CASEY GARRISON - American Red Cross was the host of a luncheon to recognize of all its many volunteers May 20 in the USAG-Casey Warriors Club. The annual luncheon's theme was "volunteerism is priceless."
"The purpose of this luncheon is to thank our volunteers and agencies who help the American Red Cross throughout the year," said Jana Fullmer, Warrior Country American Red Cross station manager. "We think volunteers are very important people, and even though we recognize volunteers regularly, we want to applaud them in a special luncheon just to say thanks."
The American Red Cross helps Soldiers by communicating with Soldiers during personal emergency situations relaying messages to help the Soldier and his units decide what actions to take.
The American Red Cross also assists Soldiers by volunteering throughout the community providing many different health and safety programs: babysitting classes, cardiopulmonary resuscitation classes, swimming and lifeguard classes, and a pet CPR class.
"It is always great to have the opportunity to come out and recognize these outstanding American Red Cross volunteers," said Command Sgt. Maj. Nidal Saeed, USAG-Casey Command Sgt. Maj. and honorary speaker of the event, "because the American Red Cross is mainly a volunteer led organization; you can see them volunteering throughout the community in our Troop Medical Centers, libraries, dental clinics, and everywhere else."
"It is great to come out today and say 'thank you' on behalf of the Soldiers," Saeed added, "they help far away from home and in deployed locations all over the world. I do not think all of the Soldiers know what a good job these special individuals do."
The luncheon consisted of an invocation given by Maj. Wayne Garcia, Warrior Country chaplain, a meal, including an American Red Cross cake, remarks made by Saeed, and an awards presentation.
While volunteers were being awarded, special awards were given to the Army and Air Force Exchange Services for their support of the American Red Cross.
A volunteer of the year award was given to Briana Guess for the many hours she volunteered.
"I appreciate the award because I have given everything I have and all of my spare time to the American Red Cross," Guess said, "because it is one of the organizations giving back."
"I remember a time when volunteers made a difference in my life," said Merlyn Burnstein a volunteer who teaches CPR courses for the American Red Cross, "back when I was in high school, they took me aside and taught me what life was about, and because of that experience, I am volunteering to do the same."
Social Sharing