Joanie Knappenberger and General Honore' during an event at the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter.

I love volunteering for the American Red Cross. I have been volunteering for the St. Louis Area Chapter for a little over five years working in the disaster services department (We are there when your need us most!). We give comfort and aid in large scale disasters - the kind that the news media covers for days or even weeks. My first major disasters were the hurricanes of 2005 Rita and Katrina.

There are many perks and extra benefits that I enjoy as an American Red Cross volunteer. For instance, The Red Cross assists families in small local disasters like house fires. A team of dedicated Red Cross volunteers are on the job 24/7/365. They will show up and asses your needs and provide for your emergency needs on the spot. I find great satisfaction from the hugs and appreciation I receive from these folks. It is really a special benefit. Most of these small scale disasters never even make the news.

So you can imagine how I felt on Wednesday April 14th, as I was part of a really fantastic once-in-a-lifetime perk. I had the rare privilege to listen to and meet one of my heroes - Lt. General Russel Honore’, who came and spoke to St. Louis Red Cross staff and volunteers. He is the General that came into the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, one of this country’s worst national disasters, and got the country’s act together. He and his forces did an incredible job to rescue, recover and coordinate with the Red Cross and many other agencies providing for the victims of this mega disaster. Now retired, General Honore’ is commited to teaching Americans about the culture of preparedness. Closely aligned with the mission of the Red Cross, General Honore’ advocates the importance of being prepared for disasters both individually, and on a national scale.

Lt. General Honore’ has a special presence when he walks into a room. It’s very commanding; you know he is in charge. With his charismatic grin and famous succinct phrases, he first discussed Katrina and his experiences during the disaster. Then the general outlined his goals now that he has retired. He has set out on an initiative to help Americans prepare better for future disasters, both manmade and natural. It was a very inspiring and fascinating lecture, by a larger than life genuine American hero. He has written a book on his experiences and what the average American needs to do to be ready when disaster strikes, entitled Survival. His enthralling lecture will make me redouble my efforts to help my friends and neighbors get prepared.

In a disaster the first thing that you feel is helpless and scared. You can take control of a small part of the situation by creating a grab and go emergency kit made up of things that you probably have around the house. Then you will have a three day supply of food, water and other vital necessities. But mostly you will have peace of mind. You will have a bit of control back till help arrives. Find out how to make an emergency kit or purchase one today at redcrossstore.org.

Joanie

Joanie Knappenberger is a Disaster Services volunteer for The American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter.