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Helping a Military Family Can Bring Unexpected Rewards
Julie M. Hankins, Director of Emergency Services Hoosier Heartland Chapter, Muncie, IN
Friday, August 29, 2003 —
Last year, over 520,000 military families received direct assistance from the Red Cross. |
A grieving husband called the Hoosier Heartland Chapter of the American Red Cross in Muncie, IN, in 1995, asking that an emergency message about his wife's death be sent to his son-in-law. The communication was sent and that soldier was soon at home with his family for the funeral.
The thank-you letter the chapter received from that husband, Bob Harvey, began his service as a Red Cross volunteer. Initially Harvey joined several military families who wrote Letters to the Editor expressing thanks for getting their loved ones home in times of emergency. Soon after the letter writing campaign, the chapter's executive director attended a community dinner at which Bob Harvey praised the American Red Cross armed forces emergency services program.
A few days later Harvey walked into the Hoosier Heartland Chapter office and introduced himself. It was not long until the chapter's director of Armed Forces Emergency Services and Volunteer Management asked Harvey to expand his volunteer service. Harvey agreed and joined the chapter's cadre of more than 400 active Red Cross volunteers. He became a First Aid/CPR Instructor, work he continues today.
Harvey's hard work and dedication quickly earned him volunteer leadership appointments. In 2000 the chapter's executive director asked him to chair the Hoosier Heartland Chapter Board of Governors. He excitedly took on the task and has accomplished wonderful things.
But there's another aspect of Harvey's Red Cross career. While volunteering he met a lovely widow who had, too, recently lost her husband. They became close friends and have since married. Both Bob and Earlene are valued members of the Red Cross family and the Hoosier Heartland Chapter recognizes and appreciates the contributions they have made to the chapter and to the Muncie community.
The American Red Cross is not a government agency. We rely on the assistance of caring supporters like you to deliver our critical services. You can support U.S. military members and their families through the American Red Cross as we provide assistance and comfort. Your gift will support the nationally coordinated Red Cross services provided to military families across the country and to American service men and women located throughout the world. Please make a financial donation to Service to Armed Forces by calling 1-800-RED CROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions may be sent to the American Red Cross Service to Armed Forces, P.O. Box 91820, Washington, DC 20090. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.
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