What do you call a full-time volunteer? Tom

by Catherine Carlton, volunteer contributor

Tom Elliot poses with his Bravo Zulu coin.

Tom Elliot is the kind of volunteer that he says “you kind of call full-time.”

After retiring from a career as a top cop, Tom played golf and went fishing. 

“I figured out I couldn’t do that every day,” he said. “I got bored.” 

He heard a Red Cross call for help on the radio after Hurricane Gustav hit and volunteers were needed. 

“I said I can do that,” Tom said.

They put him to work in the warehouse; soon he was delivering supplies to shelters.

And he has not stopped working, more specifically volunteering, since. 

“They told me if you really want to learn, pack your bags,” he said, before packing his bags and heading out to Galveston to help with Hurricane Ike relief for two weeks. 

He now is the logistics guy. He handles safety, asset protection and safety inspections, among many other duties. He is also in charge of all the Red Cross fleet, managing the 138 vehicles in the region. 

“He offers sound, practical advice, and I have come to rely on his wisdom in all areas of fleet management,” said Stacey Wood, American Red Cross Director of Business Operations. “The Red Cross is truly blessed to have such a dedicated volunteer.”

Tom continues to go out on one big disaster relief trip each year: Tennessee in 2010 for flooding, Mississippi in 2011 following tornadoes; New York following Sandy last year, and Colorado this year following the flooding. 

This all translates to about a 5 to 7-hour work day during the week, plus all the 12-hour days when working a disaster. 

“He never says no to anyone with a need,” said Barb Stevens, Disaster Workforce Engagement Manager, American Red Cross. “We just wouldn't make it without him.” 

Last month, Tom was honored for his work with a Bravo Zulu coin, presented to Red Crossers for exemplary service. It was a creation of North Texas Regional CEO, and retired Navy vet, T.D. Smyers.

When thanked for his work, volunteering and more, Tom says, “I’m not here for the thanks. I know that what I’m doing takes care of the people who need our help.” 

Which is what makes him exemplary.

Start your Red Cross story the way Tom did at RedCross.org/DFW.

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Make a Red Cross Resolution

by Raul Jauregui, volunteer contributor

Join us in 2014!

2014 is upon us and you’ve probably been thinking about your new year's resolutions. Maybe it’s getting back to the gym, getting your finances straightened out or simply being better this year. As you’re thinking about which resolutions to tackle, I’m encouraging you to make your year impactful to complete strangers -- devote some time to volunteering. It’s a great way to create positive vibes within you and the people around you. It can have a long lasting effect on people you may never meet but knowing you made a difference in someone’s life is truly a gift. 

The Red Cross is the perfect organization that can help you meet these needs. There’s something for everyone, like setting up a blood drive in your local community, learning how to perform CPR or helping victims who are devastated by a disaster. These are all ways you can help the Red Cross and make your 2014 a year full of meaning. 

The motivation and determination to stay active with the Red Cross is the challenge some of us may face, but if you dedicated one day a month to volunteering with the Red Cross, imagine how you will feel in December. It’s like achieving any goal; the way you find success is by being consistent and staying focused. 

So, here’s to your New Year’s resolution! This is your year for all the right changes; just make sure to include volunteering with the Red Cross a part of the change in 2014. It will create wonders in your life and for those who come across the Red Cross during times of need. 

For more information about how you can join the Red Cross, visit RedCross.org/DFW to start your application today!

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Winterizing Keeps You Warm, Saves Energy, Money

by Catherine Carlton, volunteer contributor

Oh the weather outside is frightful…but my home is so delightful. 

Thanks to winterizing, of course.

This is one of many aspects of the Red Cross mission to help you prepare.

When it comes to winter weather and winter storms, here are the three key areas to be prepared:

• What should I do?
• What supplies do I need?
• What do I do after the storm? 

And Red Cross as the answers for you with a Winter Storm Checklist.

Winterizing tips such as storm windows, weather-stripping tape, covering windows in plastic – help keep the warm air in and the cold air out. That keeps you warm, and has the added bonus of saving energy and saving you money. 

In addition to stay warm, many of the tips are about staying safe. What supplies do you need with you? Always have water, food, batteries on hand. 

And after the storm or cold passes, you need to continue to focus on your safety, but we encourage you to check on the safety of those around you – maybe some elderly neighbors may need some extra help. 

The Red Cross has all the information for you to be prepared. Visit redcross.org for more information. 

Additional winter tips to have handy: 

• Test Your Fire Safety Savvy
• Power Outage Checklist
  

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Parent’s Guide to Surviving New Year’s Eve

by Sydney Holt, volunteer contributor

Ringing in the New Year often comes with added pressure and last-minute, frantic planning. If you’re lucky enough to snag a sitter, you may be tempted to run out the door the second they arrive, shoes-in-hand with a purse only big enough to hold lipstick and identification. Before you do, take 10 minutes to complete this simple NYE checklist from American Red Cross.

