By: Susan Gallagher, American Red Cross

When 165-mile-per-hour winds tracking 32 miles across Wynne, Ark., destroyed Tamala Sanderhoff’s three-bedroom, three-bath ranch home, she was in Texas helping her sister care for their elderly mother.

Her daughter and son-in-law and their children evacuated as soon as the tornado warning sounded. Their house had no damage.  They quickly drove to Tammi’s house and called her to tell her little was left of the 1970s-era house.

Tammi immediately asked about a box in her master bedroom closet, and this survivor of the March 31 tornado that barreled across multiple states was very happy to know that the one thing she treasured most was found---a box filled with family photos. “Even though my bedroom ceiling collapsed, the master bedroom closet was still there, and I told my daughter to get that box.  The rest of my belongs are replaceable,” she recalled.

That pragmatic, take-charge attitude has led Tammi through a 24-year career working in six states at six federal prisons and handled the budget for 25. She started as an accountant and ended as regional comptroller responsible for a $6 billion dollar budget.

Born in Nebraska and raised in Iowa, Tammi dropped out of college, had three children and as a divorcee worked in a hotel and a factory before earning an accounting degree and becoming a certified public accountant.  Her daughter went to high school in Wynne—a bedroom community near two large prisons--and met her future husband, whose family has lived there for years.

“When I retired six years ago, I decided to move to Wynne to be close to my five grandchildren,” Tammi said. “I was looking for volunteer opportunities and agreed to become an ambassador for blood donor events.  Then, a Red Cross employee suggested I consider taking on the role of screening volunteers.  Later I also assumed the role of duty officer for disaster response.  Recently I was promoted to Regional Disaster Action Training Lead. I now have nine Red Cross titles and have volunteered 2,000 hours.”

When the tornado hit Wynne, her many Red Cross friends were on the phone immediately to see how she was doing and whether they could help.   “When I retired, I wanted do something to help others and the Red Cross was the perfect organization for that, but I never thought I would be on the receiving end of so much support.”

As she works through insurance issues and rebuilding plans, Tammi has realized that she is lucky to have in-laws who are willing to help her rebuild her home, and kind friends and neighbors who are willing to help.

“I’m proud of my town for the outpouring of compassion people are showing,” she said. “This tornado damaged so many houses and businesses, even the high school, which is a center for community events.  But it did not stop Wynne from moving on.  Friends and neighbors are offering support, and through it all, my many Red Cross colleagues have been there for me and for all the people affected by this disaster.”