By Lori Baker, Communications Volunteer

American Red Cross Disaster Assistance Volunteer Vickie Rougemont loves helping people.

During her nine years as a New Mexico Chapter volunteer, Vickie has served in many roles. She is a Disaster Action Team (DAT) Duty Officer and DAT team supervisor, supervising casework, answering phones and mentoring new caseworkers.

At Red Cross shelters, Vickie’s smiling face and friendly manner are often the first encounters for people seeking shelter. Her kind gentle manner puts them at ease and helps to calm their fears.

She also is a Volunteer Partner to the New Mexico Chapter Community Disaster Program Specialist Mark Gordon. In addition, she serves as a Community Events Ambassador. As part of the Integrated Care Condolence Team, Vickie comforts families that have had a death during a disaster.

“I do casework sometimes all day trying to get our clients to the right resources,” Vickie said.

Because of Vickie’s extraordinary commitment of donating her time and talents, she was recently honored as the Exceptional Volunteer of the Year by the Red Cross New Mexico Chapter.

“I love the interaction with different people who live totally different lifestyles and being able to provide information that solves problems,” she said.

As a DAT team supervisor, she provides information directly with clients. When serving as a Duty Officer, Vickie shares information to help other volunteers while they are working cases.

Often, she is working with cases in her hometown of Milan. As a small community, she said she can feel the difference that the Red Cross makes.

Vickie, who is a Mom and Grandma, also is a support team member for the Milan Volunteer Fire Department.

“I tag along with my husband, who is the fire chief, and my daughter, who is a firefighter. I help at the station as needed. It’s a family thing and I love being there,” she said.

Vickie also is involved in many other activities. She has been a Presiding Election Judge for Cibola County for 10 years and is a Milan Village Planning and Zoning Department board member.

Vickie encourages others to become Red Cross volunteers.

“I enjoy every part of what I do for the Red Cross. My favorite is the friendships I have made. We have such a great team of Volunteers and we work together beautifully,” she said.

If you’re interested in becoming a Red Cross volunteer, go to redcross.org for more information.