Youth Services Coordinator, Jessica Rains, asked the casework team to attend the school’s Family Fun Day event. After dealing with high water and the ongoing clean-up efforts, the event gave families in West Point the opportunity to take some much-needed time to relax.

Recovering from a disaster can be a confusing, emotionally draining and complicated process. After speaking with students and their families, Rains felt having the casework team attend the school’s event would be a helpful resource for West Point residents, stating she “hoped the Red Cross [would be] able to assist.” 

 
When they weren’t dancing to the live band with the other attendees, Red Cross caseworkers were able to introduce themselves to community members who had been impacted by flooding. Red Cross caseworkers were able to explain some of the services that the Red Cross provides, as well as inform parents on tips that can be used to ensure their child’s mental health after disasters. Iris Doty, a caseworker, stated her team was even able start cases while there to provide families with assistance.

“I am glad they were able to come,” said Rains, “Hopefully they were able to have some fun themselves.” 

After the event ended, Red Cross workers came together and spoke of the event as a great way to reach the community and spread the word about the Red Cross. 

Learn more about volunteering with the Red Cross here.