Story and Photos by Cindy Huge, American Red Cross
When a call goes out for help, Dennis Lewis, an American Red Cross volunteer, is always willing and ready to respond.
As a young marine stationed in Vietnam, Lewis received heartbreaking news that his mother had unexpectedly died. Desperately wanting to fly home for her funeral and not knowing how to accomplish this, he contacted the American Red Cross Services to the Armed Forces. Their representative was able to contact Lewis’ commanding officer and made the necessary travel arrangements. This wonderful act of kindness was something that Lewis never forgot. He knew that some day he would like to become a volunteer and give back to the organization that helped him during that difficult time.
“Lewis represents the heart of the Gold Country Region,” praised Jordan Scott, Social Engagement Strategist for the Red Cross. “If there is any opportunity to help, he answers that call, no matter what it is. You can always count on him.”
A 3 am call for help may go unanswered for some, but not to Lewis. He knows that call means there is someone in need- someone who has just experienced a devastating loss of a home due to fire or flood. At times, Lewis has driven over 2 1/2 hours to reach a person needing help on behalf of the Red Cross Disaster Action Team.
Volunteering has become a way of life for Lewis, one that has spanned nearly 10 years of service and has included several national deployments taking him hundreds of miles away from his home and family.
Dennis Lewis exemplifies just one of the many thousands of Red Cross volunteers who unselfishly give daily to those in need. If you would like to be apart of this humanitarian organization or find out more on how you can make a difference in the lives of others, please visit RedCross.org
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