For retired naval master chief, Clara Barton Society member and volunteer extraordinaire, Jim Sisson, the Red Cross has been a way of life for more than fifty years. Jim’s first involvement with the Red Cross took place during his college days at the University of Missouri-Rolla. “I ran the blood drives with a fellow volunteer nicknamed ‘Bloody Mary’,” Jim chuckled.

While in the Navy, Jim saw a different side of the Red Cross through Red Cross Armed Forces Emergency Services (AFES). As a chief, Jim worked with the Red Cross to facilitate leave for military members who were experiencing emergencies back home. “My role was to grant a leave of absence and help get the kid ready to go,” Jim said.

In 2002, Jim contacted the Red Cross after his wife passed away. “I called the Red Cross for help in notifying my son. He was in the navy and stationed in San Diego. I needed to get him home,” Jim recalled.

The following spring, Jim became an AFES volunteer at the St. Louis Area Chapter. As a volunteer, Jim serves as the communication link between St. Louis area families and their service men and women stationed around the world. Every Thursday, he helps process communication requests from local families. “It’s an important service— I know this firsthand,” he said. On top of his volunteer duties, Jim gives financially to the Chapter and is a member of the Clara Barton Society.

“I believe in the Red Cross,” Jim said. “I’ve seen what they do and I’m always educating my friends on the important services the Chapter provides. The Red Cross is truly a worthwhile organization.”

For more information on how to become a member of the Clara Barton Society, click here.

To read more stories of Red Cross volunteers and donors, click here.