Red Cross Joins Partners to Support Recovery in East Tennessee

Gatlinburg resident Michael Dean Cato shows off the exterior of his almost completed home in Chalet Village on a mountaintop in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. The steps to the upper level were crafted from a poplar tree that was salvaged from the wildfire destruction. Bob Wallace/American Red Cross

Disaster recovery is often measured in months and years. As survivors put their lives back together, the Red Cross has worked alongside our recovery partners to help them make recovery plans, aid with pressing needs and locate available resources from government, nonprofit and community organizations.

This assistance made a real difference for the Cato family, which lives in the Chalet Village area high in the Great Smoky Mountains. Michael Dean, Christy and their children, 14-year-old Brady and 4-year-old Corbyn, narrowly escaped the wildfires. They had been concerned about the smoky conditions, knowing that there were active wildfires in the area. Then, just before dark, flames appeared on the ridge above their home.

Grabbing just a few possessions, the family quickly climbed into their vehicles and fled just as the back of their cabin was consumed by flames. The fire pursued them down the mountainside until, two harrowing hours later, they finally made it to Christy’s mother’s home in Sevierville. Returning days later, they found utter destruction. “Christy was at first convinced that we were at the wrong place,” said Dean. “There was nothing left.”

“Our home was underinsured by about $140,000,” said Dean. But with a strong sense of determination and help from the Red Cross, disaster relief partners like Mountain Tough and the Dolly Parton Foundation, FEMA, a local Boy Scout troop, plus friends and family, Dean has nearly finished rebuilding. “We are going to move back in by Thanksgiving…I hope to have it finished by the end of the year,” said Dean. “We had no choice,” he added. “This is our home.”

As part of our recovery efforts, the Red Cross also joined with local recovery partners to help with unmet needs in affected communities. For example, we joined with the Rotary club to provide financial assistance to the Helen Ross McNabb Center, which has offered emotional support and counseling for wildfire survivors.

Jerry Wear, the Rotary Club Unmet Needs Committee Chair, explained that they needed more funding due to the number of cases they were seeing. “Thank you so much for the large grant…to help meet the pressing needs of the fire families,” he said.

2016 Tennessee Wildfires One-Year Update | November 2017

Red Cross Provides Relief and Comfort to Survivors Following Devastating Wildfires 

On the evening of November 28, 2016, raging wildfires— whipped by winds up to 80 mph—forced thousands of people to flee from their homes in the Great Smoky Mountains, including residents of the towns of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville, Tennessee. The devastation was heartbreaking. Over 2,000 houses and other structures were destroyed by fast-moving blazes in the Gatlinburg area alone.

The American Red Cross immediately sprang into action to support residents impacted by this tragic destruction, mobilizing more than 450 volunteers and employees from all over the country. We helped open shelters and evacuation centers where people displaced from their homes—some with beloved pets—found respite from the disaster.

To view the full one-year update, please click here. 

Top 10 Driving & Travel Tips for Thanksgiving

Travelers should plan ahead and expect delays as they head to destinations 

Millions of people are expected to travel over the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, and the American Red Cross is offering tips travelers can follow as they visit loved ones over the long weekend.

DRIVING SAFETY

1.     Make sure your car is in good condition for a road trip.

2.     Pack an emergency preparedness kit and supplies in the trunk.

3.     Share travel plans with a family member or friend.

4.     Check the weather along your route and plan for travel around any storms that may be coming.

5.     Be well rested and alert.

6.     Buckle up, slow down, and don’t drive while impaired.

7.     Follow the rules of the road and use caution in work zones.

8.     Give your full attention to the road. Avoid distractions such as cell phones.

9.     Make frequent stops. During long trips, rotate drivers. If you’re too tired to drive, stop and get some rest.

10.  If you have car trouble, pull of the road as far as possible.

OTHER SAFETY TIPS

Winter weather:

• Keep the car's gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing.
• Pull over and stay with your vehicle. Do not try to walk to safety.
• Tie a brightly colored cloth (preferably red) to the antenna for rescuers to see.
• Start the car and use the heater for about 10 minutes every hour. Keep the exhaust pipe clear so fumes won't back up in the car.
• Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running to help rescuers see the vehicle.
• Keep one window slightly open – away from the blowing wind – to let in air.

