Local Ohio Red Cross volunteer honored in D.C. with Presidential Award for Excellence

Posted on April 24, 2026 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By Kathryn Dean, American Red Cross volunteer

“The main reason that I chose the Red Cross was that they were strong on the humanitarian part, of one person helping another person, human to human. I’m big on that.” – Michael Foote

March 3, 2026. Washington, DC. Michael Foote (center) accepting his
Biomedical Services Employee Excellence Awards 2026
Photo by Victoria Hurley/American Red Cross

Michael Foote, a volunteer with the Western Lake Erie Chapter of the American Red Cross, was recently awarded the Presidential Biomedical Award for Excellence in a ceremony that took place at the Red Cross headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Michael first learned of the American Red Cross while serving in the Navy as an aircraft electrician, where the Red Cross ensured the delivery of urgent messages between sailors and their families while they were serving overseas.

After serving 20 years, he retired from the Navy and later became a caregiver for his wife, who suffered from dementia. After her passing in 2015, he contemplated how he could utilize his free time, as they had no children or grandchildren. One thing he did know was that he wanted to volunteer.

“The main reason that I chose the Red Cross was that they were strong on the humanitarian part, of one person helping another person, human to human. I’m big on that.” Michael explained. “In the Navy, there is the team concept – like the idea that there are a lot of different parts to the Red Cross, but they’re one team. So, I wanted to have a small group of like-minded individuals that I could relate to. The Red Cross has become my second family.”

He started by volunteering as a Blood Transportation Specialist and quickly became one of their most dependable drivers, often picking up open shifts, covering call-offs, and training new volunteers.

“I found out that in the afternoons to pick up the blood, they were paying 60 to 70 dollars for their courier to do that,” Michael explained. “It’s 13 miles total, and it takes me an hour and a half. For me, I feel selfish sitting around watching TV when I could be saving the Red Cross those 60, 70 dollars, so I do that 5 days a week.”

In 2025, Michael worked 414 Transportation Specialist shifts, totaling over 1,000 volunteer hours and saving the Red Cross an approximate $55,000 in courier fees.

In addition to working 4 to 5 days per week transporting blood products, he also volunteers for many other Red Cross programs, including the Sound the Alarm events, where volunteers install smoke detectors in homes.

He also joined the Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) due to his military background, where he has participated in flag and wreath-laying events. Through the SAF, he’s also worked with a local Air National Guard group and the Red Cross to help set up their food pantry.

Most recently, he started with the Disaster Action Team, who respond to fires, and is already a supervisor, fulfilling 2 to 3, 12-hour fire call shifts per week.

When asked how he manages to work so many hours, he chuckled, saying, “I tell people I’m on Red Cross time.”

He’s well aware of the comments people have made, such as “sometimes it seems like he sleeps here.” Others have worried that he is working too hard.

To that, he responded, ”I’m a volunteer, and I volunteer for this. If I need time off, then I’ll tell them I can’t do this. But I should be the one who says what I can and can’t do. If I’m physically and mentally able to, I want to keep doing these things. I would feel selfish not to when I know some jobs need to be done and (there’s) nobody else to do them.”

“Part of it is that I’m a Christian,” he continued, “and I want to share the kindness around me, and the other part (is) about helping humans.”

To learn more about volunteering with the Red Cross, click the link HERE, or visit http://www.redcross.org.

Red Cross Club members provide aid while being inspired

Posted on April 20, 2026 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By Tim Poe, American Red Cross volunteer

Each day in our region, American Red Cross youth and young adult volunteers assist at blood drives, help veterans and their families, learn and teach skills such as CPR and disaster preparation, and aid their communities. Many of these activities are through Red Cross Clubs.

An extension of a local Red Cross region or Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) station, Red Cross Clubs assist mission-related activities and help their communities. Volunteers gain valuable experience and lifesaving skills, discover opportunities and develop lifelong friendships.

For insight into Red Cross Club activities, I spoke with Rayanna Cap and Wesley Leong, who have been Red Cross volunteers since 2023 and 2020, respectively.