• Contact info – this may seem like a no brainer, but there’s more to it than just giving your contact information. Be sure to save the caregiver’s contact info in your phone, and write the number down on a slip of paper for safekeeping in your purse or pocket in case you phone battery dies or goes missing.
• Emergency Contact Sheet – Your sitter may not be familiar with your area like you are. In the event you can’t be contacted, be sure to leave an Emergency Contact Sheet. You can make your own, or use a template like this one from BabyCenter.com.
• CPR – Anyone watching your child should be CPR & AED certified. In addition, always leave a healthcare authorization form that allows your babysitter or childcare provider to get medical attention for your child.
• Activity Schedule – The New Year brings excitement for both the young and the young at heart. Be sure to leave plenty of indoor activity ideas for the kiddos and you’re guaranteed an uninterrupted night of friends, laughter and dancing! 

PS: Want to be sure you're leaving the kiddos in the safest hands possible? Get a babysitter who is Red Cross trained!

Happy New Year!

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Five Stocking Stuffers to Save a Life

by Suzanne Wiley, volunteer contributor

They say it is better to give than to receive, especially if you are giving the gift of life. Among the chocolate, candy and trinkets, this year fill their stockings with life-saving gear. 

Extreme weather, accidents and heart disease are the top killers in America. From 1950 to 2010, there were 6,524 extreme weather events in the Dallas Fort Worth, Texas area. While nearly 30 million Americans were affected by natural disasters from 1980 to 2010. Storms, floods, and extreme temperatures are the top causes of death and injury when bad weather happens. As North Texas is experiencing its first severe winter weather of the season, we are reminded how important it is to have food, blankets and plenty of water on hand in preparation for a disaster.

Artist and healer, Mbali Creazzo said, “Giving of any kind…taking an action…begins the process of change, and moves us to remember that we are part of a much greater universe.” 

In the event of a major weather catastrophe or other disastrous event, make sure you, your loved ones and neighbors have a way to stay warm, procure clean drinking water and plenty of food. Give your loved ones small gifts that could save their lives. 

Fortunately, the American Red Cross provides numerous items online to help save lives. The following are my top five favorites that will fit in a stocking: 

Aspirin tablets 
Besides helping aches and pains and bringing down fever, aspiring helps prevent heart attack and stroke. 

Safety Tube 

The safety tube includes three survival essentials: drinking water pouch, emergency blanket and a location whistle, so you can be found. Keep one in your purse, backpack, car or briefcase. 

Scout Survival Kit
For hikers, campers and other outdoor adventures, the Scout kit includes a fire striker and tinder, emergency blanket and various ways to summon rescuers.

Emergency First Aid Guide
This compact guide provides instructions on how to treat potential life-threatening situations such as cardiac emergencies, choking and allergic reactions. 

Donate in Someone’s Name 

Via the Red Cross 2013 Holiday Giving Catalog, you may donate money to causes around the world that save people’s lives, such as emergency kits, water containers and vaccinations. 
  
This holiday season as you hit the mall and shop for gifts, remember a few extra items that you can order online from the Red Cross that could possibly save a life. 

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Perform a Random Act of Kindness in Memory of those Lost at Sandy Hook Elementary

by Melissa Lanier, volunteer contributor

This weekend marks the first anniversary of the tragic shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School, resulting in the loss of 20 children and six adults. While it might seem like there’s nothing we can do, that’s really not the case. Community members in Newtown, Connecticut are asking for support by way of random acts of kindness or time spent volunteering for a good cause. Here are a few ideas of how we can mark the day: 

• Buy the people behind you in the line at Starbucks a cup of coffee
• Walk dogs at your local animal shelter
• Go through your children’s closets and donate those coats that no longer fit them to an organization that can give them to those in need right now 
• Sign up to volunteer with a local nonprofit agency that could use a helping hand

You can sign up to volunteer for the American Red Cross. The agency dispatched more than

160 relief workers to Newtown who passed out meals, blankets and teddy bears in response to the December 14th tragedy last year.

The community gathers to remember Sandy Hook.

Members of the Red Cross Disaster Mental Health Team, made up of psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed social workers, trauma nurses, school counselors and others specially trained to deal with emotional trauma, were also deployed to Newtown. The Red Cross worked with state government and local agencies to set up grief counseling there after the shootings. 

Large scale events like the Oklahoma City Bombing, 9/11, Hurricane Katrina and now Newtown have shown the importance of having a team of professional mental health volunteers to support those devastated by disaster. These services are also made available for victims in our community affected by house fires, the weather and other emergencies 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 

Saturday I’ll talk to my daughter again about what happened in Newtown, listen to her concerns and go over our family and school security preparedness plan. We’ll limit TV time in order to keep anxiety to a minimum, and we’ll be making a donation to American Red Cross to honor the victims at Sandy Hook. Then we’ll get out of the house and find something nice to do for somebody we don’t know. What are YOU doing this weekend?

Learn more about how licensed counselors support the American Red Cross. 

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Updated 12/10 9:15am: Winter Storm Shelter Information for DFW

9:15am update: All shelters in DFW have closed! Big thanks to the Red Cross shelter workers who have been working so hard to provide a warm place for people to go during this winter storm. They are part of more than 200 Red Crossers who have worked on this relief operation since Thursday. Thank you all so much for your service.