Public transportation and preventing the spread of the flu virus:

• Everything you touch is likely touched by someone else – luggage, seats, etc. – which is how germs are spread.
• Handle your own belongings. Wash your hands often with soap and water.
• Carry hand sanitizer and anti-bacterial wipes with you. You can use them to wash your hands or wipe down surfaces such as armrests.
• Bring your own pillows and blankets – they can act as a shield against the seat itself.
• Avoid touching your face or eyes. If you have to cough or sneeze, do so into a tissue or your sleeve.

DOWNLOAD RED CROSS APPS

People can download the Red Cross Emergency App for instant access to weather alerts for their area and where loved ones live. Expert medical guidance and a hospital locator are included in the First Aid App in case travelers encounter any mishaps. Both apps are available to download for free in app stores or at redcross.org/apps.

Red Cross Response to Wildfires & Hurricanes at a Glance

Starting in late August, the American Red Cross launched wide-ranging relief efforts to help people devastated by three historic back-to-back hurricanes—Harvey, Irma, and Maria—followed closely by the deadliest week of wildfires in California history. 

Last updated November 13, 2017

California Wildfires

• The Red Cross, community and government partners have provided more than 27,900 overnight stays in emergency shelters.

• With the help of partners, the Red Cross has served more than 189,200 meals and snacks, and provided more than 15,300 mental health and health services to support and care for those affected.

• The Red Cross has distributed more than 144,300 emergency relief items such as masks, gloves, rakes, trash bags and comfort kits containing deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste and other hygiene items to people in need. 

• To help people recover and get back on their feet, the Red Cross has opened more than 2,300 cases, reaching more than 6,200 Californians. 

• More than 150 Red Cross disaster workers are on the ground now. 

Hurricane Response Efforts (Harvey, Irma and Maria) 

• Since late August, the Red Cross, along with community and government partners, has provided 1.3 million (1,301,300) overnight stays in emergency shelters. That’s more overnight shelter stays than the past 5 years combined. Shelters were opened in 8 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. This includes—

o For Harvey, more than 414,800 overnight shelter stays in Texas and Louisiana. 

o For Irma, more than 555,300 overnight shelter stays across six states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

o For Maria, more than 331,100 overnight stays in primarily government shelters across Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

• With the help of partners, the Red Cross has served more than 10.5 million (10,503,600) meals and snacks—that’s more food than the past 4 years combined.

• The Red Cross has distributed more than 6 million (6,064,800) emergency relief items to people in need. 

• Red Cross volunteers have provided more than 214,600 mental health and health services to support and care for those affected. 

• A total of more than 16,500 trained disaster workers, 91 percent of them volunteers, have been mobilized to support hurricane relief efforts. Many of these workers have supported multiple relief operations or deployed multiple times. 

• Right now, nearly 700 Red Cross disaster workers are on the ground. Since August, more than 100 Red Cross workers from around the world deployed to the United States to help with hurricane relief efforts. 

Hurricane Harvey 

• As of October 31, the Red Cross has authorized payment of $400 to more than 573,000 households severely affected by Hurricane Harvey. That’s more than $229 million in direct financial assistance, and we continue to process applications.

• Along with our partners, we have served more than 4.5 million (4,549,100) meals and snacks in Texas and Louisiana.

• Red Cross volunteers have provided more than 127,200 mental health and health services to support and care for people in Texas and Louisiana. 

• We’ve distributed more than 1.6 million (1,660,400) relief items like diapers, bug spray, cleaning supplies, coolers, and comfort kits containing deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste and other hygiene items, in Texas and Louisiana.

• A total of more than 9,500 trained disaster workers have supported Harvey relief efforts. Many of these workers have responded to multiple relief operations or deployed multiple times. 

Hurricane Irma (Continental U.S. Only) 

• Along with our partners, we have served more than 1.5 million (1,591,300) meals and snacks across six states.

• We’ve distributed more than 1 million (1,074,500) relief items like diapers, bug spray, cleaning supplies, coolers, and comfort kits containing deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste and other hygiene items across six states.

• Red Cross volunteers have provided more than 52,600 mental health and health services to support and care for those affected across six states. 

• To help people recover and get back on their feet, the Red Cross has opened more than 11,400 cases, reaching more than 38,900 people across Florida. 

• A total of more than 6,900 trained disaster workers have supported Irma relief efforts. Many of these workers have responded to multiple relief operations or deployed multiple times. 

Hurricanes Irma and Maria (Puerto Rico and USVI) 

• In Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands emergency shelters remain open for people with nowhere else to go.

