Age

Posted Thursday, March 18, 2010 at 10:34 AM by Melissa Hunsberger

Laura Hahn is a former Americorps Member with the Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the Red Cross who will be spending the next four months in Baghdad, Iraq. She will share her experiences on this blog.
 
I guess this is a silly topic for my second to last blog, but it’s something that I have been thinking about a lot lately.  On Friday, my transition from Baghdad to home begins with many stops and adventures on the way.  I plan to document it as much as I possibly can, allowing for a great last blog, I hope.  Until then, I will write about the topic on my mind and with the hope of receiving some great feedback, like always.

In school, among friends, at most jobs, and in most groups that I am a part of, I am normally by far the youngest.  The most significant age difference was as an AmeriCorps member with the American Red Cross.  Not only was I the youngest of my group, but on disaster deployments, the average age of volunteers was at least 40.  It often becomes an issue being considered the “kid.”   Military life is a very different story, and now that I am noticing it, I am realizing a lot.
 
The age of soldiers on base does vary a great deal.  However, most of the enlisted troops are about my age, as well as many of the officers just out of school.  It’s really interesting because many of the activities, radio stations, and TV shows are geared to our generation.  It is crazy to think that my generation makes up a large part of the military that is currently fighting the war on terrorism.  And it’s an honor to hold the role I do and to receive respect from my peers for it.  I am always shocked when I meet someone here who is 18 or 19 years old - and many of whom are already married and even have children back home.  Military life is a very different world and has made me see things in a different light (As I was writing that last sentence I had to take cover after a large explosion outside. Military life truly is different).  
 
It’s always been interesting to see how most officers are my age, just out a college, and in command of the 40-year-old first sergeants who have been in the military for years.  Age in this life is a funny thing, but everyone makes sure to show respect no matter how old they are.  The other day, I was in my office and was having computer issues, and a soldier came to the door and said, “Ma'am permission to enter and assist.”  I really wanted to laugh, but he was trying to be respectful.
 
As I come to the end of this adventure, I am realizing that I have grown up a lot.  I am not considered a child here by any means.  Having a degree is a very big deal in the hierarchy system in the military.  Being a college graduate gives a soldier a higher ranking than someone who has been in for years but has no degree.   As a Red Crosser, we are considered equal to a Master Sergeant (GSE-12), which allows us certain privileges like our own rooms and such.  The sensitivity of my work, the alarming impact of the reality of war, and the shock of diving head first into a life that I knew nothing about before embarking on this adventure have definitely forced me to grow up a lot in the past few months.  
 
To sum up my point, a favorite quote from Clara Barton (founder of the American Red Cross and a female I consider a significant historical figure): “This conflict is one thing I've been waiting for.  I'm well and strong and young - young enough to go to the front.  If I can't be a soldier, I'll help soldiers.”  Anywhere else and in any other situation at home, age plays a big part in representing experience.  But in the military, this is not how it is.  Although it may seem strange to an outsider, it is nevertheless interesting to experience.
 

 
On a slightly different note, I am pleased to share that I received the gold medal in the St. Patrick's Day 10K race over the weekend.  I was the first female in the 18-25 years old age group which shocked me. It is by far my most prized souvenir from my trip.  I have been working really hard on my running and I am happy to see how much I have improved.  This next week is going to be very long, but it is sure to be an adventure on many levels and I promise to do my best on sharing the stories.

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Tags Tags: AmeriCorps, Military, Iraq

Good and Bad Fire Safety Tips

Posted Monday, March 15, 2010 at 11:24 AM by Luke Van Meter

Bad: Assist firefighters racing to the scene of a fire by lighting a series of smaller "marker fires" along their path.

Bad: Before using a fire extinguisher to put out a rapidly-spreading fire, be sure to thoroughly read the instructions printed on the side, marking key information with a highlighter pen.

