Northeast Tennessee Volunteer Spotlight: Dan Blair - December 2017

Dan Blair currently serves as chairman for the American Red Cross of Northeast Tennessee Chapter Board of Directors.  Dan says he has enjoyed his seven-year association as board member of the American Red Cross of Northeast Tennessee.

In “real life” Dan is manufacturing manager for Arconic in Morristown.  Arconic is a company specializing in lightweight metals’ engineering and manufacturing.  The parts made are often used for turbines in jet engines.  Just think whenever you see planes flying through the sky or at an airport – there is a good chance some of Dan’s parts are in use!

Dan enjoys his work as a board member in chapter governance and fund raising.  He was involved in the beginning of the Run for the Red fundraiser which is usually held in April. (This year the event will not take place for scheduling reasons.)  Another high visibility event he participated was the Veteran’s Day event working with the VFW in Morristown.  The Red Cross had 2 vehicles in a parade and also fed about 100 individuals.  Another fund and friend raising event Dan enjoyed was the Heroes Breakfast held last spring at the Millennium Center in Johnson City.   He says the board is actively involved in planning for the second Heroes Breakfast to be held in the spring of 2018.

One of Dan’s favorite experiences has been working with the smoke alarm distribution program.  Last year, across our 13-county area, the Chapter installed a total of 1,400 alarms.  In Morristown for our 4th annual event, we recently partnered with the local Fire Department to install 84 smoke alarms.  This event honored recently deceased Fire Marshal, Euel Noah, one of the first Fire Marshals in our area to host a smoke alarm installation event with us.  Dan said the feeling you get when you know you have successfully installed an alarm in a home with no detector and several small children is very satisfying.

When asked what he would like to say to the local chapter volunteers, Dan says a huge message of appreciation for all they do. Each volunteer gives unselfishly of their time and shares so much of themselves in support of the Red Cross Mission.  Dan says we have an outstanding, hard working and dedicated staff of 4 individuals but without the volunteers we simply could not provide the services needed across our 13-county area.  Our volunteers are the HEART of the Red Cross.

To join us as a volunteer contact Angela Morris 423-765-4218 or Angela.Morris@redcross.org