• More than 500 Red Cross disaster workers are supporting relief efforts in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands now. 

• Along with our partners, the Red Cross has served more than 4.5 million (4,583,200) meals and snacks across Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

• We’ve distributed 3.2 million (3,248,900) relief items across Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

• Red Cross volunteers have provided more than 25,900 mental health and health services to support and care for those affected. 

• Since Irma and Maria struck Puerto Rico, the Red Cross has served more than 4.5 million (4,501,200) meals and snacks, distributed more than 2.6 million (2,671,500) relief supplies, and provided more than 20,400 mental health and health services to people in need. Right now, nearly 400 Red Cross disaster workers are helping. 

• Since Irma and Maria struck the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Red Cross has served more than 82,000 meals and snacks, handed out more than 577,400 relief items, and provided more than 5,500 mental health and health services to people in need. Right now, 170 trained Red Cross disaster workers are helping.

• More than 30 Red Cross disaster responders from around the globe deployed to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands to help deliver aid. These responders came from Red Cross societies in Colombia, Costa Rica, Finland, Mexico, Spain, and from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. 

10 Thanksgiving Cooking Safety Tips from Red Cross

Cooking is leading cause of home fires. Smoke alarms and other precautions can help prevent them.

Millions of people will gather for Thanksgiving to enjoy time with loved ones and a delicious holiday dinner. With cooking being the number one cause of home fires, the American Red Cross recommends that everyone follow these fire safety steps:

1. Install a smoke alarm near your kitchen, on each level of your home, near sleeping areas, and inside and outside bedrooms if you sleep with doors closed. Use the test button to check it each month. Replace all batteries at least once a year if your smoke alarm requires it.
2. Don’t wear loose clothing or sleeves that dangle while cooking.
3. f you are frying, grilling or broiling food, never leave it unattended – stay in the kitchen. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
4. If you’re simmering, baking, roasting or broiling food, check it regularly.
5. Use a timer to remind yourself that the stove or oven is on.
6. Keep kids and pets away from the cooking area. Make them stay at least three feet away from the stove.
7. Keep anything that can catch fire - pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, towels or curtains - away from your stove, oven or any other appliance in the kitchen that generates heat.
8. Clean cooking surfaces on a regular basis to prevent grease buildup.
9. Always check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving the home to make sure all stoves, ovens, and small appliances are turned off.
10. Consider purchasing a fire extinguisher to keep in your kitchen. Contact your local fire department to take training on the proper use of extinguishers.

Bonus Tip
The Red Cross First Aid App provides expert advice for common mishaps or emergencies including cuts, burns and what to do if someone is choking. Download the app for free in your app store or text GETFIRST to 90999.

Regional Executive Corner with Joel R. Sullivan - November 2017

The season of giving thanks is upon us, and here at the Nashville Area Red Cross we have so much to be thankful for. In the past months, the American Red Cross has launched wide-ranging relief efforts to help people devastated by three historic, back-to-back hurricanes—Harvey, Irma, and Maria—followed closely by the deadliest week of wildfires in California history. Our volunteers are also busy responding to home fires right here in our community. My sincerest thanks and appreciation to our donors, volunteers, and staff members for making the Red Cross response possible to help our neighbors in need. You are the Red Cross mission in action.

As we look forward to spending time with friends and family this Thanksgiving, please keep the following tips in mind for a safe holiday.

TOP TEN COOKING SAFETY TIPS

1. Don’t wear loose clothing or sleeves that dangle while cooking.
2. If you are frying, grilling or broiling food, never leave it unattended – stay in the kitchen. If you just leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
3. If you’re simmering, baking, roasting or broiling food, check it regularly.
4. Use a timer to remind yourself that the stove or oven is on.
5. Keep kids and pets away from the cooking area. Make them stay at least three feet away from the stove.
6. Keep anything that can catch fire - pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and towels or curtains—away from your stove, oven or any other appliance in the kitchen that generates heat.
7. Clean cooking surfaces on a regular basis to prevent grease buildup.
8. Consider purchasing a fire extinguisher to keep in your kitchen. Contact your local fire department to take training on the proper use of extinguishers.
9. Always check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving the home to make sure all stoves, ovens, and small appliances are turned off.
10. Install a smoke alarm near your kitchen, on each level of your home, near sleeping areas, and inside and outside bedrooms if you sleep with doors closed. Use the test button to check it each month. Replace all batteries at least once a year.

