Cherokee County Chapter of the American Red Cross recently honored local volunteers and their valuable contribution to their country and community during a recent 911 Memorial service held at Centre First Baptist Church.
During the ceremony, Centre Mayor and former Red Cross Board Member Phil Powell presented a plaque of appreciation to Shelby Bruce, Mike Dunn and Dave Rogers, local Red Cross volunteers who helped out in New York City following the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.
Powell said, “The American Red Cross was just one 70 organizations who worked in the recovery efforts following Sept. 11,” said Mayor Powell. “And they worked to provide care and compassion for the 911 victims and support. Estimates also indicate there were thousands of other organizations that participated in relief efforts. Well over one million hours were logged in these rescue relief efforts. People came from all over the United States to help their fellow Americans in time of need. Long before Sept. 11, 2001, there were three people who began a long and arduous training program through Red Cross. They did this for a reason and that reason was this. In case of a disaster, our area would be prepared to respond. They could not possibly have believed they were preparing themselves for a terrorist attack on the United States. They did not come in with the expectation of receiving honors or awards.”
Mayor Powell then presented the award to Bruce, Rogers and Dunn. Special card with Dunn’s, Rogers and Bruce’s picture to be sent to the mayor’s office in New York City.
“We’re especially grateful for these three people,” said Mayor Powell.
Delsie Yother, chapter manager, presented Bobbie Howell with the Clara Barton award, making Mrs. Howell the third recipient from Cherokee County. As former manager, Mrs. Howell hit the ground running in 2002, with the 911 disaster, followed by the Sand Rock tornado of November 2001.
“I want to say thanks to all of our local volunteers who work day to day in the office, at the chapter and also the ones who work on special projects like blood services, disasters, teaching CPR and First Aid classes,” said Mrs. Yother. “They are our unsung heroes. They not only give of their time and talents, but they give their financial support to the Red Cross. I’m extremely grateful to the people who have served. We have a 17-member board of directors this year. We’ve had some mighty good boards in the past, but this board is just wonderful. They volunteer their time too. I’m just appreciative of being a part of that so we can carry on the mission of the Red Cross which is to provide for victims of disaster and to help people prevent and prepare for and respond to emergencies.”
Also taking part in the ceremony was Command Sgt. Major (U.S. Army Ret.) Donald Tucker who current serves as veterans’ service officer for Cherokee County. Tucker asked all veterans, their family members and loved ones to stand and be recognized.
“I am deeply honored and humbled to say a few words this afternoon regarding veterans, actives, reserves, civilians,” said Tucker. “We Americans are bound much more by patriotism and duty to our country than any one person or group that desires to see us fall. This past Fourth of July, we celebrated the 226th birthday of this great nation. I realized, however, this past June, that we celebrated the 227th birthday of the U.S. Army. I feel it is only fitting to mention this because of the sacrifices our veterans have made to our country. I served nearly 27 years defending and protecting our country’s freedom and democracy. I am also a parent and I have a son and daughter-in-law who is serving now and I’m sure many of you do as well. My son recently returned from Korea. Less than a month after returning, my daughter-in-law was sent to Afghanistan where she still is today. And yes, I do worry about their safety. But I firmly believe with all of my heart that if it weren’t for our dedicated veterans and their families both past and present, that our country and you and I would not be present here today.”
Tucker read a poem saluting the U.S. military which reads as follows:
“They have fought in air, land and sea proudly serving to keep us free.
“They have lived under fire and attack with some of them never coming back.
“They carried a helmet and a gun into the trenches of World War I.
“Just a few years later, they fought anew and stormed the ditches and beaches of World War II.
“They survived Korea and Vietnam
“And liberated Kuwait from Saddam
“These battles could never have been won
“Without the job our veterans have done
“So to every man and woman who faithfully answers the call,
“Thanks to Veterans, each one and all.”
Also present for the ceremony was Sen. Larry Means who now represents a portion of Cherokee County.
“As former mayor, I realize what the Red Cross does,” said Sen. Means. “I want you to thank them. A year ago, we saw what all they did. It is an honor for me to be here with you today.”
“This is such a unique community,” said Kurt Duryea, chairman, Cherokee County Chapter of the American Red Cross Board of Directors. “People come together collectively in order to provide services for the needs of the citizens of our community. So I say a very special thanks to all of you.
Post a Comment