Young Red Cross volunteer logs thousands of hours, receives nod for Fort Bragg award

Since 2017, Quintin Buss has devoted his young life to helping and serving others.

After he obtained an Emergency Medical Technician Certification, Buss joined the Red Cross as a volunteer. In one year’s time, he’s logged more than 700 hours in the emergency room at Womack Army Medical Center and 1,600 hours with Fort Bragg EMS.

Because of his time and dedication, Buss has been nominated for the Iron Mike Award, an accolade created in 2001 to honor volunteers for their contributions and significant impact on the military community at Fort Bragg.

Buss on the ambulance used during his internship classes

Buss comes from a military family. For him, the experience of continually moving, growing up in unfamiliar areas, and not having a rooted home, have been nothing but positive in developing the person he is today.

“Being surrounded by other military families gave me a sense of belonging in a community that is ever-changing,” Buss said. “The military community has made me the person I am today, and volunteering with the Red Cross is a way I can give back to this community to hopefully make a positive impact.”

Buss said he finds the volunteer work enriching and meaningful, as well as a fruitful learning experience.

“The ER staff and EMS crews were immediately inviting when I first started, and have taught me so much that you simply cannot learn from a textbook,” he said. “What I have found most rewarding is being able to help soldiers and family members during their time of need, and being able to see the look of relief on a patient’s face, knowing that they trust you and feel safe, is always a rewarding sight.”

While Buss volunteered with emergency services, he simultaneously juggled life as a biology student at East Carolina University (ECU).

Buss (right) receives Appreciation award from Col. John. J Melton (left), Commander of Womack Army Medical Center”

William B. Boone, his paramedic supervisor, said, “He has eagerly volunteered his time with both departments even while managing a busy college schedule. As a show of his dedication to furthering his career, he drove two hours from ECU to Fort Bragg simply to volunteer his time and to gain further knowledge during the Spring and Fall Semester of 2017.

 Buss has been characterized by his positive attitude and motivation to keep learning. “Buss continues to provide excellent patient care and on many occasions, has been praised by fellow staff members, the patients, and their family members,” Boone said.

Buss said he feels confident in his new-found medical knowledge and is inspired to now become a physician’s assistant.

Story by Ingrid Laprea/American Red Cross

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Just Takin’ A Little Ride

Red Cross Transportation Specialists Drive to Save Lives

Tony Williams and J.P. Brehony are a couple of guys who really like to drive. We’re not talking about bright red sports cars or best-in-class trucks, though.

Volunteer Blood Transportation Specialists Rich Lukon (left) and Tony Williams (right).

 

These two get up in the morning and have a hankering to slide into the driver’s seat of boxy red and white American Red Cross blood delivery van. Both say volunteering as Red Cross Transportation Specialist is the perfect way to spend a day.

Williams and Brehony – both retired – are part of a team of 35 volunteer drivers who deliver life-saving blood, platelets, and other blood products to area North Carolina hospitals. This very successful program, based in Durham, is coordinated by Red Cross Transportation Coordinator Marci Allen. She thinks the world of her team and the valuable service they perform.

“Our drivers take their job very seriously,” Allen said. “It’s a bit of a solitary job, but they know they are really helping to save lives. That’s satisfying.”

The Red Cross collects and delivers about 40 percent of this country’s blood through paid couriers and volunteer drivers. Drivers must have a valid state driver’s license, proof of insurance, at least three years’ driving experience, and a clean driving record. They also must be in good physical shape and be able to lift 45 lbs.

Volunteer Blood Transportation Specialist J.P. Brehony.

Williams drives three days a week, arriving at 8:30 a.m., prepared to drive until early afternoon. Some days he has a few local stops and a short shift. Other days he could drive up to 200 miles. Williams retired from the U.S. Postal Service after 35 years of driving — proudly logging one million miles during his career.

Williams said he doesn’t mind the solitude of the job. He listens to public radio as he drives and enjoys greeting the hospital blood bank personnel when he makes deliveries.

“I’ve been doing this for four years and people offer me jobs to drive for pay, but I like volunteering for the Red Cross. People respect the Red Cross. They think it’s all about disaster relief though, so I like them to understand how important these blood deliveries are,” Williams said.

Brehony also has a high regard for the Red Cross and enjoys driving one day a week while also working to be trained as a disaster relief volunteer.

After a long career building custom homes in Reston, Virginia, Brehony moved to North Carolina to be closer to family in Fayetteville and Cary.

“When Hurricane Irma hit I watched [the devastation] on TV and wanted to help. I got involved with the N.C. Baptists on Mission group and went to Florida to help with their mass feeding program. We served 30,000 meals a day for a couple of weeks,” Brehony said. “Red Cross partners with the N.C. Baptists on Mission group, and I was really impressed with their efficiency when I was in Florida. I knew that I wanted to do more disaster relief work.”

As he awaits those opportunities, he truly enjoys serving the community as a transportation specialist.

“The best part of this job is the sense of purpose I have as part of a healthcare team,” he said. “And I get to sing as loud as I like while I’m driving!”

To volunteer as a Transportation Specialist, visit www.redcross.org/volunteer, or contact Marci Allen at marci.allen2@redcross.org or call 919-316-0057.

Story by Susan Washburn/American Red Cross

 

Red Cross honors community heroes at Heroes Celebration

Dozens gathered for breakfast and fellowship Tuesday, May 15, at the annual Heroes Celebration in Rocky Mount, N.C.

During the event, Red Cross honored local heroes who demonstrate the seven fundamental principles of the American Red Cross: Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity and Universality.  This year’s recipients included:

Jean Almand Kitchin, who received The Norma Turnage Award. This award recognizes a female leader in the community who demonstrates a long-time commitment to public service.  Jean is well known as a TV personality, business leader, educator, and champion of the people  in North Carolina. Following a successful TV career as a producer and anchor in Wilmington, Jean moved to Rocky Mount in 1986. From the moment she arrived, she felt connected to the community and jumped right in by volunteering to host a regular program, “Tar Heel People,” for an independent TV station just starting in Rocky Mount.  From that moment, Jean stayed involved with several anchor roles and TV series across North Carolina, including with WHIG-TV, where she is still active as a volunteer today.

In addition, Jean has been involved with her alma mater, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the Rocky Mount Chamber of Commerce, Nash-Rocky Mount Board of Education, and numerous other organizations and non-profits.

Upon accepting her award, Jean tells the crowd, “I’m not done, I’m just hitting my stride! I encourage you to use your gifts to serve others,” she said. “I love this community, you all, and I love Rocky Mount.”

This year’s Community Hero Award was presented to Nash County Emergency Services Deputy Director Scott Rogers for his on-going commitment to preparedness, safety and emergency response. In 1987, Scott began his fire service career with the Stony Creek Fire-Rescue Department in Nash County.  He began working full-time with Nash County Emergency Services in January 1991 as a Fire Protection Inspector. Scott was promoted to Deputy Fire Marshal in 1994 and Division Chief in 1996 where he served until 2014, and was appointed to his current position of Deputy Director.

Scott is a respected member of the executive board of the Eastern Carolina Firefighters Association, where he is committed to emergency preparedness education for the public. He frequently trains and consults for communities and organizations seeking to improve their readiness and resiliency in the face of emergencies.

“I’ve had the distinct privilege of serving some great people in our community,” Scott said. “I’m very grateful for this honor, thank you very much.”

Other awards during the event included: Outstanding Blood Drive Sponsors Joyner’s Funeral Home; and Roanoke Rapids Public Blood Drive.

“For over a century, the Red Cross has taken care of their neighbors in need. We could not complete our life-saving mission without the support of the community,” said Cally Edwards, executive director of the American Red Cross serving Northeastern NC.  “We are excited to bring our honorees, supporters, partners, blood drive sponsors, and volunteers together from Nash, Edgecombe, Halifax, Northampton and Wilson counties for the Heroes Celebration.”