HIGHWAY SAFETY

1. If driving, check the weather along your route and plan for travel around any storms that may be coming. Watch weather predictions for your entire route so you know what to expect along the way.
2. Buckle up, slow down, don’t drive impaired. Give your full attention to the road. Avoid distractions such as cell phones.
3. Be well rested and alert.
4. Follow the rules of the road.
5. Use caution in work zones.
6. Observe speed limits – driving too fast or too slow can increase your chance of being in a collision. Don’t follow another vehicle too closely.
7. Make frequent stops. During long trips, rotate drivers. If you’re too tired to drive, stop and get some rest.
8. Clean your headlights, taillights, signal lights and windows to help you see, especially at night.
9. Turn your headlights on as dusk approaches, or if you are using your windshield wipers due to inclement weather. Don’t overdrive your headlights.
10. If you have car trouble, pull off the road as far as possible.

I also encourage you to download the free Red Cross First Aid App for quick, expert advice on what to do in case of an emergency. You can see all the Red Cross apps at redcross.org/mobileapps.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

Letter from Southeast Tennessee Executive Director, Julia Wright - November 2017

So many lives have been effected by the tragedy and 2017 has proven to be one of the most devastating years for disasters in over a decade. People have experienced the loss of homes, belongings, pets, jobs and saddest of all, the lives of those close to them.

November is a time of reflection. Not one of us is immune from disaster, no matter where we live. This special time of the year is literally a time of thanks for we know there will always be someone there for us in some way to bring us through whatever event of distress that might befall us.

This is a time to find our capacity for giving and turn compassion into action, regardless of when or where. It is poignantly heart-filling to see all people come together for each other, even when many who are assisting others are experiencing the effects of the same catastrophe.

This is the definition of thanksgiving. It is the swell of humanity at it's very finest. We are so thankful to know and to have met those who shine in the darkest hour in this past year. We are especially thankful for the over 270 Red Cross volunteers in southeast Tennessee who have sacrificed so much time and time again.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone.

--Julia

Letter from Heart of Tennessee Executive Director, Kathy Ferrell - November 2017

Heart of Tennessee Volunteers:

Thank you!  I hope we say that enough; your most precious asset is your time and you freely share that in service with us.  

The first three months of my time with Red Cross has been incredibly busy and ever changing.  What has remained constant is your passion for this work and loyalty to this mission.  This was on full display during our recent apartment fire in Smyrna.  We had numerous volunteers on the scene at Chalet Apartments, and many more at our staging area and then at the shelter.  47 individuals were served and I couldn’t be any more proud of this team.  As I finish this, we are working to respond to individuals that have been impacted by flooding in Rutherford and DeKalb Counties.  We have amazing volunteers at the scene and many more ready to join us.  You love this work; I encourage you to share this opportunity with your friends and neighbors.  We need to grow our team and you are the best equipped to share your story and encourage others to serve alongside us.

Please remember that we are grateful for your service and we want you to feel like this is your home. Our office is open and you are welcome in this place.  We are already making progress on this journey together.  Looking forward to what the future holds!

With gratitude,
Kathy Ferrell
Executive Director, Heart of Tennessee Chapter

Letter from Mid-West Tennessee Executive Director, David Hicks - November 2017

Hello Mid-West Tennessee volunteers! Happy Thanksgiving- a little early! I hope this newsletter finds you well and things are good in each of your worlds. As we look back on the CRAZINESS of the last 2 ½ months, I want to be sure and say again how extremely proud I am of our local chapter! Our response to both the national disasters (those that deployed) and our local, ongoing responses by the disaster action team (DAT) during some chaotic weeks left me not only pleased as your executive director, but also awestruck at your resiliency and teamwork! You should be proud of yourselves and the team members around you.

As we’ve now entered the holiday season, I want us to each finish the calendar year strong in our respective roles in the chapter. I hope that each of you who has contributed so mightily in these last several weeks (both locally and nationally) will take the time to replenish your energy and recharge your batteries. You’ve earned it! If we’re going to finish the year strong and welcome in 2018 with all the effort and dedication it deserves, there is no shame in taking the next few days to slow your pace and gear up for the next round of opportunities to serve- for the sake of your own personal families and your Red Cross family.