Rayanna was initially inspired to volunteer with the Red Cross by her sister. While researching opportunities, Rayanna learned of Red Cross Clubs. She thought the project was “awesome,” and helped create the club at Findlay High School, from where she will graduate in May.

Wesley partly credits his supportive family and culture of helping others as inspiration to volunteer. “I wanted to expand that support into the community and build relationships that aren’t given to us,” Wesley said. While at Revere High School, Wesley researched why he hadn’t seen a blood drive at the school in a while, which led him and a friend to create the school’s Red Cross Club. He is currently studying chemistry at Emory University.

Since joining the Red Cross, Rayanna and Wesley have been exceptionally active, valuable volunteers. In addition to serving as club coordinator at Findlay High School, Rayanna has helped start at least 10 clubs. Wesley works with Red Cross Clubs across our region, meeting with officers each month to offer advice and support, brainstorm ideas and help form new clubs.

Both Rayanna and Wesley expressed how much they enjoy helping others, the community, and meeting and working with others. Rayanna said, “I love talking to others and helping to get youth involved, like how donating blood saves lives. If they’re nervous, I’ll hold their hand while they donate.” Wesley said he enjoys seeing the impact of his work, saying, “I can actively do something to help others in the community.”

Among Rayanna’s favorite activities is a “Tie-Blanket” project where Club members get together during the holidays, watch a Christmas movie and create blankets for local shelters. “Knowing blankets are going to local shelters is very inspiring, helps solidify the passion for what we are doing and teaches members the benefits are real, especially when I saw someone using a blanket we had made,” Rayanna said. The event is now an annual holiday tradition.

Other activities Rayanna enjoys and has inspired others to join include canteen services– providing snacks and water for first responders or residents impacted by local disasters, working with local businesses to help support blood drives and other activities, and learning CPR and other lifesaving skills. “I love the work that I do!” she said.

One of Wesley’s favorite Red Cross moments was during a Veterans Day gift drive, seeing how important the gifts were to those at a local VA hospital. Currently, he greatly enjoys connecting with and helping fellow volunteers aid their communities. He also offers advice and insight to help others succeed in college.

Both have also been inspired by their volunteer services. Rayanna credits the Red Cross as helping her choose her college major and career path. She will be attending The Ohio State University this fall, majoring in public policy and minoring in both education policy and nonprofit management.

Wesley, now in his junior year at Emory, credits much of his success and view of the world to his experience with the Red Cross. “I wouldn’t be where I am without the Red Cross,” he said. Wesley plans to attend graduate school and become a professor.

As busy as they are, both find time for other activities, and both especially love baking. Rayanna also participates in sports, including soccer, bowling, lacrosse, running and pickleball. Wesley also crochets and makes plushies.

When asked what they would say to someone thinking of joining or starting a Red Cross Club, both resoundingly said, “Do it!” Rayanna said, “You’ll make so many memories, meet so many people. I’ve listened, held people’s hands and understand things I may not have otherwise. You’ll experience things you won’t forget. You’ll also gain many skills like public speaking, communications and using Microsoft, which apply to future goals.” Wesley added, “There are so many opportunities, and the experience has helped in many ways. I will be forever grateful to the Red Cross.”

More on Red Cross Clubs and other youth volunteer opportunities is available a redcross.org/red-cross-youth.html.

Edited by Glenda Bogar, Red Cross volunteer

Veterans Day message from CEO Mike Parks

Posted on November 11, 2025 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

Annually, on November 11^th, our nation recognizes Veterans Day, when we honor all those men and women who served in the Armed Forces. I was recently asked the difference between various holidays that honor the military, so I thought I’d share a few thoughts.

Mike Parks, Rear Admiral, United States Coast Guard (Retired), Regional CEO, American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

Armed Forces Day: Celebrated on the third Saturday in May and honors all those currently serving in the Armed Forces.

Memorial Day: Celebrated the last Monday in May and honors all those who lost their lives during military service to our nation. Note: Since this holiday is about commemorating those that have died, it’s not appropriate to wish someone a “Happy Memorial Day.”

Veterans Day: Celebrated the 11^th of November and honors all those who have served in the Armed Forces.

I’ve seen it explained this way: Armed Forces Day honors everyone in uniform. Veterans Day honors everyone who wore the uniform. Memorial Day honors those who never had the chance to get out of the uniform.

Although these three significant holidays differ in their recognition, the one thing they most definitely have in common is they all honor the concept of sacrifice. Whether a current Service member, or someone who has previously served, or those that paid the ultimate price—they all sacrificed, or are sacrificing, for their fellow man. That’s what so special about their sacrifice—it’s forgoing something of value to them–often their own freedom of choice as they serve, deploy, and put themselves in harm’s way. Their collective sacrifice is why we have the freedoms we enjoy, and regrettably, often take for granted, today.

Veterans Day (yes—there’s no apostrophe because it honors all Veterans and doesn’t “belong” to them) began as Armistice Day on November 11, 1919, to commemorate the end of World War I. Although it became a legal holiday in 1938 to honor WWI veterans, in 1954 the name was changed to Veterans Day to honor all American veterans who served.

Even though we should never wait to do so, let us not miss the opportunity to fly our American flags, say the Pledge of Allegiance, sing our National Anthem, and recognize a veteran next Tuesday on Veterans Day. It’s the least we can do to honor their sacrifice. Thank you Veterans and God Bless the United States of America!

Whether at Home or Abroad, the Red Cross Is There for Those Who Serve

Posted on November 10, 2025 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By Tim Poe, American Red Cross volunteer.

Assisting members of the armed forces, veterans, and their families has been a core tenet of the American Red Cross since its founding. In honoring Veterans Day, November 11th, we wish to highlight our Services to the Armed Forces (SAF) programs. To help do so, I spoke with Nasir Ahmad, Program Specialist with the Red Cross’s SAF & International Services. He is also a US Air Force veteran.

Regional COO Tim O’Toole (left) with Nasir Ahmad (right) after Nasir returned from his six-month deployment in Iraq.

Nasir, who returned from a six-month Iraq deployment earlier this year, has continued the Red Cross mission here in Northern Ohio. Nasir stressed the need for flexibility of adjusting to changes, something he and other military families know well. Nasir said, “When coming back, there are a lot of changes, personally and professionally. You can’t pick up where you left off and not expect things to be different. You have to roll with it, be resilient, and fit back into life, both you and your family. Within a month or so, I was back in a new groove, and I think my military experience helped with that.”

In Bagdad, Nasir and other members of his Red Cross team mainly assisted deployed service members, many of whom were in their early 20s, experiencing their first or second deployment, which reminded Nasir of his experiences as a young service member. Others were at a different stage, sometimes winding down their time in the military. Nasir and his team were there for them, whether they needed a Red Cross service or someone to listen.

“There’s no rank with Red Cross,” Nasir said, “So they can talk more freely. Conversations often go from funny to somber and serious then back to silliness. When it comes to melancholy, they need support. It is wonderful being one of those to make sure they’re okay.” Nasir also said deployments can be especially challenging during the holidays, and everyone responds differently.

“Making sure they’re okay” is an important part of Nasir’s work back home in Northern Ohio, too. “We’re helping people in a different capacity,” Nasir said, “but it’s still very much needed.” Services include Coffee Cart programs near VA hospitals and centers, Family Days, and Yellow Ribbon programs, among others.

This flexibility, humanity, and responsiveness are key to the Red Cross. I asked Nasir what issues are currently most pressing for SAF. A major one is helping ensure military members and their families maintain access to food and necessary services.

International Services is another aspect of Nasir’s role in the Red Cross, which includes the Restoring Family Links program. This service is open to all families who are separated internationally by war, disaster, migration, and other humanitarian crises. With the number of conflicts and crises throughout the world, and the toll they are taking on families, it is desperately needed, and Nasir spoke of how proud he is to help reunite families.

Nasir will help honor Veterans Day by taking part in the parade and festivities in downtown Cleveland. He and other Red Cross members will be at a table at Tower City. Stop by and say hello.

Celebrating Veteran Moms: A Heartfelt Baby Shower

Posted on December 9, 2024 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By Jill Patterson, Senior Regional Philanthropy Officer and Tiffany Circle Staff Lead

The American Red Cross Northern Ohio Tiffany Circle Women’s Leadership Society, in collaboration with Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces, recently hosted a memorable event with the Cleveland VA Medical Center at their Parma location. This special occasion, known as “A Very Merry Baby Shower,” was dedicated to honoring and supporting our women veteran Moms-to-Be.

The event was a beautiful partnership between the Tiffany Circle, the VA, Blue Star Moms, and the Auxiliary Moms. Together, they created a welcoming and supportive environment, providing baby bundles filled with essential items such as diapers, wipes, bottles, bath wash, Desitin, pacifiers, blankets, onesies, and much more. These thoughtful gifts were a testament to the community’s commitment to caring for our veteran mothers.

Our expectant mothers were treated like VIPs throughout the event. One of the highlights was the Mind and Body Workshop, presented by Red Cross volunteer Jackie Otte. This workshop offered valuable relaxation and breathing techniques, equipping the moms with skills that will be beneficial both now and in the future.

Upon arrival, each guest received a raffle ticket, giving them a chance to win beautifully crafted diaper cakes and a variety of $25 gift cards, other miscellaneous baby items and a stroller, all generously donated by supporters. Additionally, there was a grab table featuring hand-knitted blankets and outfits, as well as a table filled with gender-specific clothing. The moms were encouraged to take anything they needed from these tables, ensuring they left with plenty of useful items for their new arrivals.

“A Very Merry Baby Shower” was more than just an event; it was a heartfelt expression of gratitude and support for our women veterans. It brought together different parts of the community to celebrate and assist those who have served our country, making it a truly special day for everyone involved.

Northern Ohio Red Cross volunteer awarded for a lifetime of service to others

Posted on March 15, 2022 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

If you had 4,100 hours to do whatever you wanted, what would you do? If it helps, that’s almost 175 days. Would you take a vacation? Or a few? Catch up on sleep? Finally read all those books on your nightstand?

American Red Cross Northern Ohio volunteer Sharon Nicastro took her hours and spent them helping others. In fact, she took exactly 4,172 hours working to assist the military and their families as a Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces and International Services (SAF/IS) volunteer. During a virtual ceremony on Martin Luther King Jr., Day this past February, Sharon was awarded the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award, a civil award bestowed by the President of the United States. Also called the Presidents Call to Service Award, a volunteer must give 4,000 hours or more over a lifetime of volunteering to receive this prestigious award.

*Admiral Mike Parks, CEO of the American Red Cross Northern Ohio Region, presents Sharon Nicastro with the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award*

During the ceremony Koby Langley, Senior Vice President, Red Cross International Services and Service to the Armed Forces, said “This level of achievement represents a person who’s dedicated their entire life to improving the world around them. They’ve dedicated themselves to being a humanitarian, to help others in need.”

Sharon Nicastro volunteers at the Cleveland VA Medical Center on Pearl Harbor Day (Photo taken prior to COVID-19)

With how busy life seems to be for everyone these days, many may wonder why Sharon has spent so much time in serving others. She says her lifelong commitment began with her father, who encouraged his children to volunteer. “If dad went to the clambake to help, all us kids went to the clambake to help,” said Sharon. For Sharon and her family, it wasn’t a question of will you help but why wouldn’t you?

During her time as an SAF/IS volunteer, Sharon has supported military families during deployments and emergencies. She has also helped our nation’s veterans after their service ends. Sharon has taught CPR and hands only CPR classes in Northern Ohio and volunteers at the VA Medical Center in Cleveland. “Sharon is an inspiring woman to work with. Her dedication to support service members, veterans and their families is humbling,” said Jessica Tischler, SAF/IS Regional Program Manager. “She is also a force multiplier as she engages and leads new volunteers in delivering services and works with community partners. Winston Churchill said ‘We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give’ and that encompasses what Sharon has shared with the Red Cross.”

