By Ana Gomez, American Red Cross
Thea Wasche has dedicated nearly two decades of her life to volunteering with the American Red Cross, bringing compassion and leadership to every aspect of her work. Her personal journey is shaped by a rich history of public service, a deep love for animals, and a passionate commitment to helping others.
Before joining the Red Cross, Thea spent 36 years in civil service with the Department of Defense. Thea sought to continue making an impact, and the Red Cross became the perfect outlet for her desire to help others. Since 2007, she has served in numerous capacities, including as a key volunteer for the Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) and disaster relief initiatives.
Thea’s journey with the Red Cross began with her love for animals. She became a certified therapy dog handler and, in 2009, established the SAF Animal Visitation Program at Evans Hospital at Fort Carson. The program brings trained animal visitation teams to the hospital to provide comfort and support to military service members and their families. Along with her then therapy dog Lacey, and current dog Willow, Thea has witnessed the profound healing power of animals in times of crisis. Through her bond with Willow, she continues to offer comfort to veterans, military families, and disaster survivors—providing steady support to those who need it most.
Throughout her service, Thea has gained a wealth of experience in disaster relief from responding to wildfires, tornadoes, and hurricanes to managing shelters and organizing large-scale feeding efforts. No matter the situation, Thea remains dedicated to providing support, comfort, and guidance to those affected by disasters.
One of Thea’s core beliefs is the importance of teamwork, especially in high-pressure disaster situations. As a shelter manager during the 2018 Nebraska flooding and Hurricane Ida, Thea worked alongside her team to ensure shelter operations ran smoothly and efficiently. Her leadership skills were evident when she trained new volunteers, focusing on compassion, clear communication, and the power of listening to those in need. Thea’s dedication to her team and her community has made her a trusted leader in the field.
For Thea, being a Red Cross volunteer is about more than just helping—it’s about connecting with people on a human level. "Listening and showing compassion are the most important things you can offer to someone in crisis," she says. Whether working with veterans, disaster survivors, or communities in need, Thea emphasizes the importance of being present, being kind, and always showing respect. Her work extends far beyond logistical support—it's about making sure people feel heard and cared for.
Thea believes volunteerism brings a deep sense of fulfillment and personal growth. "Working with the Red Cross has helped me grow, even after retirement. It keeps me engaged and on my toes," she says. Her work is a testament to the profound impact that compassionate service can have, not only on those you help but also on yourself. Her message to potential volunteers is clear: "Volunteering is an opportunity to help others, but it also helps you grow as a person." Through her own service, Thea continues to inspire others to get involved and make a difference in their communities, one act of kindness at a time.
Get involved and make an impact like Thea by volunteering with the American Red Cross.
The American Red Cross thanks The Anschutz Foundation, Haulistic, Civitas Resources Inc., and Tallgrass Energy for making this award possible and for supporting our mission in Colorado and Wyoming.
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