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Red Cross Volunteers Serve Soldiers In Need
(October 15, 2010) | 
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 FORT BRAGG, N.C. (October 12, 2010) — The struggles of life
can be arduous and trying for patients at Womack Army
Medical Hospital in Fort Bragg, N.C. Basic items like
toiletries and newspapers are given out every day by
American Red Cross volunteers, who offer numerous services
in an attempt to bring joy and comfort to those in need.
“There are 350 active adult American Red Cross volunteers on
post,” said Jessica Tuttle, the chairman of volunteers for
the ARC. “They gave close to 400,000 hours on post last
year.”
One such volunteer was serving in Afghanistan with 3rd
Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade
Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division when an injury sent him
to WAMH's Warrior's Transition Battalion.
“On October 2009, we were out on patrol and an [improvised
explosive device] blew up and injured both of my legs, ,”
said Spc. Jesse Clingenpell, an infantryman with 3rd
Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade
Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division.
“Everyday lying in the hospital a Red Cross volunteer would
bring me clothes, because I had none, magazines and other
basic necessities”, added the Purple Heart recipient and
Roanoke, Va., native.
A few months later, Clingenpell volunteered with the ARC as
an applications counselor.
“Being able to give back to them feels great,” said
Cligenpell. “After my time in the service is over I would
still like to continue volunteering with the Red Cross.”
Another volunteer who has continued his service with the ARC
for three years after retiring finds pleasure in the little
things.
“I moved here in June three-years-ago, built our new home,
and then needed something to do,” said Max Powell, an ARC
volunteer and Warrior's Transition Unit outreach chair. “My
neighbor, a retired Army colonel, told me about the American
Red Cross and so I checked it out. I worked my way up the
ladder and now provide oversight for the different services
within the Red Cross.
“Sometimes it's like trying to squeeze ten gallons of water
out of a five gallon bucket,” added Powell. "Although every
now and then I still pick up a cart full of newspapers,
books, magazines, refreshments and other personal items and
make sure the Soldiers get what they need.”
“Our volunteers are amazing,” said Tuttle. “From ages 12 to
92, they come in here, fill out applications, and attend an
orientation. The number of space is unlimited. A lot of
volunteers have left and a lot more are needed. The American
Red Cross gives back and has mirrored the values most of us
cherish.” | |
By Army Spc. Cody Thompson
40th Public Affairs Detachment
Copyright 2010
Provided
through DVIDS
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