Black History Month: “He Had Guts” - The Legendary Life of Doctor Jerome H. Holland

by Suzanne Wiley, volunteer contributor 

When I told friends and colleagues I started volunteering for the American Red Cross, I had many people tell me they wanted me to let them know when it was time to donate blood. For many, the Red Cross has become synonymous with blood drives and for good reason. The organization is one of the country’s largest blood collectors, allowing for the distribution of more than eight million safe blood transfusions a year. Further, The Red Cross was a leader in developing testing for infectious diseases spread by blood, as well as continuing to lead in research and development through the Red Cross Jerome H. Holland Laboratory for the Biomedical Sciences.

Unless you have been a recipient of blood products and services, you probably don’t give much thought to the safety of blood given by donors. Thanks to Dr. Jerome H. Holland, the Red Cross’ first African-American Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Red Cross, the organization’s dedication to the health and well-being of victims needing blood services expanded greatly by Dr. Holland’s service, passion and commitment.

Dr. Holland was born into poverty on January 9, 1916 in Auburn, New York. He was one of 13 children. From 1931 to 1935, Jerome played football for Auburn High School. After graduating high school, he was accepted to the prestigious Cornell University, where he was the first African-American to play football for the school. While attending Cornell, he was inspired to volunteer while helping victims of a major flood in the area. For the rest of Dr. Holland’s life, he was dedicated to serving not only his community, but building relationships around the world.

Though he was an accomplished sportsman and academic—named twice All-American while at Cornell and received honors, Jerome did not get the opportunity to interview with career recruiters. Still segregated at the time, a career in professional football was also out. He documents his thoughts on this in his published book, “Black Opportunity.”

Dr. Holland did not let discrimination set him back, however. He continued at Cornell. After receiving his Bachelor of Science in Sociology, Jerome entered the Master of Science in Sociology degree, and earned a Master’s in 1941. He left Cornell to teach Sociology and Physical Education at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania. From there, Dr. Jerome H. Holland continued for the rest of his life to be an educator, activist, and volunteer.

In 1950, Dr. Holland received a Ph.D in Sociology from the University of Pennsylvania. Throughout the rest of his life, various colleges and universities gave Dr. Holland over 20 honorary degrees. He also served as President of two Historically Black Colleges and Universities—Hampton Institute and Delaware State College, where he grew the failing Delaware State College enrollment tenfold during his tenure there.

President Richard Nixon offered Dr. Holland the controversial position of U.S. Ambassador to Sweden in 1970. Due to a strained relationship between the United States and Sweden, Dr. Holland knew the appointment would be a challenge. Always willing to meet a challenge head-on, he accepted. At the time, Jerome was only the second African-American Ambassador to have served in a European country.

After asked to serve as the Director of the Board of the United States Stock Exchange, he left the position in 1972. He was the first African-American to hold the position.

In 1979, Dr. Jerome H. Holland was elected and appointed by President Jimmy Carter as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Red Cross. The Board of Directors leads the Board of Governors, which oversees the organization. The volunteer position of Chairman is the highest leading official position in the Red Cross. He served as Chairman, until he passed away in New York on January 13, 1985. During his time as Chairman, he facilitated a positive relationship with the Red Crescent. The Red Cross renamed the research and development lab in honor of Dr. Holland in 1987.

The legendary Jerome H. Holland certainly led an honorary and inspiring life. Besides all the great, major accomplishments listed, Dr. Holland served on nine boards of major U. S. companies—often being the only African-American to do so, researched for the Pew Memorial Trust, was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame and National Football Foundation Hall of Fame and the first African-American to be awarded the Theodore Roosevelt Award in 1972, as well as serving as the first African-American Chairman of Planned Parenthood in 1968.

After his death, Dr. Jerome H. Holland was posthumously awarded the highest civilian award one can receive—the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1985. During his speech, President Ronald Regan described Jerome as “…a leading educator, civil rights activists, author and diplomat…,” leading “a life of service. The memory of which today serves as an inspiration to millions.”