Please take the time this month to seek out those that deployed to hear their respective stories and to gain insight and encouragement from the things they experienced while teaming up with Red Crossers from all across the nation. Some of their eyewitness accounts are so inspiring and help remind us all “why we do what we do”! While all of the volunteers stories are worthwhile, our own chapter’s Disaster Program Manager, Heather Carbajal, also deployed into a very “high maintenance” and difficult disaster response situation in the Virgin Islands (specifically St. Thomas). She represented us well and has some inspiring experiences that many of you would enjoy hearing her share.  Great job, Heather, on behalf of our chapter!  I hope all of you enjoy the holidays with your families and I look forward to seeing you around the chapter office!

Letter from Northeast Tennessee Executive Director, Glenda Bobalik - November 2017

As you plan for the upcoming holiday activities, take a minute and think about safety for you and your loved ones.

Thanksgiving is such a special holiday. It is a favorite of mine as we pause to appreciate the blessings we enjoy.  Family, turkey, memories, and more fill our days.  Thanksgiving day is also the time for kitchen fires.  Distractions may lead us to ignore the safety steps we know so well.  Let’s all take time to follow these safety tips:

• ·         Never leave cooking food unattended.
• ·         Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you must leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
• ·         If you are simmering, baking, boiling, or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind yourself that the stove or oven is on. 9 Avoid wearing loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking.
• ·         Keep kids away from cooking areas by enforcing a "kid-free zone" of three feet around the stove.
• ·          Keep anything that can catch on fire—pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and towels or curtains—away from your stove top and oven or any other appliance in the kitchen that generates heat.
• ·         Clean cooking surfaces on a regular basis to prevent grease buildup.
• ·         Consider purchasing a fire extinguisher to keep in your kitchen. Contact your local fire department to take training on the proper use of extinguishers.
• ·         Always check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving the home to make sure all stoves, ovens, and small appliances are turned off.
• ·         Smoke alarms save lives. Install a smoke alarm near your kitchen, on each level of your home, near sleeping areas, and inside and outside bedrooms if you sleep with doors closed. Use the test button to check it each month. Replace all batteries at least once a year.

·         Visit redcross.org/homefires for more information on how to prevent cooking fires.

I hope that you will share these tips with your friends, family, and co-workers. This is a time to give thanks.  Let’s make sure it is also a safe time for all.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Glenda

Northeast Tennessee Volunteer Spotlight, Jamie Ketron - November 2017

Jerri Calton, former Red Cross staff member,
and Jamie Ketron, in her early days as
a Red Cross volunteer

Twenty nine years ago 6th grader Jamie Ketron, at age 11, became a Red Cross volunteer.  Jamie tells us a brochure at her school gave her lots of options for places to volunteer; she selected the Red Cross, called the office, and a few weeks later was a volunteer receptionist.  Two things stand out in her memories of those first days as a Red Crosser.  First the clients applying for financial assistance, asking her to help them fill out forms.  They told her they did not have their glasses but in reality most could not read – she was amazed and so glad she could help.  Jamie also recalls helping the Red Cross accountant, Jerri Ball, with several tasks – now a professional accountant – this was her first experience in her chosen field of work.  Jamie continued her volunteer receptionist duties for several summers and also branched into numerous other volunteer roles.

When asked about her favorite volunteer jobs over the next 29 years – Jamie thinks she did something every year even when in college – she had many experiences -serving in disaster shelters, filling the role of victim at simulated disasters, helping with the Ride for the Red, and serving as a member of our Board of Directors.

Professionally, Jamie works for an accounting firm from an office in Blountville.  She is usually in her office from 8-5 and performs a variety of accounting functions for several different clients. She and her husband also own 200 acre S&K Farm near Bluff City.  They breed and raise cattle.  This year they will sell 95 “babies” when they reach the age of 9 months.  With Jamie and her husband both filling full time jobs in addition to their work at S&K Farm – they are two busy people.

When asked about her hopes for the local Red Cross; Jamie says she feels the public does not understand all the services that are available to the public.  “The Red Cross is so much more than blood donations and CPR classes.  There are disaster assistance for home fires, casework for military service families, and various other training and educational classes.”   Jamie says one of the things that continues to amaze her is the diversity of our local volunteers.  When she attends the “all-volunteer” meetings, Jamie says the variety of walks of life and geographic areas represented are so varied.  And while some long time volunteers are always at these meetings; almost every month there is someone there for the first time.