Please Give Blood

The winter weather across many parts of the U.S. has so far forced the cancellation of 115 Red Cross blood drives in 18 states and the District of Columbia, resulting in more than 4,000 uncollected blood and platelet donations since last Wednesday.

While the Red Cross blood supply is currently sufficient to meet hospital demand, winter is always a challenging time to ensure enough blood is on the shelves. While all blood types are needed, the Red Cross especially urges all eligible donors with blood types O positive, O negative, A negative and B negative to make a lifesaving appointment.

Donors in unaffected areas are encouraged to make and keep blood and platelet donation appointments to help offset the current shortfall. Donors in affected areas are urged to give blood or platelets once the storm has passed and travel is deemed safe. Appointments can be online at redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

To give blood, someone must be at least 17 years of age, meet weight and height requirements and be in general good health. Donors should bring their Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID with them. Some states allow 16-year-olds to give with parental consent.

More Information

• Winter Storm Safety Tips
• Preventing & Thawing Freezing Pipes
• Power Outage Safety Tips
• How to Use a Generator Safely

Follow us on Twitter @RedCrossDFW & Red Cross DFW on Facebook for the latest updates. Stay warm out there!

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A Message of Thanks and Cheer: Last Call for Holiday Mail For Heroes

by Amy Yen, Digital Communications Manager, American Red Cross North Texas Region

Every winter, the Red Cross puts the call out to Americans to make and sign holiday cards that we deliver veterans, military families and active-duty service members at hospitals and installations around the world as part of our Holiday Mail For Heroes campaign. This year, we put the call out to our community for a talented young artist to design the card we'd be having thousands of North Texans sign.

10 year old Larissa Cantu drew our winning card:

"I was so excited to win and it was really cool to see my drawing on the card and my name on the back of it," said Larissa.

Larissa's card was printed and sent to events across North Texas, thanks to the generosity of our program sponsor Wells Fargo. We collected thousands of personal notes, thanking troops for their service and letting them know they are in our thoughts this holiday season.

"We are a military family," explains Lisa Cantu, Larissa's mother. "My husband has been in the U.S. Navy for 17 years. So anytime we can spread some cheer to our troops, we always try."

10-year-old Larissa drew
this year's holiday card
for troops

And what would Lisa & Larissa say to the troops if they could?

"We would like to wish our troops and their families happy holidays. We would like them to know that we are always thinking of them and thank them for everything they do to protect our freedom."

If you want to sign one of Larissa's cards, or sign or make your own, just remember you have until this Thursday, December 5 to drop off cards at our Dallas chapter. Or you can mail them in yourself to this address...just make sure your cards are postmarked by December 6 to ensure delivery to our troops!

Holiday Mail for Heroes
P.O. Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456

Don't forget to check out the website for card guidelines.

PS: A special thank you for everyone who has already signed a card, including those who organized signings at our corporate partners, including Nationstar Mortgage, TXU Energy, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Texas Instruments, PepsiCo, Wells Fargo and more!

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Give Something That Means Something This Cyber Monday

by Melissa Lanier, volunteer contributor

This year I invite you to join me and do something different by taking part in “Tearful Tuesday,” which, if you didn’t know, is the day after ‘Cyber Monday.’ That’s the day when MOST people return to work from the Thanksgiving holiday and sneak-shop from their desks. Tuesday, however, is the day you get the bills and realize you’re broke now and Walmart owns the deed to your home. 

In fact, it’s a race to keep up with retailers cashing in on record sales that start over the week of Thanksgiving and last through Christmas. Powerhouses Walmart and Amazon came to play this year with ‘Pre-Black Friday’ sales that started almost a full week before the turkey even made it to our plates.

Today’s ‘new normal’ has store employees shuffling off to work earlier every year on a day that is now synonymous with shopping deals, but remember we didn’t meet ‘Black Friday’s’ little brother until 2005, when some savvy marketing agents looking to capitalize on the yearly spike in online sales introduced us to 'Cyber Monday,' who appears to be growing up and may soon overshadow his big brother.

In fact, online sales are expected to break last year’s records by 17 percent. Amazon alone reports over 26 million items sold that day were purchased at 306 items per second. Mobile sales are booming and here to stay with promotions like Walmart’s rollback of ‘Cyber Monday’ deals to start the Saturday after Thanksgiving this year.

So this Cyber Monday, when you're clicking away for something to put under the tree, consider this: the American Red Cross has released our 2013 Holiday Giving Catalog and it lays out the different ways to give this year. Sit down on Cyber Monday and look at how to really give a gift that makes a difference.

A $25 donation provides 25 children with lifesaving vaccinations against measles and Rubella. How about you organize a group project with your family and friends. $1,000 will vaccinate an entire village of people. This is just ONE way to give this year so take a couple minutes and check out the link here. If you’re tired of the hyped up sales drama: then HERE is where you’ll find true value this holiday season by giving to those who need your help. 

Happy shopping!

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Black Friday Survival Guide

by Micaela Rosinski, intern contributor

The shop doors open, an eager crowd sprints inside. If you have been out Thanksgiving night and Friday morning to try your hand at snagging deals, you have witnessed the madness that is Black Friday. The fun, friendly festivities of a celebration of thanks just hours before seem to disappear from minds as countless people flock to stores to buy the perfect gift or personal treat at the right price.

Before you take part in Black Friday, be prepared, and follow these safety tips so you are only paying for that new TV, not a hospital bill. 

Devise a plan. Before embarking on your Black Friday journey, decide which stores you want to go to. Account for weather, traffic and other obstacles that could impact your driving safety. Also create an exact list of the items you want to purchase. Make your Black Friday experience worth it, avoid purchasing that matching pajama set you will wear on Christmas then put away forever.

Prepare…for anything. Crazy events seem to occur every Black Friday. Keep a Red Cross first aid kit in your car, dress in layers and check the weather. Download the Red Cross first aid app on your smartphone for expert advice for everyday emergencies. 

Although you may still be full from the best Thanksgiving meal of your life, consider putting those leftovers to use and pack some turkey sandwiches for your group to snack on for however long your wait may be. Also pack plenty of water in order to stay hydrated.

Dress to shop. Save yourself from being the person that gets trampled at the front doors of Target. Do not wear slippers, sneakers or boots will protect your feet, keep you warm and will be comfy to run around your favorite stores to your heart’s content. Also, dress for the weather! In Texas, Thanksgiving Day could be a beautiful 65 degrees, and snow could hit later that night. If you are waiting outside, wear appropriate attire and stay warm.

Be aware of your surroundings. Thieves love the holiday season. Deter car break-ins, attacks and identity theft by keeping no personal items in the car, walking with a partner to the vehicle and keeping credit cards concealed in wallet until point of purchase. Alert a store employee if you see anything suspicious. Also, a security guard will gladly walk with you to your vehicle if you feel unsafe. 

Black Friday not your thing? Provide for others. Red Cross has devised a fabulous way to help others during the holidays in honor of someone you love. The annual Holiday Giving Catalog contains a variety of services you can support as a symbolic gift for people in your life. Holidays are a great time to reach out to others and make an impact in someone’s life!

While you are on the computer… Personally, I tend to avoid malls and shopping plazas on Black Friday. However, I find Cyber Monday to be a great invention. If you decide to partake in the virtual sale, always practice safe internet use and confirm you are purchasing from a safe and secure website (Red Cross Holiday Giving Catalog is a great safe website to do some shopping). Make the experience even better by snuggling up with your favorite blanket and a mug of hot chocolate. Now that sounds like good shopping!

Black Friday can be a thrilling experience to enjoy with family or friends. Do not get too sad if the store runs out of that camera or sweater you wanted. Remember the time you just spent being thankful for all you have! Be prepared, safe, and thoughtful of others as you set out to seize the deals. Happy shopping, and may the odds be ever in your favor! 

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Keep the Landline. It Could be Your Lifeline.

by Glenn Lovelace, guest blogger and CEO of Peñasco Valley Telephone Cooperative 

The landline telephone is increasingly being replaced by its younger, wireless sibling – the smartphone.  

A recent National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) revealed that nearly two in five American homes (38.2%) are wireless-only users.  And the number keeps growing. 

What about you?  Is it time to retire your home’s fixed-line relic?

Maybe not. 

Conventional phones may seem as vintage as your father’s eight-track player. Still, during emergencies, POTS (plain old telephone sets) are generally more reliable than wireless.  They are flexible, easy to use and always on.  

As American Red Cross disaster volunteers learned during the dark, powerless days of Hurricane Sandy, cell phones are often useless when they are most needed.  

In the North Texas region, tornado outbreaks frequently occur during the spring and summer months. A funnel’s path of destruction is generally more limited than a hurricane’s.  Still, during such extreme weather events, cell towers often jam with traffic as family and friends check on their loved ones.  

I was raised in Dallas but now live in New Mexico, where I serve as chief executive officer of Peñasco Valley Telephone Cooperative (PVT).  At PVT, our team provides telephone services to customers in both populated and remote regions of southeast New Mexico.  During the winter months, our customers often experience ice storms, which cause trees to freeze and fall, taking out power lines.  Though our customers may have to throw an extra log on the fire, their analog telephones - which don’t require AC power - will work.  

Concerning security, it’s hard to beat the landline phone. Suppose you hear someone breaking into your house? The time it takes to find your cell phone could complicate an already serious situation. And what if the cell phone’s battery is dead? 

When calling 911 with a cell phone, emergency dispatchers can’t always quickly pinpoint the call’s location.  Contrast this with the fixed-line phone. Once a user dials 911, the emergency dispatcher’s computer screen automatically displays the phone’s address.  This could be critical for children, babysitters, and even adults during an emergency.  Not knowing one’s address, or losing the ability to speak, could mean the loss of precious minutes -- or worse. 
In summary, think carefully about losing your lowly landline.  Fixed-line phones connect to the traditional, twisted-copper networks.  Built as public utilities, these networks are the workhorses of telecommunications.  They may be old-fashioned, but they’re tough and reliable.  
When the wind howls and the lights flicker, a landline phone will add to your peace of mind. 
For more tips on emergency preparedness, contact the American Red Cross website at www.redcross.org/prepare. Safety information is also available on Facebook.com/RedCrossDFW and Twitter @RedCrossDFW.

