In 2005, Walt and Denise Wallheimer witnessed hundreds of thousands of Red Cross supporters volunteer their time and money after Hurricane Katrina ripped across the Gulf Coast. The outpouring of support inspired the husband and wife duo to register as Red Cross volunteers. Over the next few months they completed several disaster training courses in preparation for the next national emergency.

 

In August 2006, the Wallheimers were called for their first disaster assignment. Walt and Denise were deployed to Florida in response to Tropical Storm Ernesto. They worked in a Red Cross shelter for several days providing mass care relief to evacuees.

 

Since then, Walt and Denise have volunteered for eight relief operations including local wind storms, an ice storm, and flooding, Springfield, MO ice storms, Kansas flooding, Oregon flooding, and most recently tornadoes in Arkansas.

 

When not on assignment, you can find Denise answering phones at the Metro East Service Center, Walt training new Disaster Action Team (DAT) volunteers or both working at the national warehouse or at Chapter headquarters.

 

"Walt and Denise volunteer to carry out the Metro East Service Center DAT pager for one week each month, responding to fires 24 hours-a-day for this week and providing much needed relief to the fulltime staff," said Sandy Vaughn, manager of the American Red Cross Metro East Service Center.

 

Walt and Denise were recently recognized as Volunteers of the Year at the Metro East Service Center for their outstanding commitment and dedication to the Red Cross. Sandy said, "During the past two and a half years, Walt and Denise have always been there for us when we needed them."

 

When asked why they continue volunteering for the Red Cross, Walt and Denise replied, "All of our experiences have opened our eyes to the amazing work of the Red Cross. We enjoy what we're doing or we wouldn't be doing it."