Red Cross offers volunteer opportunities Published Oct. 18, 2012 Courtesy of American Red Cross WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- The American Red Cross Chapter in Kansas City, Mo., serving Johnson County, supports volunteerism at the Whiteman Air Force Base Clinic and is looking for volunteers. Volunteers can serve in a variety of service positions including patient check-in, answering phones, records management, and other general administrative functions, according to Staff Sgt. Jamie Vergara, 509th Medical Group's volunteer coordinator. "Professional volunteers are also welcome," said Vergara. "We will help you through the Red Cross volunteer application process. Volunteer references will be contacted and the applicant will be asked to complete a criminal background check. The applicant will also be asked to sign and abide by the Red Cross Code of conduct." The American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization led by volunteers and guided by its Congressional Charter and the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross Movement, provides relief to victims of disaster and help people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies, according to redcross.com. Volunteers constitute 96 percent of the American Red Crosses total work force to carry on their humanitarian work. "Volunteering at the Medical Group and helping the Red Cross, not only benefits yourself, but it also aids the beneficiaries and Airmen of the 509th Medical Group," said Airman 1st Class Jeff Bowen Red Cross volunteer from the 509th Maintenance Group. "Knowing you're helping patients and supporting other Airmen in achieving a set goal is a reward itself." Once the local Red Cross application has been successfully processed, the clinic in-process and place the volunteer based on his or her interest and the needs of the clinic, according to Vergara. The American Red Cross offers services in six areas: disaster relief; community services; communications services and comfort for military members and their families; the collection, processing and distribution of blood and blood products; educational programs on preparedness, health, and safety; and international relief and development programs. "During the time I volunteered at the 509th Medical Group, I retained a lot of information on how the Medical Group operates on a daily basis," Bowen said. "[Volunteering] allowed me to meet and work with various Airmen who were supportive and enthusiastic of showing me how to perform their duties. In return, I gave them an insight about being an Egress Technician, thus building camaraderie and understanding between the 509th Maintenance Squadron and the 509th Medical Group." Beyond service to the air base, the Red Cross is looking for volunteers to serve Johnson County as Disaster Action Team members, assisting victims of residential fires and mass care workers staffing shelters during larger disaster. "So if you're hard-working, modest, and willing to reach out and learn a new skill, come by the Medical Group and sign up to be a volunteer today," Bowen said. "There were multiple reasons on why I choose to volunteer. I didn't do it for the awards or recognition, but to assist those in need, acquire knowledge of various Medical Air Force Specialties, and to challenge myself on a regular basis." For more information and to volunteer, call 660-687-6782. Those interested in chapter activities may contact the chapter directly through Susie Perkins at 816-841-5254 or perkinss@arckc.org.