Glenn Lovelace is the chief executive officer of Penasco Valley Telephone Cooperative (PVT), a company that provides telephone services to customers in Southeast New Mexico.   Born and raised in Dallas, Lovelace has contributed his vision and leadership to companies ranging from startups to Fortune 100s. He has been published in a number of publications and quoted in books and articles that include The Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and Red Herring.   Lovelace earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Dallas and an MBA from Harvard University.  He and his wife currently reside in Artesia, New Mexico.  For more information about PVT’s products and services, visit the company’s Website at www.pvt.com or contact a representative at 1.800.505.4844. 

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Be Red Cross Ready...to Survive the Hunger Games!

by Micaela Rosinski, intern contributor

We all wish we could wield a bow and arrow like Katniss or perfectly camouflage ourselves like Peeta. Unfortunately, most of us cannot quite compare to the wide range of skills the tributes in The Hunger Games possess. However, we have a resource the tributes do not: the Red Cross. So how would you fare if you absorbed all the Red Cross has to offer?

What to grab from the cornucopia? Look for the Red Cross logo. Red Cross sells first aid kits that would prove to be beneficial in a variety of events. There are also a variety of emergency preparedness materials such as kits and radios.

Preparedness is key. A variety of resources are provided by Red Cross for a plethora of emergencies that may occur. During the Hunger Games, nothing is off limits. Get started on becoming the most knowledgeable tribute you can be.

You have a smartphone! There are a variety of apps that can help you survive. Download the free Red Cross First Aid app. The app will provide advice on how to act if someone breaks a bone, has a head injury, gets heat stroke and more. There is also an emergency first aid function that instantly provides lifesaving advice.

Also try the wildfire app. This app will provide information on what to do before, during and after a wildfire. The game makers love fire, so be ready.

If you form an alliance with a younger tribute…you want to be prepared! Red Cross provides babysitter training classes that will allow you to best care for your new friend. The little ones can be quiet, sneaky and very helpful if you befriend them.

In case you want to save someone…for some reason…The first minutes after an accident are crucial. Take the Red Cross First Aid training course to know how to provide the best life-saving care possible. 

Dive into the games. Water being thrown at you is almost inevitable. A lake could be the starting point, or a flash flood could suddenly rush your way. Red Cross provides swimming and water safety classes that will keep you afloat. Search for classes near you here.

You survived….Now what? Disaster Mental Health Services provided by Red Cross serves as free counseling and support after a disaster. Coping with what happened is hard, but trained volunteers help people accept their situation and cope with their emotions. Here are some tips.

If being a part of the Hunger Games is not for you, no worries! Hunger Games: Catching Fire will be in theaters November 22. Live vicariously through Katniss and the rest of the gang in the second film of the trilogy. Truthfully, Red Cross provides countless services that better the quality of everyday life. To learn more about functions such as emergency preparedness and disaster services, visit redcross.org & may the odds be ever in your favor!

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Fond of War Stories? Help Us Help the Veterans History Project

by Kay Pinkerton, volunteer contributor

Through the Veterans History Project (VHP), the American Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) invites you to listen to the stories of war.  

Straight from the warriors’ mouths. 

VHP is part of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center.  It was created by the U.S. Congress, in 2000, as an oral history archive that collects and preserves first-hand interviews of America's wartime veterans.  

The North Texas SAF team has now joined the Red Cross nationwide effort to recruit and train VHP interviewers to collect these stories.  Spearheading the Red Cross local initiative is David Barton, VHP volunteer coordinator for the American Red Cross North Texas region. 

“The Library of Congress approached us to help find people who were willing to go out and conduct interviews,” said Barton. “Our team has interviewed a number of veterans, including many who volunteer for the Red Cross.  I’ve logged, I think, ten interviews since starting this.”

Barton said a growing number of local veterans have expressed an interest in sharing their stories.  Due to the project’s popularity, his team is seeking to recruit and train more interviewers.

The Veteran’s History Project’s stated goal is to record 100,000 stories.  The Red Cross is committed to helping the organization surpass that goal.

In addition to audio- and video-recorded interviews, VHP accepts original photographs and letters, diaries, maps, memoirs, and other historical documents from World War I through current conflicts. The result is a priceless, historical archive of first-person interviews that will benefit present and future generations. 

Brown Eyes Blue

When asked about a favorite interview, Barton recalled his meeting with Dr. Jim Nicholson. 
Dr. Nicholson is a physician who lives in Greenville, Texas.  In 2011, he was awarded the Silver Star medal for gallantry in action while serving as a Korean War marine infantryman. 

Sixty years ago. 

Nicholson was part of a four-man rifle team.  His primary job was to operate the deadly Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) portable machine gun.  Called “Nick the BAR-man” by his George Company, 3rd Battalion 7th Regiment buddies, Nicholson was reportedly outstanding at his job. 

The marines’ objective was to push back Communist North Korean and Chinese forces, thereby preventing them from forcing Communist rule upon the whole country.  