Sharon Nicastro and volunteer Jackie Otte teach a CPR class in Cleveland. (Photo taken prior to
COVID-19)

The Northern Ohio Region is incredibly fortunate to have Sharon Nicastro on our team. We congratulate her on this outstanding achievement. And we look forward to what she does next because, of course, Sharon doesn’t plan to stop volunteering anytime soon!

If Sharon has inspired you the way she inspires all of us, learn how you can become a Red Cross volunteer and start working your way to that 4,000-hour milestone, at RedCross.org/VolunteerToday.

Military mom offers thanks

Posted on November 22, 2019 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

November 22, 2019- Editor’s note: Jessica Tischler, Regional Service to the Armed Forces Program Manager, recently receive this heartfelt message from the grateful mother of a serviceman.

This email is long overdue. My name is Barbara Freeman and I donate financially to the Red Cross and give blood every three months. There is a very special reason why I will always support your organization.

My father passed away 10 years ago. During that time my son was enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Therefore, in order to get him home when my father was in critical condition, I had to go through the Red Cross.

Jason Mitchell and his grandfather, Daniel Bryant. Photo provided by Jason’s mother, Barbara Freeman. With permission.

My father helped raise my son. He was always my son’s idol and it was the reason my son joined the Navy because his grandfather served in the US Navy during WW2. When I had to make the call to the Red Cross I was not in a good place. As I was speaking with one of your representatives, she asked me questions that I was unable to answer. In the state I was in, I could barely remember my child’s name let alone know if he was in A School or C School. She was so kind and told me to go be with my father at the hospital and she would take care of everything. When I got to the hospital, I remember telling my mother that I was sure I would need to call back the Red Cross because I was sure I did not have enough information for them to be able to get my son home, but I was wrong.

Within 20 minutes of that call my son was on his way home. Because of this, he was able to see the most important man in his life before he passed away. Because of this, I will always support the Red Cross. I tell everyone this story, especially to the employees of the Red Cross that take my blood, but I realized I never told you directly. I hope you know what a difference you make in people’s lives. I apologize that it took me 10 years to personally thank all of you for all you do. I hope it is true that it is better late than never.

Thank you,

Barbara Freeman

When the American Red Cross of Northeast Ohio asked for permission to reprint Ms. Freeman’s message here, this was her response:

“I have no problem with you sharing my story. I would love for as many people as possible to know what an amazing organization you are. I worked in nonprofit for many years and would tell that story to our new staff to explain what a difference they make in people’s lives. I can’t even put into words what an impact the Red Cross has made in my life but most importantly the lives of my son and his grandfather. Bless you for all you do.”

Volunteer Profile: Jeanette Petrick

Posted on April 20, 2018 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

Greater Cleveland Chapter Volunteer is Passionate About Helping Members of the Military, Veterans and Their Families

By Eilene Guy, American Red Cross Volunteer

“I always knew I’d do volunteer work with the military when I retired from nursing, so I contacted the Red Cross and they put me in just the right place,” says Jeanette Petrick of Strongsville.

Jeannette Petrick

Jeanette thrives on what she calls the “human contact” that she experienced as an acute care nurse and now as a volunteer for the Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces.

“I do casework, calling to follow up with families that have had emergency communications (through the Red Cross) with family members on deployment,” she says. “Usually that’s in connection with a death, or maybe an illness; sometimes it’s something nice, like a birth in the family.

“We check to be sure the communications went smoothly, but then as I talk with them, I might find out they need other services – like financial help to get their service member home for a funeral – and we can point them to other resources, either through the Red Cross or military support organizations or their communities.”

Jeanette’s compassion is obvious as she recounts the story of a young Navy wife who is pregnant while her husband is deployed on a ship. “She hasn’t seen him all that much in the last two years,” she says. “It reminds you just how much military families really do sacrifice.”

