By Carl Manning, American Red Cross

Red Cross volunteers Valerie Disney and Dana Dusha were among the first to step up after storms tore through parts of Arkansas, leaving many without a place to stay because of damage to their homes.

Valerie, who is from Fayetteville, and Dana, from Van Buren, were at the Red Cross respite center located at the Marion County Fairgrounds in Yellville. It’s a place where people can come to take a break from working on cleanup, get something to eat and drink, and charge their cell phones.

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who was visiting storm damage sites around the state, dropped by to visit with Marion County first responders and wanted to personally thank Valerie and Dana for their volunteer efforts. Joining them in meeting the governor was Barry Falke, CEO of the Red Cross Missouri-Arkansas Region.

While they appreciated the governor’s kind words, both agreed that it was second nature to them help others when the need arises.

Valerie said she joined the Red Cros two years ago because she wanted to be involved in helping others.

“It gives me a sense of self worth by being able to be of service to others in their time of need,” she said.

Dana has been with the Red Cross for 16 years and is able to volunteer more often after retiring as a child abuse investigator for the Arkansas State Police.

“I love helping people. It’s I want to do,” he said. When people are in need, I want to be able to help them anyway I can.”

He said that desire goes back to when he was an Eagle Scout, adding, “I feel like this is ministry, working with the Red Cross.”