They help get Red Cross resources where needed

By Tim Poe, American Red Cross volunteer

A little under six years ago, Tom Johnson decided to help after a disaster, contacted the
American Red Cross, and was soon assisting at a Florida shelter in what would become his first of 18 deployments thus far. A few months later, Tom was heading to the Red Cross’s Heartland, Stark, and Muskingum Lakes (HSML) chapter, when his wife, Gwen, decided she would like to help, too.

Since then, Tom and Gwen have taken on enough roles to fill this page, but Tom is primarily the logistics lead for the Northern Ohio region, while Gwen helps engage volunteers and forge shelter agreements. In short, they ensure people, supplies, facilities, and vehicles are ready whenever and wherever needed.

They are also responders on the Disaster Action Team (DAT) and help install smoke alarms.

Much of the Red Cross’ ability to quickly, effectively provide assistance -whether during a disaster, supplying blood to hospitals, aiding the U.S. Armed Forces, or other lines of service -is due to volunteers like Tom and Gwen.

Kim Kroh, Executive Director the HSML chapter, said, “Tom and Gwen have amazing stamina and are some of the most philanthropic people I have ever met. Gwen is one of my Community Volunteer Leaders (CVLs) and has helped me immensely, including archiving the history of seven counties. Tom is always willing to help around the chapter, whether that is loading the Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) for Hall of Fame activities, volunteering at our fundraising events , or reaching high places (Tom is super tall). It is a blessing to have Tom and Gwen representing the HSML chapter, and an honor to call them my friends.”

Tom and Gwen bring a lifetime of experience to the Red Cross. In addition to raising two
children, Tom worked in telecommunications for 40 years; Gwen most recently worked in retail. They have three grandchildren, enjoy traveling, hiking, and animal watching.

Being creative, lifetime learners, they have continued to hone skills and explore new avenues as Red Cross volunteers. While Tom had known about several Red Cross services, including being assisted when he was in the service and his father passed, he was still surprised how many opportunities and classes the Red Cross offers. (Another of Tom’s roles is helping at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery).

It is a good fit for them. Tom and Gwen both like to remain busy. It is one of the things Tom enjoys about logistics, especially during deployment, as the days are filled with activity. Gwen enjoys talking with and helping people, although she jokes part of her job is sending them away (on deployments).

While Tom and Gwen modestly describe themselves as being “behind the scenes,” joining to help rather than receive pats on the back, they have seen the positive effects of their work: a young lady hugging a blanket other HSML volunteers had sewn, saying she will cherish it forever; an older woman who couldn’t believe they travelled 90 minutes at night to help just her; a shelter resident initially nervous being around others developing friendships; the appreciation of having someone listen and help after losing their homes.

They have also met a lot of nice people, enjoy the diverse experience and perspectives of their fellow Red Cross members, and being able to help when it is most needed.

For anyone considering becoming a Red Cross volunteer, Tom and Gwen point to the many opportunities, the ability to discover new perspectives and see the world differently, the enjoyment, the friendships, and even the T-shirts. And if you join in the HSML chapter, they will likely be among those helping you begin.

Edited by Glenda Bogar, Red Cross volunteer

Posted by Ryan Lang, Red Cross board member and volunteer