This year’s event was generously sponsored by Hardee’s, Rocky Mount Family Medical Center, Rocky Mount Area Chamber of Commerce, Nash UNC Health Care, and Universal Leaf.

Neighbors Welcome Red Cross Sound the Alarm Teams

More than 300 volunteers gathered in the Southeast Raleigh and Garner areas on Saturday, May 5, 2018, to help keep their neighbors safe from home fires by installing free smoke alarms in local homes.

This Sound the Alarm event was part of a nationwide Red Cross effort to install 100,000 smoke alarms in more than 100 major cities across the country. Volunteers with the Red Cross of Eastern North Carolina were proud to be a part of this effort.

Team captain Bette Turner (right) picks up a ladder, smoke alarms, and educational materials before Team #73 heads out on the road to install smoke alarms in Garner, N.C.

Enthusiastic  Sound the Alarm – Raleigh N.C. Team #73 began their day on May 5, by knocking on the first door on their assigned route in Garner N.C.’s Green Spring Valley mobile home community. With equal enthusiasm and hospitality, the Quevedo family interrupted their breakfast and welcomed the Red Cross volunteers into their home to install alarms and learn about home fire safety tips.

Red Cross volunteer Charles Bumpus (back, center) shows the smoke alarm he is about to install at the Quevedo home.

Red Cross team members Charles Bumpus and Bill Ford installed two new smoke alarms in the home, while team member Bette Turner spoke with Mrs. Quevedo and her children.  Mrs. Quevedo explained she also had extended family living nearby who needed smoke alarms.

As Team #73 began those installations a few doors down, four firefighters from Garner’s Fire & Rescue Station 3 rolled up to assist. Immediately, neighborhood children appeared in the street, eyeing the firefighters and their red and white fire engine. The children broke out in ear-to-ear smiles as the firefighters chatted with them and offered up shiny, gold firefighter stickers.

Garner Fire Rescue Station 3 firefighters helped Team #73 members Bill Ford (center, left) and Bette Turner (center, right).

Throughout the morning, and again after a lunch break, Team #73 met residents, explained the importance of Sound the Alarm events, and checked existing smoke alarms or installed new alarms. By the end of the day, teams who participated in Sound the Alarm – Raleigh, NC installed more than 800 alarms in area homes.

The members of Team #73 were certainly tired at the end of the day, but said they felt satisfied with their efforts to #EndHomeFires. They were grateful to have met and assisted the Quevedo family and so many of their neighbors.

Story and Photos by Susan Washburn/American Red Cross

Longtime volunteer awarded Triangle Chapter’s highest honor

For 45 years, Wayne Stallings has showed up for his community.

As a Red Cross volunteer, he’s supported military families before loved ones depart for service. He’s greeted blood donors, and he’s comforted community members who’ve just lost everything to a home fire.

Because of his service, at this year’s Red Cross Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon, Wayne received the Poe Heritage Volunteer Service Award – the highest award presented by the Triangle Chapter of the Red Cross. The award is presented to an individual that personifies the spirit of community support and volunteerism through outstanding leadership, service and achievement.

Wayne started volunteering with the Red Cross in 1973. His biggest inspiration – his mother. “She was always active at her local Red Cross and donated blood frequently,” Wayne said.

Wayne said during the Volunteer Luncheon, as Barry Porter, regional CEO of the Red Cross of Eastern NC described the award winner, he had no idea that volunteer would be him. “I was floored when he said my name. I didn’t even realize I had volunteered so many years. I knew it was a lot, but I didn’t know it was 45,” Wayne said.

“Wayne exemplifies the passions of so many of our volunteers by taking his desire to support our nation’s military members and their families, and putting into action. His selfless acts and dedication speak to who he is as a person; warm, caring and action-oriented,” Porter said.

