A publication of the American Red Cross, European Division December 2017, Vol. 4
Baumholder Kimberly Chromicz, RPS Britney Flowers, CVL
Spangdahlem Lisa Enyeart, RPM Tom Lenz, SVP
Naples Ken Romero, RPM
Hohenfels Kim Tarleton, RPM Zach McLaughlin, DAT Ashley McLaughlin, Core Svs & Juliette
Ramstein Rita Foulke, RPM Marta Taylor, SVP
Lakenheath/Mildenhall Leslie DellaMaestra, RPD Tina Ros, Outgoing SVP Lacie Clark, Incoming SVP
Stuttgart Deb Papalia, FOA
Aviano Lisa Boline, RPM Jackie Carr, SVP Julianne Jett, CVL
Sigonella Samanta Wudel, RPM
Rota Donna Butler, RPM Kelli Upright, CVL Nicole Retana, SVP
Graf/Vilsek Ebony Bradley, RPM Elaine Freeth, PHSS Lead April Smith, SVP Maureen Ragle, FOA
Vicenza Susan Tipton, RPD Leah Barbato, CVL Heather Conkle, SVP
Wiesbaden Alyson Mahan, FOA Kendall King, CVL
Red Cross Kitchen Prepares a Christmas Dinner during WWI
Red Cross Supplemental Recreational Activities Overseas (SRAO) program, commonly referred to as to as “Donut Dollies.�
Red Cross Tent in Korea (ca. 1950-1953)
“I do like to give people time, space, and the feeling that I am available if they need something. How nice is it to just sit and talk or vent and know that it's okay. How nice is it to hear "take a longer lunch" or "thanks for coming in early, why don't you take the rest of the day to yourself" or even "feel free to close your door, I'll watch the phones and door, so you can concentrate on your work". My hope is that it shows I care.” - Susan Tipton, RPD Italy/Spain “Every year for the annual recognition we find a unique gift that reflects our local community. We either get them made or customized locally. Examples include a hand painted Sicilian tile (aka coaster); a wine glass; an espresso cup / saucer; and this year a hand painted olive wood spoon.” - Samantha Wudel, RPM Sigonella “Usually something historical that is based on service, it can be old photos or something that captures a certain significance to their own individuality.” - Julian Coates, RPD Stuttgart “Anything with an expiration date…especially food! This way the recipient is never obligated to hang on to the gift, or display when I come to visit…it’s simply an experience to enjoy and hopefully share with other loved ones.” - Kenneth Romero, RPM Naples “I like to give handmade gifts, I feel it's more personal and can be tailored to each individual recipient.” - Kim Tarleton, RPS Hohenfels
“I like to give gifts with a nostalgic sentiment. Things that are reminiscent of an event/rip/etc. I was with the other person for—or something that will remind the person of where they're from or their heritage.” - Kimberly Chromicz, RPS Baumholder “I love to give gifts of experience. Life is meant to be lived. Get out and do something.” - Alyson Mahon, FOC Wiesbaden “The Ingredients/Recipe for volunteer soup as provided by our volunteers: Primary ingredient: compassion, Other ingredients: commitment, sensitivity, dependability, caring, generosity. All natural, no preservatives added.” - Leslie Della Maestra, RPD Lakenheath “I like to give wine, cookie mix, books, those really awesome fuzzy bamboo socks” - Katherine Jones, Division Manager Europe “Hugs, words of encouragement, cards or notes, gift cards, quirky things...little funny statues or something of the sort.” - Rita Foulkes, RPM Ramstein/KMC “Normally I would answer a smile and sharing wine. If, however, we are talking about gifts for our volunteers, probably an ornament (if seasonal), or nice RC swag.” - Donna Butler, RPM Rota “I like to give little trinkets and baked goods as gifts that have personal meaning....” - Lisa Enyeart, RPM Spangdahlem
"Each day I am grateful for another day of living. And realizing how fortunate I am to have a loving husband, son and daughter who fill my life with fun and amazing times together. So grateful for my dogs who give me lots of laughter!" - Linda Howell, Naples "For Good Health and being able to live with my family." - Vance Frochtman, Naples “As a new volunteer with the Red Cross, it’s already been fun to be here helping out during the holiday season. We’ve been getting so many awesome care packages and I’ve been sorting and distributing all the cool things that people have been sending. Though I started volunteering with the thought of career progression through community service hours and networking, I actually have found that those things have become more secondary to the comradery I feel from being in the office with the staff and other volunteers.” - Jeremy Calvin, Kuwait “I am grateful for my little family and our adventurous life in Spain. I am grateful for being who I am and where I am.” - Vanda Dzedziulyte, Rota "I'm grateful for the opportunity to live a life filled with both adventure and professional fulfillment. It's nice to know that when I have a good day at work the community around me probably had a good day, too." - Samantha Wudel, Sigonella “I am grateful every day for the chance to live in Spain. I've been able to do, try and see so many new things there. It's given me the ability to expand my horizons and travel Europe and the opportunity to try out a few new skills and work with some amazing people.” - Kelli Upright, Rota “I’ve been volunteering for a few months, and started because I wanted to be part of something other than work and change up my day-to-day routine. Volunteering helps me to feel more productive and I like giving back to the community. Especially now, during the holidays, volunteering at the Red Cross makes me feel more at home, and I’m sure it makes those who come here feel the same way.” - Crystal Edgar, Kuwait “I’m Thankful for the opportunity to give back to the military community.” - Tom Lenz, Spangdahlem “In today's hostile world we so desperately need to spread love and be kind to one another. To all my hardworking and extraordinary Red Crossers, I say "Thank you" for all you do, thank you for your time and dedication to the cause. It is truly appreciated! I’m proud to be a Red Cross Volunteer!” - Marta Taylor, KMC
