Volunteers steer Red Cross’ success

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Deana Heitzman
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  The Aviano Red Cross provides various services and classes to ensure Airmen and their families are prepared for any accidents that may occur, but in order to accomplish this, volunteers are needed to perform these tasks.

From office jobs to course instructors, the Red Cross has various avenues that provide a helping hand, which contributes to their overall mission success.  

"The mission of the American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors," said Amber O'Steen, Aviano Red Cross field officer assistant. "As the nation's premier emergency preparedness and response organization, the Red Cross is there to help and comfort people through devastating crises."

To help, members must attend a new volunteer orientation, which is offered on the first Wednesday of every month. The orientation includes a look into the Red Cross' history, informs how to volunteer locally and allows individuals to start a Volunteer Connection account.

Once the account is created and background checks are cleared through the Red Cross Headquarters, members are allowed to volunteer at their leisure.

"We have many different areas you can volunteer for," said O'Steen. "You can provide office support, become a certified instructor, be involved in our disaster, youth or outreach committees or help our publicity team."

Team Aviano members can also volunteer through the Red Cross clinic for various positions, to include pharmacy, dental and laboratory technicians.

With more than 600 Red Cross chapters, service members have the opportunity to volunteer worldwide and their hours follow them. 

"The American Red Cross' unwavering commitment to members of the U.S. military, its veterans and their families continues to grow and develop more," said O'Steen. "We provide critical services with a caring touch to men and women in all branches of the United States military, and without our volunteers, this could not happen."