Back Patrick Keena has been volunteering for the Red Cross for nearly 25 years and has been a part of the Disaster Action team for the last 13 years. Husband of 1st Lt. Lisa Keena, 375th Communications Squadron, father of Taylor, 5, and Cory, 11, this dad is doing his part to help America. “I’m a stay-at-home-dad, and aside from my family, this is the most important thing I do – help people,” said Mr. Keena.  “Just doing anything I can to help someone out who is in a bad situation is very fulfilling.” Mr. Keena spent 28 days volunteering for the Scott Air Force Base chapter of the American Red Cross as a Mass Care Coordinator in support of relief operations for hurricanes Charley and Frances.  After returning home for only a few days, he departed again Friday for Alabama for at least three more weeks to support victims of Hurricane Ivan. “Patrick is the first volunteer from the Scott chapter that has gone to help the hurricane relief and we are sending one more in a few weeks,” said Julie Myers, Scott AFB Red Cross station manager.  She added that there are at least 40 more individuals from the St. Louis Metro Area that have already gone or are completing training. Some of the disaster relief training can be completed on base but no one leaves without receiving some sort of instruction. “Training ranges from four to eight hours depending on what you want to do,” Mrs. Myers said.  “All training is free, but the best training is on the job.” “The Red Cross is always looking for people to volunteer,” said Mr. Keena.  “If someone can give just five hours a month, it would make a world of difference in many people’s lives.  The most rewarding part of volunteering for the Red Cross is helping people in their greatest time of need.” Volunteer positions include taking care of the emergency needs of people by providing shelter, food, bulk distribution such as household items and hardware. “The rewarding aspect is helping the elderly; trying to get through situations like these hurricanes – help by giving them shelter, a shoulder to cry on, food and information,” said Mr. Keena. The Red Cross often uses their mental health professionals in situations like hurricanes as they are vital to this type of operation.  They provide emotional support and help people to feel their way and try to make them as comfortable as possible. “The Red Cross is one of those rare organizations that you can get involved with and feel great about what you do when you go home at night,” said Mr. Keena.  “I’m very proud of what I do, and what they stand for.” This story may be available for an Adobe Acrobat PDF download. Click on the link below to visit the site download center. If a PDF is available, the file will automatically open in your browser.

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