Deployed to Korea in early 1951, Nicholson saw action ranging from Operations Killer and Ripper, which were geared to destroy the Chinese Communist People’s Volunteer Army, to the infamous Punchbowl, located in Korea’s Gangwon Province.  It was there Nicholson received a tour-ending shrapnel wound. 

Dr. Nicholson published a book, which chronicled his wartime experiences, titled George - 3 - 7th Marines: A Brief Glimpse Through Time of a Group of Young Marines.  Barton read the book before his scheduled interview with Nicholson. 

 “The things he and his buddies went through.  It’s a miracle he emerged alive,” said Barton.  
He was especially intrigued about a passage in the book recounting cold-war battle in the midst of North Korea’s frigid climate. 

“The Chinese soldiers were wearing these quilted outfits,” said Barton about the book’s passage. “Whether from perspiration or a bleeding wound, the moisture – mixed with the cold - would freeze the soldiers’ uniforms.  They were so frozen, in fact, their bodies couldn’t move.  But their eyes could.  So with their brown eyes, the frozen Chinese soldiers would communicate to the marines’ blue eyes.  And the blue eyes would reply to the brown eyes.”

No words were spoken. Or needed. 

“Dr. Nicholson’s recollection of that event seemed almost poetic.  So I marked the passage and brought the book with me,” said Barton.  “When the doctor reached that point of the war in his interview, I stopped him.  ‘Dr. Nicholson,’ I said. ‘You spoke about this experience in your book…about these Chinese guys being so frozen, they could only move their eyes.  Would you mind reading it for me?’”

Barton handed the book to the doctor.  When Nicholson finished reading the passage, Barton said, “I’ve read the only way you can kill in warfare is by dehumanizing.”

The doctor nodded. 

 “So how do you account for this?,” asked Barton, pointing to the book’s passage.  “This is so intimately personal.”

“That’s a really good question,” the self-described country doctor replied.  He paused a moment.  

“I can compartmentalize.”

Volunteer or Share Your Story

Red Cross volunteer services to U.S. veterans date back to World War I and are consistent with the mission of its congressional charter. Red Cross support for the VHP demonstrates our commitment to veterans and to the historical importance of their recorded experiences.  

If you have a story to tell or know someone who does, please call 214-678-4800. Volunteers are also needed to capture the stories. Visit RedCross.org for more information.

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BOOTS on at Red Cross

by Micaela Rosinski, intern contributor

During the summer months, I interned with the Red Cross communications team in Dallas. It was a great experience as I was able to tie my appreciation for nonprofits with my aspirations of becoming a public relations professional. Even better, I was able to connect my internship with another favorite nonprofit of mine, Boot Campaign.

Boot Campaign is a nonprofit organization created in Texas and serves as an outlet to show appreciation for our troops, and raise awareness and funds to help troops with challenges they face when returning home. All this is done by simply “getting your boots on.”

When I spoke to the communications team about Boot Campaign, they immediately suggested I get our regional CEO, T.D. Smyers, involved. Intrigued, I found his biography on the Red Cross website. Wow. T.D. was a four-year track letterman at the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, earned multiple awards and began a career in naval aviation, eventually leading to his reception of the Legion of Merit for his leadership of Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base. In 2009, the Chisholm Trail Chapter of the Red Cross recognized Smyers as the Military Member of the Year.

In addition to his military success, he holds degrees from Annapolis and the National Defense University’s Industrial College of the Armed Forces.

T.D. talked to me each time he walked by my desk, offering a friendly smile and a hello. I took the opportunity to explain my desire to photograph him in a pair of Boot Campaign military boots and how he could help this organization. 

Taking the photos was great. He was intrigued to learn more about Boot Campaign’s mission and how wearing boots was helping. After the completion of the photos, he bought the boots! 
Bringing it full-circle, Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces also provides military members and their families with various outlets of support.  Red Cross links military families during emergencies, provides emergency financial assistance and resiliency training, supports wounded warriors and military hospitals, and more. 

Want to help both organizations? Here are some ideas to get started!

• Buy Boot Campaign boots! In addition to the money benefiting the organization, they are a great way to spark a conversation when people are confused as to why you are wearing military boots with civilian clothes.
• Volunteer for the Red Cross while wearing your boots. Take it a step further and become a Service to the Armed Forces volunteer!
• Donate blood to the Red Cross in boots. Considering donating this Veteran's Day, in honor of those who have served our country!

On this Veterans Day, thank both the troops that protect our freedoms and the organizations that help our armed forces. Organizations such as the Red Cross and Boot Campaign are vital necessities in seeing our active and veteran members of the military receive the services they deserve. 

For more information about Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces, visit redcross.org. Join T.D. at the Veteran's Day Parade in Fort Worth on Monday starting at 10am. 

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Daylight Savings Time: a History Lesson

by Suzanne Wiley, volunteer contributor

While living in Paris, France as an American delegate, the great Benjamin Franklin fell on ailments that kept him home. He took to staying up well past midnight playing chess. After one particularly late night, Ben was awakened by a loud noise in his room. Much to his surprise, when he woke, his room was filled with light. 

