JBLM recognizes Red Cross volunteers

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Naomi Shipley
  • 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. --   Eighty-one Joint Base Lewis-McChord American Red Cross volunteers were recognized for their selfless dedication and servitude at a ceremony March 9, at the McChord Club on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

In 2015, 315 Red Cross volunteers worked with JBLM healthcare facilities and other service areas to provide essential support towards the comfort and medical care of service members, veterans, and family members. The volunteers contributed more than 74,000 hours of service or the equivalent to more than $1.7 million worth of service.

Col. Timothy Holman, 7th Infantry Division chief of staff, served as the guest speaker for the annual event which served as an opportunity to give back to those who give so much.

"It's an absolute honor to be given the opportunity to address these outstanding volunteers," said Holman. "Since its inception in 1881, when Clara Barton and her best friends founded the organization, the Red Cross has remained true to its mission of preventing and alleviating human suffering."

Holman quoted Merriam Webster to describe who the volunteers truly are by saying, "A volunteer is a person who does something by free choice usually with no expectations for payment or acknowledgement."

He addressed the volunteers with deep gratitude, understanding the essential role the Red Cross volunteers play here.

"Your willingness to help others speaks volumes about your character," Holman said. "Today we take the time to honor these 81 civilians who collectively have volunteered hundreds of years and thousands of hours of their time. No other organization comes close to the dedication or acts of kindness you give."

Holman shared a story about his personal connection and experience with the American Red Cross from 15 years ago.

"As a Soldier in the Pentagon during the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, I witnessed first-hand the Red Cross volunteers who worked tirelessly to help support those affected in the crash," said Holman. "I watched them working around the clock helping others and this selfless display of generosity will be forever etched in my mind."

"As a volunteer each of you has a unique story to tell and you will never know all the lives you have affected through your many sacrifices.

Bob Jeffrey, McChord Clinic Red Cross coordinator, was recognized as the 2015 Volunteer of the Year and was surprised by the announcement at the ceremony.

Joey Naputi, McChord Clinic pharmacy technician and avid volunteer appreciator, credits Jeffrey's meticulousness and dedication as the driving force behind the success at the McChord Clinic.

"He pays attention to every detail that is Red Cross related," said Naputi.

Naputi said he has been trying for the last eight years to attend the Annual JBLM Red Cross Award Ceremony but hasn't been able to because without the volunteers the staff is overwhelmed.

"It's amazing that they are recognizing the volunteers for spending their free time helping us," said Naputi. "We want them to know they are appreciated. These awards are very well-deserved."

Jeffrey, who won the award and also coordinates the annual ceremony, credited Naputi, the McChord Clinic staff and countless others who help him on a daily basis with the volunteers.

"I didn't do this on my own," said Jeffrey.

Holman and the attendees applauded for Jeffrey and the award recipients.

"On behalf of JBLM, I'd like to say, we appreciate your selfless acts of kindness and seek only to thank you for your hard work," Holman said. "You actions have touched the lives of everyone around you and I'm convinced none of you do it for the recognition. You do it to support a cause greater than yourself."