The American Red Cross in Westchester County has put together an informative documentary honoring Dr. Holland’s life. 

You can watch it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKVSjh0V30U

This story was originally posted on 2/25/14.

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Honoring James Kavan as He Reaches 45 Years With the Red Cross

by Emily Ergas, intern contributor 

Longtime (seriously) volunteer James Kavan

The American Red Cross North Texas Region would like to take a moment to highlight a superior volunteer who reached a milestone of 45 years with the Red Cross. This individual has dedicated thousands of hours and his personal expertise to the Red Cross through teaching classes, delivering blood and supplies and participating in outreach initiatives. Volunteers make up more than 90 percent of the Red Cross and it’s because of these people like our honoree today that we can accomplish so much. 

James Kavan is originally from Michigan although we have the honor of having him in our local Dallas Area Chapter today since 1994. He joined the American Red Cross in Michigan in 1969 at the urging of his former supervisor. He was a loss control specialist or safety engineer at an insurance business where his supervisor, with the desire to give back to the local community they worked in, asked that everyone volunteer. 

“My first contact with the Red Cross was in 1968 when I attended a First Aid Class,” James remembers. “I figured I was already in the safety field and I had had a First Aid class, so the Red Cross seemed the natural place for me to volunteer at.”

Throughout the years, James says he has been an instructor for First Aid & CPR classes as well as Disaster classes. He also used to deliver blood. Today, he delivers clothes once a month to local hospitals, is an active member of the Disaster Action Team in Denton and participates in outreach events. 

“I enjoy outreach,” James says. “It’s great to interact with the community and get kids interested in preparedness early.”

“People think the Red Cross is just about blood; they have no idea everything we do.  Prevention is such an important faction. So it’s great to pass out materials about prevention and preparedness to locals.” 

Besides outreach, another facet of working in the community that James enjoys is his role on the Disaster Action Team. He is one of the volunteers who arrive to provide assistance to people who have suffered a disaster. He claims that the most important thing people can learn about being on the team is how to be good listeners. 

“The thing I’ve learned from working with the local community is how to be a good listener and a good communicator,” says James.  “People who experience disasters in any form really need help, and part of that is just listening to their experience or hopes or fears.”

“There are so many people that really need help and it’s gratifying to be able to help them in any small way,” James says. “I’m looking forward to my next 45 years with the Red Cross.”

Thank you James! The American Red Cross looks forward to the amazing work you will continue to do. 

If you’d like to join James in his work at the Red Cross, please visit RedCross.org/DFW to start your Red Cross story today! In a few more years, we could also be celebrating your milestone as well! 

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Local Red Cross Volunteer Featured in Weatherford NOW Magazine

This story is reposted from the August 2014 issue of Weatherford NOW Magazine. To read the complete article, visit the online issue and turn to page 24. Thank you to Weatherford NOW for sharing this great story about one of our amazing volunteers!

A Helping Hand
by Amber D. Browne

Growing up along the Gulf Coast in Corpus Christi, Larry Bushwar became familiar with the threat of tropical storms and hurricanes. His parents rode out a few of the storms when he was a child, and he saw first-hand the destruction caused by Mother Nature. "Disasters do not
discriminate between races, gender or economic status. I saw how people from all walks of life stood together to help their fellow neighbors in tough times," Larry explained. "Even though I was a child, those things stick in your mind forever."

As an adult living in Wichita Falls, Larry experienced another brush with a natural disaster. He had recently graduated from The University of Texas at Austin and was working for the Internal Revenue Service. A massive tornado touched down near his apartment complex during the spring of 1979. 

"That was my first time to see a tornado up close. I actually saw the tornado. It was huge,” Larry explained. 

As an IRS representative, Larry worked with residents who had been affected by the destruction of the tornado. “I guess this is where I really realized how helpful I could be in a disaster,” he said. “I saw how all these people and organizations all came together for the common good of our fellow neighbors.”

