By Rick Sego, American Red Cross

On July 18, as part of the California realignment, Inyo and Mono Counties officially joined the San Bernardino County Chapter of the American Red Cross Southern California Region. From Death Valley National Park to Mount Whitney, Mammoth Lakes, and more, we gained an incredible stretch of California’s Eastern Sierra. Most importantly, dedicated volunteers from Mono and Inyo Counties joined our team.

The road to disaster readiness often begins long before an emergency occurs. Recently, the San Bernardino Logistics Team, consisting of Marcus Perez, Ernie Montelongo, Bill Spear, and Mark Bornais, hit the road to support our Inyo and Mono volunteers and ensure response resources are ready when communities need them most. Traveling throughout Inyo and Mono Counties, the team focused on inspecting, maintaining, and supporting local response trailers that serve as critical assets during disasters and emergency operations. These trailers provide volunteers with the tools and supplies needed to respond quickly and effectively, helping ensure communities receive assistance when every minute counts. Cathy Young from Mono County and Miriam Kendrick helped document all of the inventory in the trailers.

Beyond the technical work, the trip was an opportunity to strengthen relationships between chapters and volunteers. Face-to-face engagement allowed the logistics team to share best practices, discuss operational needs, and collaborate on ways to enhance regional readiness. Building these connections is just as important as maintaining equipment, as strong partnerships create a more coordinated and effective response network.

The Eastern Sierra presents unique challenges due to its vast geography and remote communities. By working directly with those volunteers, the San Bernardino Logistics Team helped increase the region's response capability and preparedness for future incidents. Their efforts ensure equipment remains mission-ready and that volunteers have confidence in the resources available to support their work.

Equally important was the camaraderie built along the way. Shared experiences, problem-solving, and a common commitment to service reinforced the spirit of teamwork that defines the Red Cross mission. These connections create a stronger volunteer network and help ensure that when disasters strike, responders can work seamlessly together regardless of chapter boundaries.

The dedication demonstrated by Marcus, Ernie, Bill, and Mark reflects the vital role logistics plays in disaster response. While much of their work takes place behind the scenes, the impact is felt across the region. Thanks to their commitment and partnership with Mono and Inyo County volunteers, communities throughout the Eastern Sierra are better prepared, response resources are stronger, and our collective ability to serve those in need continues to grow.

When volunteers and logistics teams come together with a shared purpose, they create more than operational readiness; they build the relationships and resilience that make our mission possible.