Thinking it was a new type of oil lamp he had reviewed earlier in the evening, it soon dawned on him that it was the sun. Known for being frugal, Ben decided that Parisians were wasting excessive energy—back then it was candle light, in the form of tallow and wax—and that something needed to be done about people living the majority of their days by artificial light. In a letter to the French paper Journal de Pairs, he suggested that the city:

• Tax window shutters
• Ration candles
• Stop coaches from passing in the street
• Ring church bells in order to wake everyone up at sunrise 

And thus, the idea of Daylight Savings Time was born! (Technically, it is Daylight Saving Time, without the s, but that just doesn’t roll of the tongue as nicely, does it?) 

Now, thankfully, we just turn our clocks back or forward.  

Daylight Savings Time is actually a federal law. Signed by Lyndon B. Johnson, the Uniform Time Act of 1966 was made law in order to establish a “uniform time within the standard time zones” in the United Sates. However, each state was allowed to opt out by a vote. Currently, only Arizona and Hawaii have no Daylight Savings Time.

On November 3, Daylight Savings Time ends. At 2 a.m., our clocks set back one hour. So at 2 a.m., turn your clock back to 1 a.m. Or typically for us non-night owls, simply turn your clocks back one hour right before you go to bed. 

Will you fall back in bed to enjoy an extra hour of sleep or will you spring forward and accomplish one of those “I’ll do it tomorrow” tasks you put off yesterday.

Do not let your smoke alarm fail. Check your batteries! 

Traditionally, Daylight Savings Time is when our local fire departments encourage us to check our smoke alarms. Though this is probably a testament to how well, or not well, I cook that I know exactly how annoying that piercing re-re-re alarm is. However tempting it may be, do not disconnect or remove the batteries from your smoke alarm. 38% of deaths in home fires are due to smoke alarm failure. The main reason why smoke alarms fail? Dead, missing or disconnected batteries. Testing your smoke alarm takes only minutes and might just save you and your family’s life. 

What to do with the extra 55 minutes? Check your carbon monoxide detector and fire extinguisher! In homes with natural gas appliances, wood-burning fireplaces or space heaters, you are at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning. Because carbon monoxide is odorless, it is extremely difficult to tell when levels have become dangerous. Carbon monoxide detectors work much like smoke alarms, by sending out a loud piercing alarm when CO levels reach an unsafe level. 

I always heard Daylight Savings Time started to give farmers more working daylight hours. Who knew it was all about saving energy? 

Do you think you know it all? Take The American Red Cross fire safety quiz, a gateway to learn more about fire safety. 

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It’s the Great Pumpkin Season

by Micaela Rosinski, intern contributor

Fall is quite possibly the best time of the year. It makes me giddy to watch leaves change colors, pull out comfy sweaters, and enjoy the cooling weather. But most importantly, it is the season of all things pumpkin. Pumpkin carving, pumpkin pies and lattes…it is all fantastic. However, if the proper safety precautions are not taken, pumpkin festivities can turn into pumpkin mishaps.

Pumpkin Carving Safety: Carving pumpkins is a great activity to do with the family in preparation for Halloween. However, knives and other sharp objects can prove to be dangerous if not handled properly. Never leave children unattended with any type of knife. Teach your children an appropriate, safe method for carving their pumpkin. Ensure the outside of the pumpkin is dry to prevent hands from slipping during the carving process. In the event someone does cut their hand, have your Red Cross first aid kit handy to sanitize and properly care for the wound. Or, download our first aid app...just in case.

Pumpkin Pies and Confections: If you dare to branch out from your favorite store-bought pie and attempt to make your own, always practice safe cooking. Cooking is a top cause of home fires in the United States. Check food regularly while cooking. Keep kitchen clean and organized at all times, and store a fire extinguisher nearby. For additional kitchen safety, visit redcross.org and enjoy a disaster-free pie!

Hot Drinks Galore: I lose count of how many pumpkin spice lattes I enjoy during autumn. Be careful consuming your drink of choice. Burning your tongue or the roof of your mouth can ruin the tasty experience. Also be sure to not spill your drink to avoid burning skin.

Be Aware of Allergies: Food allergies to pumpkin and pumpkin products are rare, but possible. Reactions can occur various ways. If hands and arms become itchy after playing with the wonderful guts of the pumpkin at carving time, simply wash your hands with soap and water to remove pumpkin residue. If there appears to be an allergic reaction after consuming pumpkin, closely monitor the reaction and see a medical professional if necessary. 

Gather Around the Fireplace: In front of the fireplace is a great spot to carve pumpkins, watch a holiday film, and enjoy moments with family and friends. If it has been an extended period of time since you have utilized the fireplace, ensure the chimney is clean and clear of anything that could cause a house fire. Also use a sturdy fire screen around the fireplace when in use, especially if there are children.

Pumpkin Patch: So, your child convinced you to buy the largest pumpkin they found at the pumpkin patch, or you personally thought it would be great. Be careful picking that bad boy up! Lift with your knees and ask for help if you feel it is too heavy to get to your car. Or, simply purchase two smaller pumpkins instead.

