Local Residents Honored with Awards from Southeast Tennessee

American Red Cross Recognizes Volunteer Achievements 

Southeast Tennessee 

 

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn., May 26, 2023 – The American Red Cross Southeast Tennessee Chapter recently recognized its exceptional volunteers who continue to work tirelessly to help people in need.  

 

“We are even more aware of the great dedication of our volunteers, whose support makes a dramatic difference for our neighbors in need,” Julia Wright, local chapter executive director said. “In thanks for their dedicated service, we have presented Ken Cox, Nance Jo Ogozalek, and Gail Lawhorn with Red Cross volunteer awards for the vital role they play in carrying out our mission in our community.” 

 

In the Tennessee region, more than 2,000 people volunteer with the Red Cross by responding to home fires and other disasters, supporting blood collections, providing emergency assistance to military families, and much more. These individuals are among the more than 300,000 volunteers nationwide who comprise more than 90% of the national Red Cross workforce. 

 

This year’s award winners are:  

 

Ken Cox, of Soddy Daisy, received the Humanitarian Excellence Award for his role in both Disaster Services and Operations.  Ken works in support of our facilities, fleet and maintains our emergency response vehicle to ensure our teams are ready to respond at a moment’s notice.  “We can always count on Ken when help is needed no matter how big or small.” Wright said. 

 

Nance Jo Ogozalek, of Soddy Daisy received the Disaster Services Chapter Award to recognize her contributions in responding to house fires across 13 counties, and working with the Home Fire Campaign, Sound the Alarm program.  “Nance Jo is dedicated, compassionate and always eager to support the mission of the Red Cross,” Wright said. 

 

Gail Lawhorn, of Benton, received the Award of Excellence for Community Leadership for her work in building response teams, cultivating partnerships and setting up blood drives in her community in Polk County.” Gail services as both a Community Volunteer Lead and a Disaster Action Team Manager.” Wright added. “Her leadership has supported growth in her community to build a robust team of responders to deliver the Red Cross mission to all areas of the chapter territory.” 

 

If you are interested in becoming an American Red Cross volunteer, visit redcross.org/volunteer to sign up online. 

 

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/Tennessee or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCrossTN.