My Red Cross Volunteer Story: Jeanne Howlett

Jeanne Howlett

Service to the Armed Forces Volunteer

I volunteer for the Service to the Armed Forces of the American Red Cross because I feel like that area has the biggest impact. It is also where the Red Cross started. Clara Barton was in the field – so powerful and strong, a pusher to help people – and I’m following in her footsteps.

My first volunteer experience was when I was 14. I grew up in a family where we were expected to volunteer. I started as a Candy Striper in Des Moines, Iowa and instantly fell in love with that type of work.

No matter your skill set, there is something for you as a Red Cross volunteer. When my husband joined the Armed Forces and was stationed at Fort Belvoir, I began volunteering there. Doing volunteer work helped me grow. I took classes, got motivated and in turn bettered myself while becoming a better volunteer.

I have done a number of different things as a volunteer, but one of the most impactful is working at Yellow Ribbon Events, where we help members of the Armed Forces and their families connect with local resources before, during and after deployments.

No matter your age, you can gain so much as a Red Cross volunteer. It is important to get back what you give. And if you have time, you should see it as a moral obligation. Volunteering not only benefits you and makes you feel good, but it benefits others.

So why should you volunteer with the Red Cross? Why not?

Want to share your story? Add it in the comments below!
Want to volunteer? Visit http://www.redcross.org/local/dc/washington/volunteer.