Southeast Tennessee Volunteer of the Month, Joe Brzezowski - April 2017

The Southeast Tennessee Volunteer of the Month is Joe Brzezowski! A fellow volunteer nominator said, “Joseph continues to excel in his volunteering experiences with the American Red Cross of Southeast Tennessee. His willingness to respond day and night as well as teaching other DAT responders on what DAT responders do when out in the field responding to local house fires is of great importance to our Chapter. Even when the recent tornado swept through our southern counties in McMinn and Polk, Joseph was not only there for Sheltering in McMinn County,  he also served very closely with the McMinn County EMA Director making sure the requested needs were met for McMinn County from the American Red Cross. Joseph deserves and should be recognized for his willingness to represent our Chapter and the community families that needs our services when disasters occur.”

When talking to Joe he said that he is incredibly thankful for the McMinn volunteers.  “It’s not me, it’s all of us. We are a team, we work really well together. It is an amazing group.”

The group of McMinn volunteers continue to amaze the staff and volunteers of Southeast TN. They are a tight-knit group of people who love to give back and are always ready to respond in time of need with Joe.

During a recent fire call Joe responded to, he was able to give a little girl a stuffed bunny rabbit. The whole family was having a hard time with the fire, especially the little girl. He went to his car and brought the bunny back and told her that when anything goes wrong to give the bunny a hug and everything would get better. That was a very emotional and rewarding moment for Joe and is just one of the reasons that he loves what he does as a disaster responder.

When asked why he wanted to become a volunteer he said that he saw the ad in the paper and it just seemed like something that he wanted to do. “I am glad I did, it’s very rewarding. I wish I did it years ago.”

Southeast TN is so appreciative of you and the rest of the McMinn team, Joe!  Thank you for all your hard work and for representing the American Red Cross so well!