Red Cross Month spotlights service at Fort Bragg

By Reginald Rogers/ParaglideMarch 11, 2011

FORT BRAGG, N.C. - Each year, during the month of March, millions of Americans observe Red Cross Month and the Fort Bragg community looks to continue the tradition with several events this year.

To honor Red Cross Month, the Fort Bragg/Pope Field Red Cross Station plans to host Red Cross Day today, from 10:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., at the Macomb Street office, near the intersection of Macomb and Hamilton streets.

This event will offer potential and current volunteers the opportunity to provide updates on their experiences. The Red Cross staff will also feature giveaways and provide light refreshments.

"We want to make sure all of our volunteers know how much they are appreciated by us," said Tiffany Shedd of the Fort Bragg/Pope Field Red Cross. "We've done some re-decorating, so now is a great time to drop by and see the improvements."

The Red Cross will also sponsor an event at the North Post Exchange to provide an opportunity to meet new volunteers and to let the public know what the Red Cross does on Fort Bragg and Pope Field.

"We are in observance of Red Cross Month and we're trying to recognize our volunteers because they are a huge part of the organization," said Trisha Matthews, Fort Bragg/Pope Field Red Cross's senior station manager. "We have over 300 volunteers on post and we're also trying to let the Fort Bragg community know that we're here and give them an idea of what we do.

Matthews explained that some of the activities that the Red Cross provides to the community include pre-deployment briefs and volunteer activities.

"We let the Families and Soldiers know what to do in case a Red Cross message is received during deployments," Matthews said. "We also provide Warrior Transition Battalion briefings and briefings for re-integration."

Later in the month, Red Cross officials have planned a visit to the U.S. Army Parachute Team, the Golden Knights. Volunteers who are interested in joining the event are encouraged to check their e-mail and the Facebook page for sign-up information and the date and time of the event.

"We want everyone to come out and learn about your Fort Bragg/Pope Field Red Cross during the month of March," Shed said. "If you can't attend one of these events, feel free to drop by one of our two offices on Fort Bragg."

The Red Cross is located on the ground floor on the Reilly Road side of Womack Army Medical Center and also, at 1139 Macomb Street, on the corner of Macomb and Hamilton streets. For additional information, call the Fort Bragg/Pope Field Red Cross at 396-1231.