Service runs deep for American Red Cross volunteer

 “Keeping busy by being useful” is a key reason why retired career U.S. Army officer, Bruce Ressner, says he has become an American Red Cross volunteer. In so doing he has joined hundreds of volunteers in the Western New York Region. 

Nationally, volunteers make up 90 percent of the Red Cross workforce who attend to a wide variety of tasks such as running blood drives and teaching classes to providing for emergency needs of those affected by major disasters.  Red Cross volunteers like Bruce come from all sorts of backgrounds and communities but they also share many things in common.  Among those common traits is a desire to help and be of service to others.  Based in the Southern Tier, Bruce knows a few things about service and brings with him a wealth of experience to the roles he plays.

A West Point Military Academy graduate, dad, grandfather, and husband of 28 years to his wife Mary,  “Rezz,” as he likes to be called, only became a Red Cross volunteer in 2019 but quickly stepped up to apply his skills and interests to areas of need. One of the tasks he takes care of is overseeing a centrally located Red Cross warehouse containing everything from cots, blankets, personal comfort kits and shovels to power generators and lights.  

Not surprisingly, Bruce also participates in Service to the Armed Forces, logging between 80 to 120 follow-up calls a month helping to ensure military personnel and their families are aware of counseling and support that’s available to them.

Although health concerns associated with the COVID-19 pandemic has put a hold on  the Red Cross “Sound the Alarm” initiative, Rezz has likewise taken part in the project that installs free smoke alarms in homes and offers fire safety information to families.   When not dedicating his time to the Red Cross, Bruce also serves as a driver for Meals on Wheels as well as filling in where needed at the Binghamton German Club.

Adding to his impressive dedication to service, Rezz went on his first Red Cross deployment this year in support of services being provided to Texas and Louisiana following Hurricane Laura.   Deploying again is something he says ranks high on his list of goals.

While not everyone can engage in as robust a manner as Bruce has, whether contributing financially, donating blood or through volunteer service, there are a wide range of opportunities for others who would like to be part of the impactful, ongoing work the American Red Cross has provided since its founding in 1881.  Learn more by visiting redcross.org/volunteertoday

Story by Robert Eurich, American Red Cross