Bad: When making your family disaster plan, just remember "LISGM9MN": Leave the house Immediately, Stay low to the Ground, Meet outside, and call 911 froM a Neighbor's house.

Bad: Be sure to keep your gasoline-soaked rags nailed to a wall, safely out of children's reach.

Good: Remember that the saying, "Fight fire with fire" does not apply to non-metaphorical fires.

If you would like real safety tips, just click here!


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Tags Tags: Fire, Health and Safety Services

Doing your own electrical work

Posted Thursday, March 11, 2010 at 8:29 AM by Luke Van Meter

Doing your own electrical work is much cheaper than hiring a professional, and much safer.


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What Would You Buy With $50?

Posted Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at 4:38 PM by Melissa Hunsberger

Maybe you’d buy dinner at one of Stephen Starr's Rittenhouse restaurants or a ticket to Citizens Bank Park to see the defending NL Champs this spring or maybe you’d stock it away in your savings account.  I'm guessing you would not have said a banana tree, but that's what one kid from Uganda said when asked the same question.
 
To hear what other kids from the Circle of Peace School in Kampala, Uganda said when asked, "What would you buy with $50?" check out the upcoming art exhibit in NYC. The exhibition will be on show from March 26 - April 1, 2010.
 


What would the Red Cross buy with fifty dollars? A lot of good! A gift of any amount helps families right here at home who have been affected by disaster. In fact

To donate to the Red Cross, click here.


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Tags Tags: Disaster, Events

Red Ball 2010

Posted Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at 2:06 PM by Leah Kristie

...was a blast! About 1,200 people came out, and the evening raised $216,900 for Red Cross House. Thank you everyone! Celebrity guests included Adam Crossley, Kevin Navayne, and Tony Danza. Philadelphia OIC was the 2010 Red Ball Restaurant Winner, and CBS3's Jim Donovan emceed with CEO Tom Foley.

Here are some Red Ball photos from Jim Donovan's Facebook page. (I don't know how that last one got on here!)


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Chile Quake Update

Posted Monday, March 8, 2010 at 1:25 PM by Leah Kristie

The American Red Cross has increased its pledge to $500,000 for relief operations in Chile following the 8.8 magnitude earthquake on February 27. The American Red Cross is providing 5,000 water-carrying cans, following an appeal for relief supplies from the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent societies (IFRC), and we are prepared to provide additional relief supplies, trained personnel and financial assistance.

The Chilean Red Cross has activated volunteers to distribute food, hygiene articles, blankets, and mental health services to survivors. In addition, the Chilean Red Cross has called upon the local people to donate blood in order to keep up with demand from hospitals. A five-member regional Red Cross team of disaster experts is in Chile to provide technical support for Chilean Red Cross response activities and to perform damage assessments, emergency relief and communications support.

The global Red Cross network has issued a response plan that will provide relief supplies, emergency shelter, basic health care, and water and sanitation for 15,000 families for six months.


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The Election

Posted Monday, March 8, 2010 at 12:24 PM by Melissa Hunsberger

Laura Hahn is a former Americorps Member with the Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the Red Cross who will be spending the next four months in Baghdad, Iraq. She will share her experiences on this blog.
 
I must admit I feared this weekend approaching for some time now. As soon as I arrived in theater, I was warned that the Iraqi elections would be dangerous. In the end, this weekend turned out to be a great weekend. It might have been the nice weather or knowing that finally the danger is over. Now, I won't have much more to worry about until I leave. In the end, I am glad to say I was here for a tremendous event in the lives of the Iraqi people. Knowing that the men and women all risked their lives for the right to have an opinion is unbelievable. It is something that many other generations have spoken about in regards to other historical events, but to live this one myself is inspirational.
 
