By Alana Mauger

The American Red Cross Disaster Workforce Team hosted a Deployment Appreciation Event on Feb. 28 in Philadelphia for Southeastern Pennsylvania (SEPA) volunteers and staff who deployed in-person or virtually to assist with Red Cross disaster relief operations in 2022. Honorees were served dinner and presented with certificates for each of their deployments.

“SEPA has a strong, committed, viable and compassionate workforce,” said Regional Disaster Officer Lisa Magee during her remarks. “Thank you for empowering Red Cross clients who have uncertain futures to take those next steps toward recovery.”

The region was well represented across the country in 2022. In total, 58 SEPA Red Crossers deployed 90 times in support of 14 national and 2 local disasters. Eleven volunteers deployed for the first time, gaining valuable experience in their respective disaster GAPs (group/position/activity).  Eight people deployed twice and 10 deployed three to five times!  

Several volunteers shared their motivations for deploying during the presentation. For Fred Lehman, who deployed 4 times last year with the Logistics team, it’s the “phenomenal” Red Crossers he meets from other regions while helping those in need. “I have met people that I will be friends with for the rest of our lives,” he shared.

For Will Dobnak, who deployed 5 times both virtually and in person with the Disaster Health Services team, it’s a good way to “get out and give back to your community.” He shared, “I deploy because it’s a good way to feel like you’re useful. You feel like you’re doing something good and you’re really helping the communities affected by disasters.”

SEPA Spiritual Care lead Charlene Scott, who deployed locally last year, described how the Red Cross is like a blanket. “It’s complete – so once you have the DATs [Disaster Action Team], Disaster Mental Health, Health Services and Spiritual Care, we have a complete blanket for every client. No matter what the need is, we have the ability to fill it.”  

If you’re interested in Red Cross disaster volunteer work, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday to submit a volunteer application. Check out our Flickr page for photos from the deployment recognition event.