Volunteer leaders at the Red Cross echoed similar kind remarks about Wayne.

“Wayne is an outstanding individual, always giving of himself to others. The Red Cross, particularly Services to the Armed Forces has an angel in Wayne Stallings. Clara Barton [founder of the Red Cross] would be proud of his work for our military members and their families,” said Lora Alexander, Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces manager.

To learn more about becoming a volunteer like Wayne, visit www.redcross.org/volunteer.  

Photos from the Triangle Chapter’s Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon can be viewed here: https://bit.ly/2Hsgn6k.  

By Chloe Austin | American Red Cross

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina commits $1 million to Red Cross Home Fire Campaign in North Carolina

This spring, the American Red Cross, as part of its Home Fire Campaign, worked to Sound the Alarm with local volunteers and community partners as it aimed to install 100,000 free smoke alarms in more than 100 major cities across the country, helping to save lives and lessen the number of tragedies attributed to home fires.

The Red Cross is thrilled to announce that Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) will serve as its North Carolina state Home Fire Campaign partner. Blue Cross NC generously donated $1 million to support the campaign.

“Blue Cross NC is proud to support the Red Cross in this important effort to save lives,” said Blue Cross NC President and CEO Patrick Conway. “A crucial part of our quality of life is being able to sleep in peace at night. All homes in North Carolina should have reliable, working smoke alarms that can help prevent unnecessary tragedies. The Home Fire Campaign is a big step toward that goal.”

Since the launch of the Home Fire Campaign in 2014, Red Cross volunteers and members of more than 4,400 partner organizations have installed over 1,100,000 smoke alarms in nearly 12,400 cities and towns in all 50 states, serving more than 1,262,000 people.

Sound the Alarm smoke alarm installation events are part of the ongoing campaign, in which Red Cross volunteers and partners canvass high-risk neighborhoods to install free smoke alarms, replace batteries in existing alarms and help families create escape plans. This work is made possible thanks to generous financial donations from partners like Blue Cross NC.

“Every day, home fires are responsible for as many as seven deaths and 36 injuries in this country. We want that number reduced. So far, our Red Cross Home Fire Campaign is responsible for saving 381 lives across the U.S.,” said Barry Porter, regional CEO of the Red Cross in Eastern North Carolina. “Because of the generosity of Blue Cross NC, we can continue to reduce the number of home fire deaths in our communities, one smoke alarm at a time.”

“We know that working smoke alarms in a home cut the risk of death by half, and having an escape plan further improves the odds of survival,” said Angela A. Broome Powley, regional CEO of the Red Cross in Western North Carolina. “Together with Blue Cross NC, our other partners, and our volunteers, we can Sound the Alarm about fire safety and help save lives.”

Large Sound the Alarm installation events are scheduled across North Carolina thanks in part to Blue Cross NC. Register for a Sound the Alarm event near you!

Red Cross teams up with WITN for national Red Cross Giving Day

More than 30 volunteers gathered throughout the day at the eighth annual Red Cross telethon in Greenville to garner donations for Red Cross Giving Day on March 28.

Giving Day is a 24-hour fundraising campaign supporting the work of the Red Cross. The proceeds will help people get back on their feet after a disaster, like a home fire.

“I help with home fire responses and it’s really tough,” said Brent Maupin, a disaster volunteer at Northeastern NC Chapter. “We are always in need of donations.”

Volunteers answered phones from 5 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and welcomed donors that stopped by the WITN studio.  

“The Red Cross has been there for me so many times in my life,” said Dwight Price, a military veteran and disaster action team volunteer at the Northeastern NC Chapter. “From the death of my father while I was in Beirut, Lebanon to the birth of my child while I was on the field. To me, it is so important to support this organization.”

A big thank you to all of our volunteers and donors that made this Giving Day successful.

Missed Giving Day? It’s never too late to donate. Visit the Red Cross donation page to make a difference today! You can also check out our Facebook live videos from the day of the telethon.