Red Cross Volunteers Recognized at NHB

By Douglas H. Stutz, Naval Hospital Bremerton Public Affairs

April 22, 2010 - BREMERTON, Wash. (NNS) -- The American Red Cross volunteers at Naval Hospital Bremerton (NHB) were thanked for their many contributions as vital and viable members of the command with a recognition ceremony April 21.

"Red Cross volunteers are critical to operations, great mentors and part of our Naval Hospital Bremerton family," said Capt. Mark E. Brouker, NHB's commanding officer. "They bring tradition, heritage and incredible skills. On behalf of all the patients they touch, and our staff they help to mentor, I thank them all for their support. They are all very special and such an important part of our team."

NHB currently has approximately 45 American Red Cross volunteers. They have donated an average of 818 hours of valuable time, expertise and effort per month for the first quarter of 2010 in numerous clinics, departments and offices.

"Naval Hospital Bremerton is a very nice place to work. My husband was in the Navy, and they have always taken very good care of us. The least I can do is return the favor," said Barbara Aydt, who has been a Red Cross volunteer at NHB for almost 18 years.

"It is also National Volunteer Week, so it is appropriate to recognize our Red Cross staff, who all have some type of professional past that they bring to the job," stated Terry Roberts, director of NHB Healthcare Business. "They assist in well over 28 departments, and all those that they work with say they could not accomplish what they do without their help."

The volunteers contribute time as doctors, nurses, outpatient and inpatient record assistants, patient advisors, customer service representatives and have handled duties in such areas as health promotion, dermatology, mental health, pediatric, orthopedic, obstetrics, gynecology, labor/delivery, ophthalmology, urology, dental, ambulatory procedure, pharmacy, laboratory, quality management, professional affairs, patient services, physical therapy, fitness center, staff education and training, emergency room, family medicine, internal medicine, family centered care and referral management.

"I am very fortunate to have such dedicated volunteers. I definitely could not function without them," exclaimed Joyce Berry, American Red Cross chairperson, noting that many volunteers go above and beyond to provide needed hours. "We appreciate everyone for their effort."

"Red Cross volunteers at Naval Hospital Bremerton are noted for their longevity," said Janet Heath, American Red Cross West sound service area manager. "Joyce is also bringing new people in to volunteer to help keep the program going. Everyone is appreciated."

Such appreciation is apparent with Magda Krall, who has volunteered for 13 years, worked in several areas and now holds down the director's office during her time at NHB. She does this in addition to working as a linguist teacher at Olympic Community College.

"I originally started after my husband passed away and I continue because I like to assist others and know that I can help those in need," said Krall. "Plus, this is such a great setting!"