To join Jamie and many others as a Red Cross volunteer, contact Angela Morris at 423-765-4218 or angela.morris@redcross.org.

Letter from Tennessee River Executive Director, Katy Hagstrom - November 2017

The American Red Cross prevents and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.

As we reflect on the recent months in our chapter, region, and across the country it is astounding to see how communities have come together. Eighteen volunteers and staff members from across our chapter dedicated two or more weeks of their time to respond in the preparedness, response, and recovery phases to Texas, Louisiana, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, and California. Their mission was to support those affected by Hurricane Harvey, Hurricane Irma, Hurricane Maria, Hurricane Nate, and the California Wildfires.

In the past week, we have welcomed home all of our local volunteers and were eager to celebrate their hard work, dedication, and accomplishments. It has also been a time to reflect on the growth of our chapter as we seen many new volunteers who were ready to serve the mission and those affected. Not only did we see growth in our volunteer base, but also in donors throughout the community who stepped up in a time of need and enabled the American Red Cross to provide assistance through financial contribution.

As addressed in the mission statement, to everyone who played a role in preventing and alleviating human suffering through the recent disaster response efforts whether through time or treasure, we thank you for your selfless contribution.

- Katy Hagstrom

Heart of Tennessee Volunteer Spotlight, Roy Boyd - November 2017

Roy Boyd has volunteered with the Heart of Tennessee Chapter of the American Red Cross for close to 25 years.  He has served on our disaster action teams (DAT), providing comfort and assistance to our neighbors that are victims of home fires or other disaster.  He joined the board of directors in 2000, and has been an active member of the board to date. Roy’s involvement began with his job at State Farm Insurance.  State Farm and the Red Cross have been solid partners for many years; this partnership, combined with Roy’s desire to serve his community, is an excellent example of the intersection between work and community service.

Roy has served this chapter through a number of monumental national disasters.  With each of these events, starting with 9/11, monetary donations, individuals desiring to volunteer, and the demand to donate blood were overwhelming as our community wanted to help in any way possible. Hurricane Katrina made landfall in 2005; 400-500 evacuees came from New Orleans and were sheltered at the Smyrna Air Base.  Again in 2008 Hurricane Gustave brought more evacuees, with 457 sheltered at MTSU.  Roy was a critical part of our team responding to many events, large and small during his tenure with the chapter.

As part of the State Farm Administrative Services Primary Catastrophe Team, Roy has crossed paths with a number of our chapter’s volunteers across the country in many disasters, including tornadoes in Oklahoma City, Memphis & Jackson TN, most major hurricanes starting with Hurricane Andrew (1992) through Hurricane Sandy (2012), plus the Good Friday tornado that hit Murfreesboro in 2009.
In addition, Roy’s work at State Farm has given him the opportunity to coordinate State Farm volunteers to assist with local Red Cross volunteer opportunities.  Roy has worked to coordinate State Farm volunteers to assist in shelter operations, move-in/maintenance on our prior facility, and renovation/move-in of our current facility.  State Farm provided major funding to assist with the opening of both of these facilities. Our current Disaster Operations Center is named in honor of State Farm.

State Farm Foundations provides grants based on annual volunteer hours their employees provide to non-profits plus State Farm matches personal financial donations their employees/retirees make to qualified non-profits.

This year, Roy was recognized with the Clara Barton Honor Award which is the highest award the American Red Cross bestows on volunteers. It recognizes meritorious service in volunteer leadership positions held over a period of years. The Heart of Tennessee Chapter of the American Red Cross would like to thank Roy Boyd and State Farm for their partnership, support, and generosity through the years.

East Tennessee Volunteer Spotlight, Dan Bowser - November 2017

Dan Bowser and Disaster Program
Manager, Kendra Taylor

In 2015, Dan Bowser walked into the East Tennessee American Red Cross and became a volunteer. Due to his military service, he started with a position with Service to Armed Forces for it was a natural fit. Soon after, he decided to give disaster a try and found out about different opportunities to help those in need and those affected by disasters, local and in other states. Dan became a disaster action team (DAT) member as a start and then never looked back.

Since starting with the Red Cross, he has taken training in logistics, feeding, mass care, bulk distribution and emergency response vehicle (ERV) driving. Dan has proven to be versatile and irreplaceable in the world of disaster cycle services. He has been involved in three deployments for large disasters, the biggest being Puerto Rico for relief efforts this year from the hurricanes (picture included).