That instinct and determination to help others led Larry to the American Red Cross. He volunteers with the Red Cross as a government operations liaison and a disaster assessment coordinator. His primary focus is working with state and city officials during a disaster.

To read the complete article, visit the online issue and turn to page 24.

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Farewell to Our Friend: Charles Wilson

Written by Anita Foster, Regional Chief Communications Officer, on behalf of every Red Cross worker who ever met Charles Wilson

When "Taps" began to play and those haunting bugle notes hung in the air at DFW National Cemetary this morning, our eyes teared up and our hearts broke. Saying good-bye to a friend is never easy. Saying good-bye to a true hero is almost impossible. And that's what Charles Wilson was to us - our friend and our hero.

He was an unassuming man with the kindest smile and an even kinder heart, which made him perfect to serve his country, his employer; and after retirement, his neighbors in need near and far.

Charles spent 11 years serving in the United States Air Force. From there he went to work for TCU. When he retired in 2004, he was at a loss for what to do next so he came knocking on our door at the American Red Cross. For the next nine years, he became a staple in our daily lives.

Charles Wilson on assignment in Mississippi

We sent him to more than 40 national disasters and more local disasters than we can count. We asked him to clean out warehouses, catch tumbleweeds in our parking lot, scrub, gather, tote and carry things. We asked him for his advice and counsel almost daily. And from us, Charles asked for nothing except the opportunity to serve whenever and wherever he could.

His compassion and true love for people shined right through him. When someone was out on their curb, scared and confused after a disaster big or small, Charles could talk to them and within minutes, you would hear laughter and see the hugs going out.

He was truly remarkable. There aren't adequate words to express how much we're going to miss Charles. For now, we'll just do our best to follow in his footsteps and remember him as the man with the kindest smile with an even kinder heart. Rest in peace our dear friend.

--Your American Red Cross Family

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Black History Month: “He Had Guts” - The Legendary Life of Doctor Jerome H. Holland

by Suzanne Wiley, volunteer contributor 

When I told friends and colleagues I started volunteering for the American Red Cross, I had many people tell me they wanted me to let them know when it was time to donate blood. For many, the Red Cross has become synonymous with blood drives and for good reason. The organization is one of the country’s largest blood collectors, allowing for the distribution of more than eight million safe blood transfusions a year. Further, The Red Cross was a leader in developing testing for infectious diseases spread by blood, as well as continuing to lead in research and development through the Red Cross Jerome H. Holland Laboratory for the Biomedical Sciences.

Unless you have been a recipient of blood products and services, you probably don’t give much thought to the safety of blood given by donors. Thanks to Dr. Jerome H. Holland, the Red Cross’ first African-American Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Red Cross, the organization’s dedication to the health and well-being of victims needing blood services expanded greatly by Dr. Holland’s service, passion and commitment.

Dr. Holland was born into poverty on January 9, 1916 in Auburn, New York. He was one of 13 children. From 1931 to 1935, Jerome played football for Auburn High School. After graduating high school, he was accepted to the prestigious Cornell University, where he was the first African-American to play football for the school. While attending Cornell, he was inspired to volunteer while helping victims of a major flood in the area. For the rest of Dr. Holland’s life, he was dedicated to serving not only his community, but building relationships around the world.

Though he was an accomplished sportsman and academic—named twice All-American while at Cornell and received honors, Jerome did not get the opportunity to interview with career recruiters. Still segregated at the time, a career in professional football was also out. He documents his thoughts on this in his published book, “Black Opportunity.”

Dr. Holland did not let discrimination set him back, however. He continued at Cornell. After receiving his Bachelor of Science in Sociology, Jerome entered the Master of Science in Sociology degree, and earned a Master’s in 1941. He left Cornell to teach Sociology and Physical Education at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania. From there, Dr. Jerome H. Holland continued for the rest of his life to be an educator, activist, and volunteer.

