This story was written by Red Cross volunteer Mary Jean Baxley.
Keith Savage, Red Cross volunteer with the Cape Fear Chapter, discusses technology issues with Louise Hornor, volunteer with the Elkhart County, IN Red Cross chapter.
“The American Red Cross truly is a place for everybody’s skill sets. We thought it was sheltering and feeding at disasters. Whether you are a taxi driver, CEO, nurse, computer technician or whatever, the Red Cross has a place waiting for every type skill,” said Louise Hornor, American Red Cross volunteer.
Louise and her husband Sean Welsh are a growing number of Disaster Operations Volunteer Escapees (DOVES) who travel as a couple in their recreational vehicle to help in times of disaster. They are both computer experts who are retired. They now lend their expertise to the American Red Cross.
They spent twelve weeks living in their RV in Baton Rouge La. after hurricane Katrina. And later went back for several weeks to help. They have now been to fourteen disasters in five years. Their home chapter in Elkhart, Indiana (Elkhart County Red Cross) will deploy them wherever they are needed. Elkhart is the RV capital of the world.
Five years ago, they were members of an organization called Escapees. They are people who live and travel in their RV’s. They also have many members who have learned about the DOVES through meetings. The Escapees have American Red Cross basic training courses at their rallies and new members learn about the opportunities available.
‘’When we lived in one place, we each volunteered with different organizations but going fulltime to travel, we had to give it up. First year, we looked for some way to volunteer. We thought Red Cross was local but learned we could help,” said Sean.
They trained and went as mass care to help with Katrina clients. Then the Red Cross decided their computer skills were a tremendous asset. The team they volunteer with is responsible for ordering the technical equipment, setting up computers, cell phones and technology needed from start to finish during a disaster.
“We were sympathetic with the American Red Cross mission and wanted to serve but originally we were not aware that our skills could be used. I almost never go out in the field but I am in contact with the volunteers when they sign out and sign back in their equipment. I get to hear their stories. I enjoy making sure their equipment is working and I try to make it as easy as possible for them to do their job,” said Louise.
Sean on the other hand feels that his most impactful experience at a disaster is seeing first hand damage and seeing the services provided our clients in the disaster area.
Couples interested in becoming DOVES should contact the American Red Cross or ESCAPEES on their web site.