The election did not go as smoothly as I would have hoped. Although nothing traumatic happened directly towards us, I still heard the sounds and felt the fear of the Iraqi people outside the gates. I was trying to sleep Sunday morning when I woke up to a large explosion. The booms continued, changing in sound and distance. I decided it was important to get up and make sure I was safe. I checked outside and it did not seem like anyone was running for cover. I went into the bathroom, and my lovely cleaning lady explained that the noises were car bombs in the distance. I tried going back to sleep and must say it was like counting sheep. I literally was counting the explosions until I fell back to sleep. It turns out that the sounds were combinations of things, and the final total of these small explosions is insane. 
 
In the end, I think over 35 Iraqis lost their lives in the attempt to vote. It’s really sad to think that someone must fear doing something that we all take for granted. I have so many friends that just don't vote and have no real reason for not doing so. It seems so crazy watching what the people here are willing to do for the same right. I am glad to be an American, and I am glad to say that I took part in Operation Iraqi Freedom. I am also happy that I was able to play some small part in helping this event happen.This weekend truly gave me a better understanding of why we are here in the first place.

In addition to the election, it is also March which means it's Red Cross Month. Our team linked up with a unit on base, and we organized a 10K run and 5K walk on Saturday. It was a huge success, and more than 400 people showed up - everyone with Red Cross pride at six in the morning on a chilly Saturday. I ran the 10K and did great, which made me really happy. I have never run a 10K before, and I did it in 54 minutes, much better than I expected. I guess running and working out like I do here is paying off. I also designed the T-shirts for the event, and they were a huge hit. Everyone was upset when we ran out of our T-shirts. It really was great to see how many people support what we are doing here. I also designed a poster explaining what the Red Cross does worldwide. I was shocked to see how many people took the time to read it and learn about the organization that I am so passionate about.

All in all, the weekend was a huge success on so many levels. And as a side note, I learned that it can rain during a sandstorm, which means the rain is falling through clouds of dust. Therefore, the final result is falling mud, droplets of think brown water. Since all this occurred at night, I did not realize it until I woke up and found that everything I was wearing was brown and gross. The countdown continues and I will be leaving in 2 weeks, but I am sure I will have some more interesting stories to share.
 

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Tags Tags: Iraq, Military, International Services

Red Cross House: Help and Hope

Posted Friday, March 5, 2010 at 2:24 PM by Leah Kristie

Fox 29 aired the following story about Red Cross House this morning. Since the facility opened in April 2003, more than 2,265 families have rebuilt their lives there, and we're honored to be a part of this work. Proceeds from tomorrow night's Red Ball directly benefit Red Cross House. (The only one of its kind in the country!) Last minute tickets are still available!


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Tags Tags: Red Cross House, Events

National Red Cross Website Features Two of Our Very Own SEPA Volunteers

Posted Thursday, March 4, 2010 at 1:24 PM by Melissa Hunsberger

More bragging rights for the SEPA Chapter, though we prefer the humble route.
Click the photos below to read about two of our amazing 12,288 volunteers.

 
                  Patrick Green                                      Carol Barnett


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Tags Tags: Volunteer, Emergency Services, Youth Services

Must See of the Day

Posted Thursday, March 4, 2010 at 12:50 PM by Melissa Hunsberger

I’m calling this new segment of my blog the “Must See of the Day” and yes that’s right, I straight up stole the concept from 1210 AM talk show host Michael Smerconish. It is said that no idea is original. Therefore, why try and reinvent the wheel? Smerconish’s premise behind his “Must See of the Day” is to share with his radio audience news tidbits he believes they might otherwise not have heard about. These “Must See of the Day” submissions range from quirky news stories to shameless self promotion.
 
And thus, in an effort to keep Red Cross blog readers entertained as well as informed, I’ve decided to start my own “Must See of the Day.” This first entry is entirely unrelated to the Red Cross, but it's a feel good story nonetheless about meeting the people who inspire us. The story involves an 18-year-old female pitcher, Knuckleballs, and Boston Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield.
 

Photo from ESPN.com
 
Read the full story as reported by The Associated Press on ESPN.com.

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