Linda Carralejo’s Second Act as Red Cross Volunteer: 40 Years of Public Service, and Counting!

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By Anna Kumor, Red Cross Communications Volunteer You can always count on Linda Carralejo to stay calm in an emergency. For 35 years, Linda was the reassuring voice answering 9-1-1 calls as a dispatcher for the Ventura Police Department. After retiring, she took some well-deserved rest and relaxation before finding her next calling: volunteering. “I … Continue reading Linda Carralejo’s Second Act as Red Cross Volunteer: 40 Years of Public Service, and Counting!

How Blood Donor, Jessica Steele, is Helping Save Lives

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By Andrea Manokian, Red Cross Communications Volunteer “Knowing that one donation can save more than one life motivates me to give back and support my community in any way I can.” – Jessica Steele Jessica Steele is a 30-year-old single mother who is devoted to saving lives. Having worked in the medical field since she … Continue reading How Blood Donor, Jessica Steele, is Helping Save Lives

The Greatest Gift: Lori Kleiman Finds Joy in Serving Others

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By Mason Hodges, Red Cross Communications Volunteer As the holiday season approaches, many of us reflect on what matters most — family, community and the spirit of giving. In Ventura County, Lori Kleiman embodies all of these values. Known for her compassion, creativity and calm in the face of crisis, Lori wears many hats: full-time … Continue reading The Greatest Gift: Lori Kleiman Finds Joy in Serving Others

Serving with Purpose: Bob Strojek’s Red Cross Legacy

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By Andrea Manokian, Red Cross Communications Volunteer No matter how long someone has been a Red Cross volunteer, chances are they’ve heard of Robert “Bob” Strojek. With nearly a decade of service to the American Red Cross, Bob’s journey began when then-Disaster Program Manager Kurt Russell attended a CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) class Bob was … Continue reading Serving with Purpose: Bob Strojek’s Red Cross Legacy

Living the Mission: Supporting Service Members from the Heart of Poland and Romania

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Jordon's Journey: Connecting Troops with Essential Support By Dave Wagner, Communications Volunteer When Jordon Barney received his deployment assignment to go overseas, he felt a mix of excitement and anticipation. As a Regional Program Specialist deployed with the American Red Cross’ Service to the Armed Forces team, he knew the work ahead would be meaningful, … Continue reading Living the Mission: Supporting Service Members from the Heart of Poland and Romania

Margarita Moreno: Building Trust, One Connection at a Time 

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Written by Mason Hodges, Communications Volunteer You don’t need a disaster to see the impact of the Red Cross. Sometimes, it starts with a conversation at a community table. Sometimes, it’s a smoke alarm installed in a quiet home. And sometimes, it’s someone like Margarita Moreno, a Red Crosser whose presence alone keeps the beat … Continue reading Margarita Moreno: Building Trust, One Connection at a Time 

Honoring Heritage, Humanity and the Impact of Kindness

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By Taylor Poisall, Red Cross Communications Team For Maricela Rodriguez Montelongo, joining the American Red Cross wasn’t just a career move, it was a calling. Since stepping into her first role as a Disaster Program Specialist in 2023, Mari has quickly become a vital part of the Central California Region’s disaster response efforts. Now serving … Continue reading Honoring Heritage, Humanity and the Impact of Kindness

A Volunteer’s Lifelong Commitment to Preparedness

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From nuclear power to neighborhood safety, Jude Fledderman has spent his life preparing communities before emergencies strike By Mason Hodges, Red Cross Communications Volunteer From operating utilities at a nuclear power plant to teaching engineering at Cal Poly, Jude Fledderman has worn many hats in his lifetime, but it’s his passion for service and his … Continue reading A Volunteer’s Lifelong Commitment to Preparedness

Max’s Mission: Leading with Heart and Purpose 

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By Mason Hodges, Red Cross Communications Volunteer At Oak Park High School, senior Max Beatty is known not just for his academic excellence, but also for his unwavering commitment to service. As president of his school’s Red Cross Youth Club, he has spent the past three years turning compassion into action. His leadership and dedication … Continue reading Max’s Mission: Leading with Heart and Purpose 

A Red Crosser’s Reflection on the Creek Fire

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By Kaytlin Crough, American Red Cross Disaster Leader My name is Kaytlin Crough, and I currently serve as the Senior Community Disaster Program Manager for the Central California Region of the American Red Cross. It’s an honor to reflect on a moment in our shared history that changed the way many of us view disaster … Continue reading A Red Crosser’s Reflection on the Creek Fire