For Jeanette, supporting our men and women in uniform is more than a professional or even a humanitarian issue: It’s personal. Her father served in the Navy during World War II, she had brothers and cousins in the armed forces during the Vietnam era and her only son is now in Afghanistan with the U.S. Army.

“I love my country,” she says, “and I love that I can help people through the Red Cross.”

In Northeast Ohio, 62 volunteers like Jeanette are the manpower of the Service to the Armed Forces, according to their volunteer leader, Sharon Nicastro. In addition to active duty military, SAF serves veterans, reservists, members of the National Guard and their families.

If you’d like to fit into this vital volunteer role, or explore the many other volunteer opportunities within the Red Cross, visit www.redcross.org/neo, and click the volunteer tab, or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

Service to Armed Forces Among Many Roles of Volunteer

Posted on April 28, 2017 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By Sharon Nicastro, American Red Cross Volunteer

(Editor’s note: This is one in a series of essays written by volunteers for the American Red Cross in the Northeast Ohio Region)

My first exposure to the Red Cross was in the 1960s when I took a first aid course in middle school. I maintained my connection to the Red Cross through the 70s and 80s by taking additional training. By 1990 I had become a member of the first aid team and blood drive recruiter at my workplace and a Red Cross volunteer instructor. I graduated from the Cleveland Red Cross EMT-Basic program in 1999. The next year I joined Disaster Services as a member of the Disaster Action Team and Disaster Health Services. I have since added Government Liaison, Disaster Assessment, and Training to my disaster activities. Last year I became an instructor for Volunteer Services and a volunteer partner of the Regional Director for Service to the Armed Forces (SAF). For SAF, I participate in outreach events to acquaint service members, veterans, and their families with Red Cross services and coordinate Red Cross volunteers who serve at Veterans Affairs medical facilities.

SAF is especially important to me because of my family’s military service. My five great-uncles served in World War II. My father was one of the pioneers of the U.S. Army Air Forces where he was a navigator on a B-17. One of my uncles served during the Korean War with the U.S. Air Force; another uncle was in the U.S. Army; my brother-in-law was in Thailand during the Vietnam War; and my nephew did a tour of duty in Saudi Arabia with the U.S. Air Force. Especially because of my father’s stories and patriotism I have some understanding of the courage and sacrifice that is required of service members and their families.

Sharon Nicastro, assisting in a smoke alarm installation event in Maple Heights on 4/22/17

The American Red Cross has a long, distinguished history of service to military members and their families. At outreach events I meet people who were helped by the Red Cross and are grateful to this day. At the American Red Cross I can do my part by ensuring that services – sometimes life-altering services – are available to the men, women, and families of our military.

Sharon Nicastro lives in Independence, and serves residents of the Greater Cleveland Chapter. She has been a Red Cross volunteer since 1990.

To learn more about volunteer opportunities with the Red Cross, or to begin an application, visit our volunteer page or call 216-431-3328. To help the Red Cross train volunteers and provide them with the resources needed to assist people who experience disasters, big and small, visit our Giving Day page.

Good Food, Good Drink, Good Cause

Posted on April 22, 2017 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

Fundraisers like this don’t come around very often.

Enjoy acclaimed Bodegas Salentein wines and an exceptional menu of appetizers crafted by Texas de Brazil this Wednesday, April 26. Tickets cost just $35, and $30 from each ticket will benefit American Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces.

ORIGINAL INFORMATION: Photo Number: 65-190 Date of Event: 1965 Event: Vietnam War, Service to the Armed Forces, Communications Location: Cleveland, Ohio Photographer: unknown ORIGINAL CAPTION: Cleveland, OhioMrs. Paul Arrowood who holds her daughter Nancy came into the Greater Cleveland Chapter, ARC, for communications assistance to her husband who is in the Army in South Viet-Nam. She also came in about a week later to send him a Voices From Home recording. The Red Cross worker is Mrs. Donald Tindall, vice-chairman of volunteers in casework service. (Photo from the American Red Cross)

Tickets are available here.

NOHredcross

American Red Cross of Northern Ohio Region

Tag Archives: SAF