B2 Hilltop Times March 10,1989 FOR YOUR INFORMATION Volunteers make Red Cross roll The theme "To help somebody, somewhere" has been declared by more than 3,000 chap¬ters and units of the American Red Cross. The Bonneville Chap¬ter, Ogden, Utah, of the Red Cross has also adopted the theme and is taking center stage in the effort to promote volunteerism and com¬munity support in the Hill AFB area. "At Hill, we have more than 22 Red Cross volunteers assisting their neighbors," Jim Mallock, station manager at Hill, said. "We're extremely pleased with the dedica¬tion and commitment demonstrated by our volunteers. "They are part of a national and international movement that cares for and responds to people in need every day. March is Red Cross Month, and that gives us a chance to salute our volunteers and to thank our community for their support as well." According to Mr. Mallock, American Red Cross volunteers responded to 49,000 disasters, including thousands of single family fires and larger relief operations such as Hurricane Gilbert and the devastating Raleigh, N.C. tornadoes. "Hundreds of Red Cross volunteers worked around the clock coordinating relief supplies air lift¬ed into Armenia following the massive Dec. 7 earth¬quake," Mr. Mallock said. "We also continue to fulfill our responsibility providing service to the military. "During the past year, our Red Cross handled 574 emergency communications between American mili-tary personnel and their families. Often it's the Red Cross that helps deliver news to the service person about a birth, illness or death in his or her family," Mr. Mallock said. The Red Cross program and volunteers have helped Hill military members. SrA. Jay A. Joersz, public affairs specialist, was a recipient of the pro¬gram's helping hand. While at a training school at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indianapolis, Ind., Airman Joersz was noti¬fied that a brother, suffering from cancer, had again been hospitalized and the prognosis was not bright. "When I was contacted by Red Cross workers of my brother's health situation, they took care of me," the airman said. "Within two hours, I was on my way to North Dakota. All that, thanks to Red Cross workers. "I was obviously in an awkward situation, at school and no way to get home. If it hadn't been for the Red Cross, I wouldn't have been able to see my brother before he died. I owe them a debt of grati-tude," Airman Joersz said. Mr. Mallock said volunteers make all of the Red Cross programs and services available. "Without the commitment of these people, the mission of the Red Cross would be impossible," Mr. Mallock said. "Personally, I can't think of anything more rewarding than helping another person recover from a disaster, teaching someone how to save a life through first aid or Red Cross CPR, or ensuring the vital link between our military and their families. "After all, that's what we're all about—people helping people," he said. The work of the American Red Cross is carried out by more them 1.4 million adult and 3 million youth volunteers. Although mandated by Congress to pro¬vide disaster relief and military social services, the American Red Cross is not government funded. Voluntary contributions through United Way, mem-bership drives, corporate support and special events comprise the organization's funding sources. Nationally, the work of the American Red Cross is carried on by the volunteers. "Thanks to the commitment of our volunteers and the support of our community, we'll be there for dis¬aster victims," Mr. Mallock said. "And we'll be the vital connection between our military and their fam¬ilies all year long." More information is available on Red Cross Month and their activities by calling the Bonneville Chapter at 627-3533. “...they took care of me. Within two hours, I was on my way back to North Dakota. I owe them a debt of gratitude.” —SrA. Jay Joersz 2849th ABG/PA