ARC
SALINA — Six volunteers from the Central and Western Kansas chapter of the American Red Cross, including a Hays resident, have been honored for their service this year to the world’s best-known humanitarian organization and the communities it serves.
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.
More than 90 percent of the Red Cross workforce is volunteers, numbering nearly 372,000 in FY 2019. There are 1,599 volunteers serving the Kansas – Oklahoma Region of the Red Cross. The Central and Western Kansas chapter is one of seven chapters that comprise the two-state area and has 67 active volunteers.
“In times of need, the public often relies upon the Red Cross,” said Hays resident Sherry Dryden, regional Red Cross CEO. “In turn, the Red Cross relies upon its volunteers. I am deeply grateful and heartened by their commitment to this organization and their communities.”
Two volunteers are recognized with the Exceptional Volunteer Service Award for demonstrating their passion for service to fulfill the Red Cross’s humanitarian mission.
The recipients for the Central and Western Kansas chapter are:
Pete Peterson resides in Hays and is the Disaster Action Team Leader for the chapter. His colleagues say he always makes sure everything is ready to go and where it needs to be. They say he is one of the jolliest people and it rubs off on those around him in such a positive way.
From Great Bend, Paula Hertel is described as extraordinary, compassionate and dedicated by fellow volunteers. To say Hertel is helpful is an extreme understatement. They say there is no project too big or too small for her to handle. She has been described as coming to the table with an open mind and arms spread wide to embrace whatever it may be.
For demonstrating exceptional service in several leadership positions over a period of years, Corey Becker is the recipient of the Chairman’s Volunteer Service Award. Becker, a resident of Garden City, has a passionate focus on the Red Cross mission. His dedication and determination make the foundation for sustainability of the chapter. He is being honored for the mentoring and support that he gives to all, as well as for his passion, dedication and determination.
Eric Kohn has been awarded the Rookie of the Year Award, which goes to an individual who has showed an extraordinary commitment to the Red Cross during their first year of service. Kohn resides in Salina. His fellow volunteers recognize him as dependable, eager and optimistic. They say Kohn is levelheaded, cool and calm, and yet with an optimistic spirit and “go-getter” attitude.
Rosie Meier also has been awarded the Rookie of the Year Award. A resident of Great Bend, she is being recognized as always being efficient and professional in her Red Cross volunteer work. Many describe her as kind, efficient, and thorough. She has a special grace about her that gives an aura of comfort in all she does.
The Most Volunteer Hours Award for the Central and Western Kansas chapter has been awarded to Dwight Jantz of Newton. He logged 1,145 hours during the past fiscal year. Jantz has supported the Red Cross Blood Services mission for many decades. He is also a blood donor who has given more than 550 units of blood and platelets. Jantz said he respects the blood collections team and enjoys supporting the overall Red Cross Blood Services mission. He added that, as a retiree, he can’t think of anything better he can do with his time. It has been said of Jantz that there isn’t a place in the state he won’t go to ensure the lifesaving blood is transported where it is needed, when it is needed.
“I am very proud of these volunteers and appreciate the time and effort they have given to the Red Cross,” said Alice Townsend, regional chief executive officer. "Because of their commitment, the Red Cross has been able to fulfill its mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.”
For more information about the American Red Cross, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or Twitter at @RedCross.