When disaster strikes, those affected often look for “the helpers” in times of trouble. One familiar face for disaster relief is Susan Jett, a long time Red Cross volunteer.
During a recent session of The Humanitarian Hour, Jett received the honor of being named the Regional Volunteer of the Year for the Arkansas/Missouri territory.
According to Catherine Swenson with the Red Cross, there has been some recent restructuring of the awards now offering a Rookie of the Year award which will be presented to a volunteer in each chapter who has volunteered for one year or less, contribution a minimum of 50 hours and making outstanding contributions to their chapter in that time frame.
With regard to the Regional Volunteer of the Year award, however; much more significant contributions are required.
“To be eligible for this award, you must have had a minimum of five years of service, have made outstanding contributions within the region, the nominee must be an active volunteer with a minimum of 500 cumulative hours worked and logged in volunteer connection. So this year were honored to have 12 wonderful volunteers that were nominated for the 2023 Volunteer of the Year award,” Swenson said.
Nominees for the 2023 Regional Volunteer of the Year award were: Kathy Byrd, Ann Christmas, Robert Euler, Michelle Fasel, Peggy Gains, Ellen Green, Susan Jett, Sandra Johnson, Ann Liles, Caleb McDarmant, Mark Pon and Jim Powell.
After a moment’s pause and building of anticipation, Swenson said, “A committee representing all the lines of service had a difficult task of selecting just one winner from that amazing group of people and I’m pleased to announce the 2023 Volunteer of the Year award winner is, Susan Jett! Those who worked with Susan have been singing her praises and here is what they have to say.”
A series of short video clips followed Swenson’s comments and here is just a snapshot of what her colleagues had to say.
“Susan Jett my friend, congratulations on being the volunteer of the year for the Missouri Arkansas region, I could not think of a better person or a more deserving person to be recognized for this achievement. Thank yo0u for being that example, your dedication inspires me your dedication inspires others. What you do for our client. The role model you set for the workforce and the way you support our staff continues to amaze me every day. I can remember a time where the NEA chapter up there went for a period of 12 to 15 months without any staff and you became the go to person and without hesitation you said yes. Any time I call day or night, you said yes. I am forever grateful for that, your grace, your leadership and your honesty during that time period. Your actions during that time continue to inspire me and others. You are being recognized for volunteer of the year, make no mistake, you’re a hero to me and to others. We all love you and appreciate you. Congratulations.”
“Where do I get to begin with this, Susan Jett. It’s been great working with you over this last year, I know you joined the Red Cross in 2008, that is 15 years! Susan, I am so honored that you are volunteer of the year and coming out of SEMO [Southeast Missouri and Northern Arkansas] makes it that much better, enjoy this award you’re receiving.”
“I have worked with you for many years now and you have personified the principals of the red cross, whether you’re working doing blood drives, especially as duty officer and case worker. You always put the needs of our clients first and on more than one occasion recently I’ve seen you go above what is required of you to help a person in need. You are a great example of what a volunteer should be.”
“Susan has been nothing but amazing since I met her in August of 2021. Ms. Susan has been a great great person within our chapter within the SEMO chapter. She is always willing to step in and help with any duty officer or shifts that myself or any other person in the region might need help covering. She is a wealth of knowledge but will also ask questions if there’s something she’s not sure of. She and I have spent many late nights trying to find solutions for our clients. She recently helped us find a safe location to place in their area. When I say we, I mean her and her husband who she has also recruited to be a volunteer… I love her, she is the sweetest person and a wealth of knowledge. She’s been a volunteer for the Red Cross since 2008. We love you and I can’t wait to see what comes next.”
Mike Ingram is the Senior Disaster Program Manager for the Arkansas/Missouri region of American Red Cross who then invited Jett to join him on camera for a brief question and answer session.
Ingram first congratulated Jett for her years of dedication, service, hard work, leadership and determination before inquiring as to what prompted her to join the organization. He also asked about her favorite memories and stories she has shared in recruiting efforts.
Jett said prior to joining, she was aware of blood drives but after attending a meeting and speaking with a passionate instructor, she knew this was something she wanted to be part of.
She noted that disaster relief was not just for fires at home, but the Red Cross and the opportunities provided to travel and work face to face with those in need on a regular basis was an honor, one she didn’t take lightly.
“We can talk about fires, but one of my favorite memories is helping people at a Catholic church, down by a race track in New York,” Jett said.
Jett also gave a nod to the leadership of the red cross and the colleagues she works with on a daily basis when helping families in the region.
“The thing about leadership in the red cross is that everyone is approachable. Everybody,” Jett said.
To view the awards ceremony in full visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVOSH8OlKiQ.
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Lauren is a an award-winning journalist who decided after 10 years of newspaper experience to venture out. Hallmark Times was born.