Fall is a fabulous time of year. With pumpkin madness thrown into the mix, the season just cannot be beat. So get carving, cooking and drinking, and make your home smell like an autumn festival!

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Red Cross Offers Flood Safety Tips

With a widespread rain event possible in the North Texas area, the American Red Cross is urging families to take precautions now, and offers important safety tips in the event of flash flooding.

• Charge laptops, cell phones, tablets and other electronics in order to get information before, during and after disasters.
• Pack a disaster supplies kit with working flashlights, extra batteries, bottled water, first aid supplies, etc. Click here for a list of items to pack in a supplies kit.
• Listen to area radio and television stations and a NOAA Weather Radio for possible flash flood warnings and reports of flooding in progress or other critical information from the National Weather Service (NWS)
• Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice.
• When a flash flood warning is issued for your area, head for higher ground and stay there.
• Stay away from floodwaters. If you come upon a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, stop, turn around and go another way. Six inches of swiftly moving water can sweep you off of your feet.
• If you come upon a flooded road while driving, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground. Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water.
• Keep children out of the water. They are curious and often lack judgment about running water or contaminated water.
• Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood danger.
• Bookmark www.redcross.org to learn about shelter locations and other important information.

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Looking Back on Superstorm Sandy, One Year Later

by Tonya Solis-Mosby, volunteer contributor

The American Red Cross response to Superstorm Sandy
was our largest US relief operation in 5 years.

Her fierce winds rose to 115 miles per hour.  In her wake she left trees splintered and strewn; demolished houses and other buildings; many lives uprooted and at least 285 dead.  She was so much more than the average hurricane. She was called Superstorm Sandy.

As the first anniversary of Hurricane Sandy’s devastating blow to the East Coast on October 29, 2012 approaches, Tom and Jeanne Gargiulo, a Long Island couple, shared recently with Red Cross staff, board members and volunteers their story of survival during a hurricane nightmare.

North Texas Regional CEO T.D. Smyers presents
the Gargiulo's with a framed copy of the poster
they were featured in for the American Red Cross.

“We were shattered,” Mrs. Gargiulo said, adding, “but we weren’t broken.”

Mr. and Mrs. Gargiulo were featured guest speakers for "The Journey Forward," a Sandy Commemoration Forum hosted by the American Red Cross in North Texas last week.  The special event was attended by Red Cross volunteers, board members and community partners.

During their presentation, which included a slide show presentation of the storm damage, Mrs. Gargiulo described her family’s activities in the days prior to the storm hitting Babylon Village where she and her family lived.  She said their efforts weren’t unlike other village residents. They boarded their windows and strategically placed sandbags in an effort to ward off the effects of the storm. But their efforts were in vain. 

“We moved 3 miles away (to her in-laws house),” Mrs. Gargiulo said, “There were electric lines sparking, trees uprooted and what sounded like explosions.  There was also high water.”

Mrs. Gargiulo said 24 hours later, she and her family returned to their home to find it had been filled with about 6 feet of water.  She said it took boats and wading in waist-high water to get through their neighborhood. But before the Gargiulo family and their neighbors could begin to think about repairs, Mother Nature dumped a tremendous snow storm on the area.

“With everything that was going on,” Mr. Gargiulo said, “and all the organizations that came out to help, one organization stood out. It was one of the happiest moments of our lives when that truck drove up with hot meals.”

The truck that Mr. Gargiulo spoke about was an American Red Cross emergency relief vehicle. Aboard that truck was food and drink, but in the days following the storm, the Red Cross also delivered supplies that helped residents sift through the remains of their homes and to keep warm, he said.

“Thank you for being our light in the darkness,” Mrs. Gargiulo said.

Now, one year later, The Gargiulos described their neighborhood as one that is struggling to overcome the devastation.  There are vacant lots and friends and neighbors who have vowed not to return, they said. However, they had the hope of rebuilding their lives in their old neighborhood so they began repairs to their house earlier this year.  Unfortunately, a project to elevate the house failed. The house plummeted from the hydraulics to the ground, causing irreparable damage.  They are slated to begin rebuilding again in a few months.

Larry Mowry, CBS 11 meteorologist & Sandy Forum
speaker poses with Red Cross volunteer Anna.

Also during the forum, T.D. Smyers, North Texas Region Red Cross chief executive officer, facilitated conversations of Hurricane Sandy experiences from DFW-area volunteers who were deployed to the storm-damaged area. Larry Mowry, CBS 11 chief meteorologist, also shared insight on the conditions that made Sandy such a significant storm.  Finally, tips for preparing for hurricanes and tornados, as well as other emergencies, were shared by Red Cross officials and by members of the city and county of emergency response teams, including emergency managers Doug Bass and David McCurdy and Juan Ortiz, and Tarrant County Judge B. Glen Whitley.

Check out more photos from the events in Dallas & Fort Worth on Flickr. Learn more about the American Red Cross' massive response to Superstorm Sandy by reading our one-year report.

Tips for emergency preparedness can be found on the American Red Cross website www.redcross.org/prepare. Safety information is also available on Facebook: RedCrossDFW and Twitter @RedCrossDFW.

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