The American Red Cross West Central Texas Chapter last week recognized the service of its local volunteers at an annual Volunteer Recognition event on Tuesday, October 22nd. Volunteers from thirteen counties met for a Spooktacular Halloween Themed event in San Angelo.
Brownwood-based volunteer Bill Blagg (pictured above) was a presented with the Volunteer Leadership Award. “Bill currently serves on our chapter board and is a vital leader among our volunteers. His dedication to the American Red Cross and the mission in providing compassion and hope to the communities we serve is evident in his commitment. Bill has also recently become one of our local responders helping families during times of disaster,” said Janet Karcher Executive Director.
Brownwood-based volunteer Johnny Gooch (pictured above) was presented with the Health and Safety Service Award for his commitment and generosity of time to help prepare and train individuals all across the state of Texas in life saving skills such as CPR and First Aid.
“Johnny’s dedication to training others and ensuring that our communities are prepared to respond is an asset to the Red Cross,” Karcher said. Gooch was also awarded the SAF (Service to Armed Forces) Legacy Pin, which honors Red Cross staff who supported the U.S. military on combat, peacekeeping, and humanitarian missions. Johnny spent most of his career as a station manager on military installations both domestically and abroad providing care and comfort to military members.
San Angelo-based Volunteer Joan Goodpasture was presented the Volunteer of the Year award. Joan gives generously of her time by serving as a captain for our Disaster Action Team and also as a leader among her peers. Joan spends countless hours in the office to help with preparedness, response and recovery, ensuring that families affected by disaster have immediate support and assistance. “Joan is a vital part of our team, helping with all aspects of a disaster. Over the past year, Joan has responded to multiple home fires providing much needed comfort and care to families who lost everything,” said Katie Braymer, Red Cross Emergency Services Specialist.
The Red Cross responds to disaster, big and small, 24 hours a day across our community. If you would like to make a difference and become a Red Cross volunteer, call your local Red Cross chapter at 325-658-4409 or visit www.volunteerconnection.redcross.org.
Photos contributed by the Red Cross West Central Chapter.
About the American Red Cross: The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