“On Christmas morning Santa always brings Brian and Lauren matching t-shirts and a new Lego set. They spend the whole day together wearing their new shirts and playing with Legos. I spend the day feeding them....Heaven.” - Christine Spalding, Division Partner Europe “My favorite holiday tradition is decorating the Christmas tree after Thanksgiving. Usually, my husband and I search for an ornament that summarizes our year, whether it is a diploma to signify the year he obtained his Masters Degree, or a palm tree to signify the year we PCSed to Guam. I love relaxing in front of the decorated tree and reflecting on our past accomplishments and how far we have come as a family.” - Debra Papalia, Stuttgart “For Christmas we all cook together in the kitchen. Then spend time with the little ones playing with their toys. We also go to midnight mass—fun times.” - Dee Swanier, Division Director Europe “My favorite holiday tradition is decorating the house for Christmas! I absolutely love putting up all the decorations while listening to Holiday music and drinking a hot cup of tea. There's nothing more satisfying than turning off all the lights and just sitting on the couch while the tree is lit up.” - Tina Ros, Lakenheath “Three things come to mind: Music— Frank Sinatra's Christmas Album, Donny Hathaway's "This Christ-
mas," Temptations Christmas Album, Luther Vandross' Christmas Album. Food— Egg Nog. Gifts—PJs.” - LaBarron Boudreau, Division Strategic Planning & Project Management Officer
Clara was born Clarissa Harlowe Barton on Christmas Day in 1821, Oxford, Massachusetts to Captain Stephen and Sarah Barton. She was the youngest of five children. She began work as a school teacher at 17, graduating with a degree in education in 1851. Clara opened a free public school – by 1854 the school had over 600 students. She later moved to Washington, D.C., where she began working as a recording clerk for the U.S. Patent Office. In 1861, the first units of federal troops began entering the city at the start of the Civil War. Barton saw the wounded, hungry, poorly-supplied men, recognizing an immediate need for assistance. She collected relief articles herself, appealed to the public for others, and learned how to store and distribute them. Barton also offered personal support to the men in hopes of keeping their spirits up: she read to them, wrote letters for them, listened to their personal problems, and prayed with them. She knew, however, that she was needed most on the battlefields where the suffering was greatest. Barton prodded leaders in the government and the army until she was given passes to bring her voluntary services and medical supplies to the battlefields and field hospitals. Her desperately needed supplies and willingness to serve on the front lines earned her the nickname, the “Angel of the Battlefield.” Towards the end of the war, Clara found herself personally addressing the families of men reported missing. She established the Office of Correspondence with Friends of the Missing Men of the United States Army. She and her assistants received and answered over 63,000 letters and identified over 22,000 missing men. Years later, Red Cross established a tracing service, one of the organization’s most valued activities today. After the war, Clara visited Europe, where she learned about the Switzerland-based Red Cross, which called for international agreements to protect the sick and wounded during wartime and for the formation of national societies to give aid voluntarily on a neutral basis. Inspired by her experiences in Europe, she urged the United States government to sign the Geneva Treaty and join the Global Red Cross Network. She was eventually successful, and founded the American Red Cross on May 21, 1881. Clara served as the President of the organization until she resigned in 1904, at the age of 83 Clara was an intelligent, passionate woman. She was a voracious writer and quite well-spoken. She died on April 12, 1912, at her home in Glen Echo, Maryland, and was buried in the Barton family cemetery plot in Oxford, Massachusetts. Today, her papers and numerous awards can be found in the Library of Congress. The National Park Service manages what is now the Clara Barton National Historic Site in Glen Echo.
Dear Team, This has been a remarkable year for the American Red Cross. Whether you staffed a shelter, presented Pillowcase material, taught a CPR class, executed a DAT training adventure, deployed in support of a disaster, served in a location down range, completed casework, recruited new volunteers, gave a welcome briefing, promoted resiliency, created a special event, did a random act of kindness, answered phones, staffed a blood drive, got the word out, scheduled clinic volunteers, encouraged young people, sang the Scrubby Bear song to preschoolers or just brought kindness to your community as a Red Crosser, YOU MADE A DIFFERENCE! The New Year will be one of opportunity and growth. There will be new programs, fresh faces, great ideas and increased needs. Keep supporting each other and building each other up while serving our military communities. Have a great finish to your year. We are fortunate to serve alongside you and look forward to all that is ahead. Travel safe and enjoy time with family and friends. Thank you for all you do. Happy Holidays, Dee & Chris