March is National American Red Cross

month. It is a time to honor and reflect upon the rich

history of the organization, and a time to recommit

to the mission of preventing and alleviating human

suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the

power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.

The American Red Cross was officially

established over 130 years ago by an “angel of the

battlefield”, Clara Barton. In 1900, the American Red

Cross was officially chartered by congress to provide

national and international relief in the face of

disaster, support the military and family members,

and help ensure alignment with the Geneva

Conventions. The American Red Cross fulfills these

needs and more through our five key services:

Biomedical Services, Health and Safety, Disaster

Relief, Service to the Armed Forces, and International

Services.

Today, the American Red Cross responds to

an average of more than 70,000 disasters each year;

provides round the clock service to military members,

veterans, and their families; collects and distributes

more than 40 percent of the nation’s blood supply;

and trains over 9 million people in lifesaving skills

annually. All of this would not be possible without the

generosity of Americans donating their money, time,

and blood. Thank you to all who have supported and

continue to support the American Red Cross. Your

altruism provides life-changing and lifesaving services

to those in your family, in your neighborhood, and

around the world. Show your support for the

American Red Cross this March by making a

commitment to advance our mission throughout the

year.

March1 and 15: Red Cross Volunteer Orientation (1000-1200)

March 7 and 21: Volunteer and Staff Meeting (1200-1300)

March 4March 4--8: Free Coffee/Snack Cart at Health Clinic (7308: Free Coffee/Snack Cart at Health Clinic (730--1000)1000)

March 4: BSCC Luncheon (1130-1300)

March 8: CPR/First Aid/AED class (0900 - 1530)

March 13: Women’s History Luncheon (1130March 13: Women’s History Luncheon (1130--1300)1300)

March 22: Wounded Warrior Awareness 5K (700March 22: Wounded Warrior Awareness 5K (700--830)830)

March 27: Blood Drive Promotion/ Information Table (1100-1300 and 1530-1730)

Volunteer Highlight

This month we would like to highlight Sara Casey. Sara has been with

Bamberg American Red Cross since July 2012. Sara started volunteering

with the West Central Georgia Chapter of the American Red Cross in 2011

before coming to Bamberg. Sara currently works full time, is working

towards a Master’s Degree in Disaster Management, and still supports the

Bamberg Office. Sara has supported the mission of the American Red

Cross by organizing and leading a fundraiser, providing insight at planning

meetings, and consistently providing supplies and volunteering time for

special events. We are so grateful for Sara’s skills, insights, and

dedication to the Bamberg Office and Military community.

Bamberg American Red Cross V

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March is Red Cross Month

Upcoming Events

National Reflections By Liz Bechtel

Bamberg American Red Cross Health and Safety Instructor and Special Events Volutneer

The American Red Cross was founded on May 21, 1881 principally through the works of Clara Barton. Since that day, volunteers and employees have joined together to help our nation and the international community during times of war, peace, and disaster by providing aid and guidance to Americans and anyone in need. In 1943 President Franklin D. Roosevelt made a Presidential Proclamation by stating “I request that during that month (March) our people rededicate themselves to the splendid aims and activities of the Red Cross. I summon the men, women, and young people of our country, in every city and town and village, in every county and state throughout the land, to enlist in

the army of mercy mobilized under the banner of the Red Cross and to contribute generously to the Red Cross War Fund”. Since that time, the 12 presidents that have followed have made a statement commending the American Red Cross for our effort and service during the month of March in celebration of American Red Cross month. A few of the presidents spoke of what the Red Cross was about and the selfless voluntary service that is shared. Others spoke of how Americans should support the Red Cross including President Jimmy Carter in 1977 “We can follow their example by supporting our local Red Cross chapter”. When reflecting on the quotes by all of the presidents, I believe that the one that stands out the most to me is the one by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968 when he stated, “On every battle field, a flag of mercy flies. Its white field bears a Red Cross-the universal symbol of human compassion. Under that flag, there are no enemies, no racial or religious animosities. There are only brothers.” This is true that no matter what the war, disaster, emergency, or situation in which we are called upon to help; the American Red Cross is there to provide aid and compassion to those in need no matter who they are. Celebrate March as American Red Cross month by remembering how this organization began and vowing to carry on the tradition. As we serve remember that we have the support of our political leaders, our community, and our families. Finally, recall the spirit of the American Red Cross “By donating their time and energy to selflessly serve others, American Red Cross volunteers demonstrate the compassion and generosity for which Americans are known. Their service paves the way to a brighter future for our citizens and people around the world”, President George W. Bush, 2006.

Clara Barton Founder of the American Red

Franklin D Roosevelt -32nd President of the United States -Proclaimed March as American Red

Cross Month

Lyndon B Johnson 36th President of the United

States

George W Bush 43rd President of the United

States

See all of the Presidential Statements about the humanitarian work of the American Red Cross

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Visit us in the ACS Building 7029

Monday-Friday (0800– 1630)

DSN (314) 469-1760

CIV (0951) 300-1760

Emergency Communication Messages (Toll Free US only)

From DSN 94-877-272-7337

Commercial +1-877-272-7337

The Original American Red Cross Volunteer Nurse

Jane Delano became involved with the American Red Cross as a volunteer in 1898

during the Spanish-American War. By 1909 Jane Delano was working simultaneously as

superintendent of the Army Nurse Corps, president of the American Nursing Association, and

chairman of the board of directors of the American Journal of Nursing. That very same year,

Jane Delano was able to employ her connections to almost single-handedly found and chair

the National Committee of American Red Cross Nursing Services. Through her efforts and

dedication the American Red Cross published information on hygiene and home healthcare

and began teaching classes in dietetics. In 1912, Jane Delano founded the American Red

Cross Town and Country Nursing Service to provide healthcare to rural communities. This

would later become our nation’s Public Health Care System. Prior to the onslaught of WWI,

Jane Delano organized over 8,000 registered nurses and trained them for duty. Throughout

the course of the war more than 20,000 of her nurses played a vital role in the U.S. Military.

Jane Delano will be remembered as a leading pioneer of the modern nursing profession and a

stunning example of health, hope, and humanitarianism.

Jane Delano -Founder of the American Red Cross Nursing Service

-Superintendent of the

Army Nurse Corps

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Wounded Warrior Awareness

Freedom Fitness Facility March 22, 2013

7:00am Facebook.com/ARCBamberg