In 1950, Dr. Holland received a Ph.D in Sociology from the University of Pennsylvania. Throughout the rest of his life, various colleges and universities gave Dr. Holland over 20 honorary degrees. He also served as President of two Historically Black Colleges and Universities—Hampton Institute and Delaware State College, where he grew the failing Delaware State College enrollment tenfold during his tenure there.

President Richard Nixon offered Dr. Holland the controversial position of U.S. Ambassador to Sweden in 1970. Due to a strained relationship between the United States and Sweden, Dr. Holland knew the appointment would be a challenge. Always willing to meet a challenge head-on, he accepted. At the time, Jerome was only the second African-American Ambassador to have served in a European country.

After asked to serve as the Director of the Board of the United States Stock Exchange, he left the position in 1972. He was the first African-American to hold the position.

In 1979, Dr. Jerome H. Holland was elected and appointed by President Jimmy Carter as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Red Cross. The Board of Directors leads the Board of Governors, which oversees the organization. The volunteer position of Chairman is the highest leading official position in the Red Cross. He served as Chairman, until he passed away in New York on January 13, 1985. During his time as Chairman, he facilitated a positive relationship with the Red Crescent. The Red Cross renamed the research and development lab in honor of Dr. Holland in 1987.

The legendary Jerome H. Holland certainly led an honorary and inspiring life. Besides all the great, major accomplishments listed, Dr. Holland served on nine boards of major U. S. companies—often being the only African-American to do so, researched for the Pew Memorial Trust, was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame and National Football Foundation Hall of Fame and the first African-American to be awarded the Theodore Roosevelt Award in 1972, as well as serving as the first African-American Chairman of Planned Parenthood in 1968.

After his death, Dr. Jerome H. Holland was post-humanly awarded the highest civilian award one can receive—the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1985. During his speech, President Ronald Regan described Jerome as “…a leading educator, civil rights activists, author and diplomat…,” leading “a life of service. The memory of which today serves as an inspiration to millions.”

The American Red Cross in Westchester County has put together an informative documentary honoring Dr. Holland’s life. 

You can watch it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKVSjh0V30U

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Share the Love: Share Piper the Puppy

Photo courtesy of American Red Cross

by Carmen Wright, volunteer contributor

When I was a little girl, my dad’s friend, who was the town sheriff, gave me a white teddy bear, which I ended up naming after him. Rex, like his namesake, made me feel safe. Recently I unpacked a small bunny wearing worn out pink overalls, and while I don’t remember her name, I do remember carrying her around everywhere when I was young. She made me feel needed and less alone. Now that I’m older, I don’t rely on stuffed animals like I used to, but I still have one on my bed: it’s a ball-shaped, silly-looking black sheep my favorite uncle gave me. When I put him on my bed every morning, I remember there is someone who loves and cares about me.

Most of us grew up with that one object to which we felt attached—whether it was a stuffed animal, pillow, blanket or remnants of something that was no longer recognizable. Their presence—maybe the softness of their fur or the reassurance that they would never leave—made us feel safe, loved and needed.

In a disaster, children often lose their favorite stuffed animal or blanket and need something to redirect their attention and bring them comfort. This Valentine’s Day, consider sharing your love by making a donation to the Red Cross and sponsoring Piper the Puppy for a child who has lost his home due to a disaster. Your donation helps provide food, shelter and relief to the family in need—all very important—but Piper will bring much needed comfort to a child who feels confused, alone and afraid. And while your recipient will delight in receiving a plush puppy, in years to come he will remember that there was someone who cared about him and brought him comfort when he most needed it.

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I Cross My Heart

Photo courtesy of American Red Cross

by Sydney Holt, volunteer contributor

“I Cross My Heart” – A promise, playground rhyme and a familiar country tune, the saying “I cross my heart” is one that we associate with the truth or a pledge. When it comes to taking the pledge to volunteer, I think many of us become overwhelmed and let our commitments fall by the wayside between school, work, parenting and all the other roles we take on as productive members of society. Well, listen up because do I have news for you… Volunteering can be what YOU make it!

Don’t believe me? 30 minutes, a few hours, part-time – take a look at a few ways you can volunteer with DFW Red Cross in 2014 – I “Cross My Heart” it’ll be quick!

30 – 45 minutes – Donate Blood. Contribute to your community's blood supply and change lives. Do it on your own schedule, volunteer as much as and as often as your schedule permits.

A few hours - Learn CPR or Become a Red Cross Instructor. Be ready to serve your community (and loved ones) at any time by learning the important skill of CPR. Then take it to the next level by attending additional courses to become a certified Red Cross Instructor. The Red Cross also offers other life-saving training classes, including Lifeguarding, Babysitting & Swimming/Water Safety.

More flexible – Admin work, accounting experience, writing experience – we welcome all of your talents! To search for opportunities in the DFW area (and beyond) click here.

No time? Don’t feel bad – be a financial participant by donating $10 – text ‘redcross’ to 90999.

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What do you call a full-time volunteer? Tom

by Catherine Carlton, volunteer contributor

Tom Elliot poses with his Bravo Zulu coin.

Tom Elliot is the kind of volunteer that he says “you kind of call full-time.”

After retiring from a career as a top cop, Tom played golf and went fishing. 

“I figured out I couldn’t do that every day,” he said. “I got bored.” 

He heard a Red Cross call for help on the radio after Hurricane Gustav hit and volunteers were needed. 

“I said I can do that,” Tom said.

They put him to work in the warehouse; soon he was delivering supplies to shelters.

And he has not stopped working, more specifically volunteering, since. 

“They told me if you really want to learn, pack your bags,” he said, before packing his bags and heading out to Galveston to help with Hurricane Ike relief for two weeks. 

He now is the logistics guy. He handles safety, asset protection and safety inspections, among many other duties. He is also in charge of all the Red Cross fleet, managing the 138 vehicles in the region. 

“He offers sound, practical advice, and I have come to rely on his wisdom in all areas of fleet management,” said Stacey Wood, American Red Cross Director of Business Operations. “The Red Cross is truly blessed to have such a dedicated volunteer.”

Tom continues to go out on one big disaster relief trip each year: Tennessee in 2010 for flooding, Mississippi in 2011 following tornadoes; New York following Sandy last year, and Colorado this year following the flooding. 

This all translates to about a 5 to 7-hour work day during the week, plus all the 12-hour days when working a disaster. 

“He never says no to anyone with a need,” said Barb Stevens, Disaster Workforce Engagement Manager, American Red Cross. “We just wouldn't make it without him.” 

Last month, Tom was honored for his work with a Bravo Zulu coin, presented to Red Crossers for exemplary service. It was a creation of North Texas Regional CEO, and retired Navy vet, T.D. Smyers.

When thanked for his work, volunteering and more, Tom says, “I’m not here for the thanks. I know that what I’m doing takes care of the people who need our help.” 

Which is what makes him exemplary.

Start your Red Cross story the way Tom did at RedCross.org/DFW.

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Like Mother, Like Son: Teaching and Learning in Service as a Red Cross Mom

by Rebecca Lawson, staff contributor 

Red Cross Dallas Chapter
Board Member Jodi Lash

Growing up, Jodi Lash remembers watching her parents pay their bills every few weeks – and how they always set aside a little for charity, even though they didn’t have much. Now, as a Bonnie McElveen Hunter Lifetime Tiffany Circle member, Legacy Society member and Chair of the Dallas Area Chapter Board, Jodi has not only continued her parents’ charitable example with her children, but continues to make a lasting impact within the Red Cross. 

When Jodi first began supporting the Red Cross, like many, she associated it with disaster relief, blood and the lifesaving classes she had taken as a child. But once she got more involved, she discovered the full scope of its mission and was inspired by the spirit of volunteerism and seeing “ordinary people doing extraordinary things.” She felt compelled to do something on a bigger scale. 

