Teens Volunteer Over 3,000 Summer Vacation Hours at Evans Army Community Hospital

August 2, 2019 – Colorado Springs, Colorado

Story by Kate Walters/American Red Cross Volunteer

It’s that time of year again when students all over the nation are heading back to school. Some teens in Colorado chose to volunteer their free time this summer, offering valuable service to active military, their families and veterans at Evans Army Community Hospital in Colorado Springs

Twenty-eight teens, ages 14-17, contributed a resounding 3,163 hours of volunteer service over a period of 2 months.

The program is designed to expose teens to the inner workings of a military hospital. These kids didn’t just sit at a reception desk either. Cierra Braggs, one of the teen volunteers, told us, “The nurses really wanted me to get a lot of experience. We didn’t get the worst jobs. I’m so glad I did this”

Some of the young people observed a knee replacement surgery, an eye-opening experience which is not for the faint of heart. Others actually had a cast put on a limb, allowing them to experience the sensation of restricted movement and learning some of the techniques involved in applying a cast. They learned about handling sharp needles and infection control, took patient vital signs, helped technicians x-ray broken bones, delivered food trays, transported patients in wheelchairs and much more.

Volunteer Clara Huff, a Registered Nurse and Medical Assistant Program Lead coordinates the program every year. She says she loves to see the positive change that takes place in the teens over the course of the summer program. “Sometimes kids come in at the beginning of the summer acting very quiet and shy. Then they develop confidence in the activities they are taking part in and you start to see a whole new person emerge, confident and excited to help. It’s a very rewarding experience.” Says Huff.

The young volunteers were honored by the attendance Colonel Eric S. Edwards, Evans Army Community Hospital Commander. Edwards has a special heart for the Red Cross. He thanked the students for “being a part of something much bigger than themselves.” He told them about his time in Korea as a child when he saw the Red Cross helping people in need. He then went on to say that as a commander he has personally worked with the Red Cross in providing disaster assistance all over the world, including South Carolina, Honduras and Puerto Rico among others. 

Students also heard stories from Debbie McSwain, who has been a volunteer with the Red Cross for over 50 years. She told them about harrowing times in Vietnam when she flew by helicopters to visit soldiers stationed at remote units. She wisely counseled the teens from personal experience, “The Red Cross will open doors to you to have incredible experiences. When those doors open, be sure to walk through them. Your life will be full of rewarding moments bringing comfort to soldiers in the field and at home.”

As a thank you for their service, the young volunteers received a certificate and a gift bag with hard-to-come-by (and some would say coveted) Red Cross gear. Gifts included a fun Red Cross mini-backpack, water bottle, insulated lunch bag and a ball-point pen.

Way to go teens! Thank you for your service to those who serve!