WIESBADEN, Germany - "Never forget our wounded warriors."
That's the promise that was kept wholeheartedly by local teens of the American Red Cross Wiesbaden youth program.
Ten youth volunteers completed 80 pillows Feb. 6, which will be delivered to the Army Wounded Warrior Program at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center.
"We work closely with our Red Cross office in Landstuhl," said Jana Fullmer, ARC Wiesbaden station manager. "They have told us that the wounded warriors there always ask for these types of pillows."
The pillow project offered teens a unique opportunity to support wounded warriors.
"We can't show our full gratitude to our wounded warriors, but by giving them a pillow, we show that we worked hard on it," said Stefan Pinkston, ninth-grader at Wiesbaden High School. "I find it very patriotic that we help the wounded warriors, and support them all the way."
For Kayla Robinson, a WHS senior, being an ARC volunteer is fun, and the volunteer opportunities always provide a way to improve the lives of others.
"The wounded warriors do a lot for our country," said Robinson. "They are the ones out there fighting for our freedom, and they are the reason why we are all here today."
The pillows will help wounded warriors in their recovery efforts, Fullmer said, which falls directly under the mission of the American Red Cross organization.
"The American Red Cross mission is to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors," said Fullmer. "These pillows help aid our wounded warriors in their recovery, thus helping to alleviate their suffering while they face some of their greatest times of emergency."
In addition to the pillows for wounded warriors project, the ARC holds monthly events for wounded warriors to, "promote resiliency in their lives, as well as in their families," Fullmer shared.
Pinkston said that helping wounded warriors, and those in need, keeps him coming back for more.
"My favorite part is knowing that I have done a job well, and done it well enough that it supports people and helps people," he said.
The youth program, composed of 12 official members, began in November 2013.
"We are so happy our youth program is going so well," Fullmer said. "I think outside of school there are very few opportunities for youth to get involved in volunteer activities."
Fullmer added that the youth program is a great way for teens to give back to the community, while also building and enhancing their volunteer resumes.
Teens interested in joining the program must be at least 14 years old, and a command-sponsored military or civilian dependent in Wiesbaden.
Contact the American Red Cross for more information on the youth program or volunteer opportunities at civ (0611) 705-1760 or visit the office in Clay Kaserne Building 1206.
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