Upon moving to Dallas in 2006, Jodi recalls touring the Dallas warehouse along with her son, Jonathan, who she and her husband were teaching about charitable giving: “I remember welling up with tears as they explained how the warehouse mobilizes and what it’s used for…I was thinking, I have to be part of this.” Her son was equally impressed, and as a result made his first charitable gift, purchasing much needed blankets with his Bar Mitzvah money for the Red Cross. 

As it turns out, that warehouse tour was only the beginning of the Red Cross journey for both mother and son. Jonathan began volunteering at the Dallas Area Chapter, at first working in the warehouse and then gradually in each of the other departments, as part of the Volunteer Public Service component of the Congressional Award. At age 16, he also became a certified CPR instructor, teaching others how to save lives. Jodi recalls how Jonathan wanted so badly to go with the disaster teams out on calls: “He would say to me, ‘I don’t feel like I’m doing enough.’ But I explained to him, you really are – because someone you train may go out and save a life.” 

Jodi was equally taken with the Dallas Tiffany Circle when she attended one of their luncheons shortly after moving to Dallas. “They had such a passion for the mission, and such big generous hearts, and they welcomed me with a huge Texas welcome” Jodi joined the Dallas Tiffany Circle in 2008 and became a Bonnie McElveen Hunter Lifetime member in 2011. “The women who are part of this special group are so incredible,” says Jodi. “They span all age groups and backgrounds and professions and geographic locations, but they all come together in this tightly bonded group of women who rally around the mission of the Red Cross.” 

Jodi and Jonathan’s Red Cross experiences came together at a Dallas Tiffany Circle event last year, where Jonathan was the speaker and gave a hands-on CPR demonstration. 

Overall, Jodi says, “The different ways everyone helps really makes up the heart of the Red Cross. And it has such broad implications as it spreads out into the community.” Jodi has certainly lived that message – both through her own work as board chair and with Tiffany Circle, and by passing that legacy of philanthropy to her children, as it was passed to her. 

To begin your Red Cross story, visit us at redcross.org/dfw.

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Spring Into Action, Volunteer and Change Lives

by Catherine Carlton, volunteer contributor 

It’s the first day of Spring. The seasons change. The animals start to have their babies, and we celebrate the beginning of longer days. 

What better way to spend those longer days than by volunteering and giving back to your community?

Volunteers helping at a shelter
during Hurricane Issac

The Red Cross makes it easy to volunteer in a variety of ways. 

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood supply; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families.

The next number is what makes all of that work truly remarkable: The Red Cross is made up of a group of people who want to dedicate their time and talents to bringing good to the world, more than 90% of whom are volunteers. 

Want to truly put a spring in your step this season? Here are some ways you can bring life to others as we watch the world bloom around us

• Volunteer in the community. From serving on our disaster response team to helping with clerical work in our offices, we need folks from every background whether you can help an hour or month or 40. 
• Give blood. The American Red Cross provides about 40 percent of the nation’s blood. You can help literally save lives by donating your blood. 
• Be a digital advocate. Help us to support the Red Cross cause using social media. Read and share stories with the thousands of people whose lives have intersected with the Red Cross. 

Thanks to our new site especially for volunteers, Volunteer Connection, finding and managing your volunteer path with the Red Cross is easier than ever. "We believe Volunteer Connection will improve our response to community needs and deliver services of the Red Cross mission by better engaging one of our greatest assets — the talents, time and dedication of our volunteers," said Gail McGovern, president and CEO of the Red Cross. Check out this video for more:


And perhaps the best part of volunteering for the American Red Cross, is what YOU get out of it. Volunteers that joined us at this time last year had no idea in just a few weeks they would be helping us with the DFW tornado outbreak, and there is no way we could have served the people affected by those storms without their help! 

If you’ve been waiting for the perfect time to become a Red Cross volunteer, it’s right now. Check out this infographic for more on how you can help and visit redcross.org to begin your story today! 

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