By Noreen Walton, American Red Cross volunteer

Taking care of others comes naturally to Riverside County October 2023 Volunteer of the Month, Charlie Byrd Jr. From growing up in Riverside, through his 12 years of service in the United States Army, to his current position as a safety specialist at Amazon, Charlie understands the sense of fulfillment that comes from helping others. “My father instilled in me the importance of giving back,” Charlie explains. “I grew up looking for ways to be of service in times of need.”

Charlie first volunteered with the American Red Cross in 2016 in Anchorage, Alaska, where he was working as a logistics specialist for the U.S. Army. “My job involved getting needed equipment, including munitions, from one place to another. It relied on good communication.” Volunteering with the Red Cross was a natural fit for Charlie. “I knew the Red Cross was involved with supporting soldiers and I wanted to give something back to the organization that was doing this good work.” After 12 years of service with the Army, Charlie returned home and began working with Amazon. “I am a safety specialist. I look out for the welfare of Amazon associates and make sure that our facilities are in compliance with safety laws and regulations.”

Logistics…safety…compliance…giving back. These are the building blocks of Charlie’s work with the Red Cross. Charlie has been part of Riverside County’s logistics team since February 2023. Fellow volunteers and supervisors quickly noticed and came to rely on his skills and his energy. “Charlie has shown exceptional dedication and enthusiasm in his role. He has been involved in various tasks, such as organizing the Riverside warehouse, responding to shelter activities, as well as filling in for the chapter lead position as needed.”

For Charlie, volunteering with the Red Cross is not just about giving. It is about experiencing the “something unique that happens when you are working behind the scenes of a great organization to make a difference in people’s lives.” Charlie experienced that uniqueness in his first Disaster Action Team (DAT) call. “We responded to a family who owned their own business and stored all of their business materials in their garage. Transients had started a fire in their garage late one night and the family lost just about everything. The Red Cross arrived the next day, ready to provide financial assistance and fire assistance. The Red Cross was there. Ready to help.”

Charlie is quick to praise his fellow Red Cross volunteers. “I appreciate everyone’s service. The sacrifice of their time and talents to invest in the community around them.” To potential volunteers, his message is direct and heartfelt. “There are so many areas a person can serve in. If you have a special interest, something that’s unique to you, you can probably develop it with the support of the Red Cross. And you get to work with a great team!”