Bob Flint, American Red Cross of Central Florida Chapter, Orlando

American Red Cross volunteer Bob Flint is ready to work and prepared to handle any disaster.

I've always given money donations to the Red Cross. And when Hurricane Katrina hit I wanted to give my time too, so I went down to my local Red Cross chapter to volunteer my services. I was untrained in many matters, so I started taking every class I could. Now, among other things, I am certified to drive an Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV). I've driven the ERV to a plane crash site and through disaster-stricken communities to deliver first aid or hot meals.

Volunteering with the Red Cross has let me experience so much. Dealing with tragedies does take a big emotional toll, but at the same time I feel privileged to have the opportunity to help these victims - helping someone makes me feel great because I see the good results and hear the words of thanks.

I'll always remember the words of a victim of the major apartment fire. She said that we (the Red Cross disaster relief team members) were the family she hadn't met before. Those words of gratitude stay with me wherever I go and whatever I do.

After getting two decades of expertise as an electronics specialist, I had retired from the military. Folks at the Red Cross chapter found out about my extensive work background in electronics, and urged me to become a part of the Response Services Technology (RST) team. I love being a part of this team, and I deploy to other parts of the country. The RST team is the first one out to a disaster site; we set up the computers, satellites, and regular phone line service so others can use them at the Red Cross rescue shelters to get essential services for the clients.

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