By Jake Dean, Red Cross Communications Volunteer
For Wesley Hammer, volunteering with the American Red Cross is more than just giving back—it’s a calling. From his first experience as a Disaster Action Team (DAT) responder to taking on leadership roles in disaster relief efforts, Wesley has dedicated his time and energy to supporting communities in need around Southern and Central California.
Wesley’s journey with the Red Cross began with a family connection—but quickly grew into a cross-community one. His brother-in-law, a battalion chief in Visalia, was working with the organization, which piqued Wesley’s interest. Like many of us, Wesley had a busy schedule but soon reconnected with a Red Cross recruiter, unsure of exactly where he fit in as a volunteer.
“I didn’t know what role would be best for me, so we went through different options,” Wesley recalls. “When I learned about the Disaster Action Team, it sounded like something I wanted to do. I took the training and got started right away.” Since then, Wesley has expanded his involvement, including deployments to disaster-stricken areas and helping lead sheltering drills in Tulare County.
For Wesley, the most rewarding aspect of his work with the Red Cross is being there for people during their most difficult moments.
Wesley’s last deployment was in Los Angeles as communities recovered from the recent string of devastating fires, where he worked in disaster emergency services distributing emergency supplies. Wesley explained that “It was powerful to be out there,” not just because he could offer supplies but also to offer displaced residents simple human kindness. “I was in the right place at the right time,” Wesley says.
One moment that deeply resonated with Wesley happened during a large community event in Pasadena. Disaster survivors were coming in to register for assistance, and Wesley was distributing supplies when a woman approached him. “She had lost her home and everything in it,” Wesley remembers. “She just started telling me her story, and at the end, she needed a hug.” A simple moment, but one that resonated deeply for both of them. As Wesley notes, this is just one moment of many in his time at the Red Cross that reminded him “that even in devastation, kindness and support can make a difference.”
Wesley’s dedication to disaster response has led him to take on greater responsibilities within the Red Cross. He has become actively involved in Tulare County sheltering drills, helping to develop realistic training scenarios to prepare for future disasters and assisting the local Disaster Program Manager.
When asked what he would say to someone considering joining the Red Cross, Wesley offers simple but powerful advice:
“If you have a desire and feel a pull to help others, this is the place for you. The people we serve truly need the support, and they appreciate everything we do. You don’t have to have all the skills upfront—the Red Cross provides training and guidance, and there’s always someone there to help. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a way to give back. It’s just very fulfilling and rewarding.”
Join Wesley in making a difference and building community. Become a volunteer with the American Red Cross: redcross.org/volunteertoday
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