On Monday, we held our first-annual virtual Volunteer Award Ceremony to honor volunteers who went above and beyond in their service to the Nebraska-Iowa Red Cross Region, their local chapters and their communities throughout 2021. 90% of our services are delivered by volunteers, which means that dedicated, compassionate volunteers are crucial to fulfilling our mission. Each award recognizes volunteers who are committed to specific areas of service or departments.
Biomedical Services Award
This award recognizes volunteers who have consistently provided outstanding service to the Biomedical team. Recipients were Dick Geil, Virginia Shimpach and Tom Bartles.
Disaster Services Award
This award recognizes volunteers who have demonstrated imaginative and extraordinary achievement to meet the preparedness, response or recovery goals of our region and the disaster-related needs of individuals and communities. Recipients were Nuno Cabral Valente Solano de Almeida and Michael Clark.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award
This award is presented to volunteers who promote diversity and inclusion within the organization and the communities we serve. Recipients were Yvette Burton and Veronica Guzman.
Health Professionals Award
This award recognizes exceptional work, dedication, and perseverance as proven leaders who have demonstrated skill in meeting the disaster-aggravated health needs of individuals, families, and communities. This year's recipient was Keith Fisher.
Service to the Armed Forces Award
This award recognizes volunteers who demonstrate an unwavering commitment to excellence in providing home comforts and critical services to members of the military, veterans, and their families. This year's recipient was Ken Noltie.
Storyteller Award
This award recognizes the important regional role of Communication volunteers who have demonstrated an extraordinary ability to develop and share the story of the Red Cross mission behind-the-scenes, on-camera, in-person, or online through media channels, websites, social media feeds and other content platforms. Ashley Peterson-DeLuca was this year's recipient.
Volunteer Services Award
This award recognizes volunteers whose work embodies the mission-critical role of Volunteer Services as the key driver of the Volunteer Engagement Strategy. Recipients were Cathy Smith, Char Ballard and Noel Macek.
Clara Barton Meritorious Volunteer Leadership Award
The recipients of this award embody the pioneering leadership qualities of our founder, Clara Barton, and demonstrate the highest degree of collaboration, broad strategic thinking, inspiring others toward delivering on our mission. Recipients were J.R. Rother, Rod Hamer, Michelle Harris and Duane Austria.
Pacesetter Award
This award goes to individuals who have a strong, ongoing commitment and dedication to the responsibilities of their volunteer position. Recipients were Doug Evaretts, Abena Imhotep, Debbie Robeson, Tammie Emuron, Adam Dean and Kay Bartek.
Rising Star Award
This award is given to volunteers who not only demonstrate a consistent commitment to their volunteer role but also quick growth toward increased levels of responsibility levels of leadership, and sphere of impact. Recipients were Yvonne Lambertson and Andrew Dong.
Youth and Outstanding Red Cross High School Club Award
This award is presented to a Red Cross High School Club that has made a significant humanitarian contribution to the local, national, or international community in support of the American Red Cross. Recipients were Elizabeth Low and Nick Reuben.
Good Neighbor Award
This award is presented to a community or faith-based organization that has made a significant humanitarian contribution to the American Red Cross. Recipients were members of the First Aid Services Team in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Congratulations to all of our awardees. We are grateful for your continued dedication and service. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, visit redcross.org/volunteer.
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