By John Seward, American Red Cross of Colorado and Wyoming Public Affairs
The American Red Cross of Colorado and Wyoming was honored to recognize volunteers who serve our Service to the Armed Services program at the first annual Salute to Service event. The region’s International Services and Service to the Armed Services staff and volunteers gathered at the Antlers Hotel in Colorado Springs to begin this new tradition.
We were proud to be joined by Brigadier General. Laura Clellan, the Colorado Adjunct General and numerous other active and retired members of our armed forces. The keynote address was delivered by Koby Langley, Senior Vice President, International Services and Service to the Armed Forces.
Marlene Schulze, Darla Poston, Jan Lande, Sharon Siedlecki and Steven Lang were recognized as rookie Volunteers of the Year. Earning the Presidents Volunteer Service Award were Kirk Brown, Misun Dernar, Janice Douglas, Marcia Griffith, Clara Huff, Lona Mayfield, Robert Munson, Richard Murray, Roland Vandenberg and Aneesa White.
Debbie Mac Swain was recognized for 55 years of service and awarded a letter of commendation from President Biden.
Erin Leonard, Ann Kelly, David Griffith, Dianne Griffith and Meredith Barrentine were awarded the Unsung Hero Award for their ongoing support of our Armed Forces.
We were also proud to recognize our Service to the Armed Forces Resiliency Workshop Facilitator Team, Animal Visitation Team and Service to Veterans Team with the Outstanding Team of the Year Awards.
Deanna Tuley was recognized as Volunteer of the Year and James Griffith was awarded the Passion for Service Award. Marlene Husson was honored with the prestigious Clara Barton Award, named for American Red Cross founder Clara Barton.
Service to the Armed Forces is a congressionally mandated mission of the American Red Cross. We were excited to have the opportunity to recognize the work of Colorado & Wyoming Service to the Armed Forces volunteers. 90 percent of the Red Cross workforce are volunteers and central to our mission is fostering this spirit of volunteerism. That is why we always take a moment to recognize and celebrate the hard work of our volunteers, we could not fullfill our mission without them. For more information about how to become an American Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces volunteer visit https://www.redcross.org/volunteer/become-a-volunteer/service-to-the-armed-forces.html