Dan has become empowered to make change and improve both the facilities of the East Tennessee chapter and has also become the fleet lead for the chapter. He is at the chapter with his team making improvements and completely updating the facilities, paint colors, carpet and the procedures for maintenance.  His first act with the fleet was to completely update all records for the vehicles and to get them all on schedule and up to date on routine and needed maintenance.

If this isn’t enough for one person, he also is a member of the Home Fire Campaign and installs smoke alarms in area homes.

The East Tennessee chapter has become a better team for having Dan Bowser on it.  Thank you for all of your hard work and attention to detail.

Mid-West Tennessee Volunteer Spotlight, Tyler Duke - November 2017

Our featured volunteer for this month is Tyler Duke. His parents are Freddie and Dawn Duke and the family lives in McKenzie, Tennessee. Many of you know Dawn and have crossed paths with her while doing volunteer service with our chapter. She’s a phenomenal asset to us and, in the case of Tyler, the apple did not fall far from the tree!

He’s been a member of our chapter since 2013 and said the experience has been very rewarding in many ways. Tyler says it inspires him to help people locally and nationally alike. Most of his time with the Red Cross has been spent serving with our local disaster action (DAT) team and helping with fire disasters and storm damage around the west and mid-west area of Tennessee. He said he’s always had a place in his heart to take care of people.

He recently returned from serving a two week deployment in Augusta, Georgia to help with their recovery from the damage caused by Hurricane Irma. While in Georgia, he had the opportunity to work with the local chapters and nationwide Red Cross responders as well. Tyler said he served in a variety of ways from shelter set-up to meal prep and stated that he was always quick and eager to help whoever and wherever he was needed. He said there was ALWAYS something to be done to help maintain and run the 400+ client shelter and he wanted to make sure he did his part to help his team! We have seen this same attitude of service from him in the local chapter while he helps his mom serve in Carroll county.

Tyler said that although deploying was very different from working in the local community, it was just as rewarding! He knew he was not only helping the community and neighborhoods of Augusta and Georgia state wide but was also making a difference in the lives of fellow volunteers. As many of us can relate to that have been deployed, he said he and his fellow volunteers built a bond unlike any other with a common caring and compassion for others.

Tyler said, “Seeing the faces of the clients and volunteers light up and just getting the chance to interact with people from a variety of backgrounds made the whole deployment worthwhile. It allowed me to make new friendships and to learn and apply new things to help better understand how to react and respond better to clients. All of that will help me in my home environment back here in Carroll county!” With an attitude like that, we are certainly lucky to have him and his family serving right here in the Mid-West Tennessee chapter!

Southeast Tennessee Volunteers of the Month, Jon Lawrence and Melody Shekari - November 2017

Jon Lawrence, Dr. Rebecca Ashford, president of Chattanooga State Community College, and Melody Shekari

Congratulations to Jon Lawrence and Melody Shekari as our volunteers of the month.  Jon and Melody both serve on our Board of Directors, as well as co-chaired the 2017 Heroes Luncheon.  For the past year, they have worked diligently to lead a team of volunteers for our annual Heroes Luncheon. Thanks to their leadership and hard work this event was a success with over 300 attending.

Letter from East Tennessee Executive Director, Sharon Hudson - November 2017

The American Red Cross is in the community every day, whether responding to a house fire, teaching lifesaving CPR and first aid, or offering support to a military member and their family.  Thank you for your time, talent, and treasure.  You make it possible for Red Cross to provide these services to the East Tennessee community.  As we near the end of this calendar year, 2017 has proven to be one of the most devastating years for disasters in over a decade. People have experienced the loss of homes, belongings, pets, jobs and most devastating, the lives of those close to them.

November is a time of reflection. It was this time last year, November 28th, that the wildfires forced the evacuation of thousands of people from the Great Smoky Mountains.  This destruction was devastating and the community is still rebuilding.  Not one of us is immune from disaster, no matter where we live.

This is a time to find our capacity for giving and turn compassion into action, regardless of when or where. It is poignantly heart-filling to see all people come together for each other, even when many who are assisting others are experiencing the effects of the same catastrophe.

This is the definition of Thanksgiving. It is the swell of humanity at it's very finest. We are so thankful to know and to have met those who shine in the darkest hour in this past year. We are especially thankful for each volunteer who sacrificed their time away from their family to carry out our mission.  Thank you!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Sharon Hudson