Jeff Wheatley, VA Volunteer Services (VAVS) Representative, Greater Miami and the Keys

For the past 2.5 years, U.S. Army veteran and Red Cross volunteer Jeffrey Wheatley has been a familiar presence at the Bruce W. Carter VA Medical Center in Miami, where he serves in the coffee corner three days a week. With more than 850 volunteer hours, he brews up to 200 cups of coffee a day, creating space for connection and conversation among fellow veterans. For Jeffrey, the role goes beyond serving coffee. “Many Vietnam veterans have thanked me for the Red Cross being there while they were deployed,” he shared. “They received help contacting loved ones with phone calls.” Through each interaction, he continues his service, offering both comfort and community to those who have served.

Suzanne Hazelroth, Service to the Armed Forces Volunteer, Broward County

Broward County volunteer, Suzanne Hazelroth, has expanded her role over the past year, supporting the Deerfield warehouse team while growing her work with the Hero Care Network to assist military members and their families. Her service reflects a strong commitment to both disaster response and the ongoing needs of the armed forces community. “I very much enjoy working with the Red Cross. I enjoy being part of a team as we work to help our community in all different aspects of emergency services. My work with the Hero Care Network gives me an opportunity to continue where my heart is, which is service to our active military.”

James Sides, Community Volunteer Leader from the Palm Beach and Treasure Coast Chapter

“I am the first person who is able to give someone experiencing a disaster their first hope, their first smile, their first realization that they will make it past their darkest day.  Being able to have such a profound impact on a person who is in such a dark place fuels me to continue volunteering with this incredible agency, the Red Cross.  Everything else is secondary.”

Carl Valeri, Board Member, Mid-Florida Chapter

In just one year of service, Carl Valeri has made a meaningful and visible impact on the American Red Cross. As a board member and active participant on the Philanthropy Committee, Carl has led by example as a donor, advocate and ambassador for our mission. He has consistently shown up for mission engagement, participating in Yellow Ribbon Reintegration events, community tabling events and representing the Red Cross at high‑profile activities such as the Lakeland Flying Tigers baseball game and the Mid-Florida museum opening.

Effective July 1, Carl will step into the role of Chair of the Philanthropy Committee. He brings energy, creativity and a strong philanthropic mindset to this leadership role, along with exciting ideas focused on growth and deeper community engagement. We are grateful for Carl’s commitment and look forward to the vision and momentum he will bring to the Mid-Florida chapter.

“The Red Cross enables me to give back to the community in many ways since we are truly part of the fabric of society. During disasters large and small, providing services to our military veterans, and the invaluable life-saving education is why I love the American Red Cross!”

Sarasota Emergency Radio Club, Southwest Gulf Coast to the Glades  

Meet the Sarasota Emergency Radio Club (SERC) and SRQ Amateur Radio Emergency Services (SRQ-ARES)  team keeping communities connected when it matters most. As part of the Southwest Gulf Coast to Glades Chapter, these dedicated volunteers support emergency communications and disaster response across the region: George Bliss, Chuck Cooper, Micky Tayler, Steve Rossi, Don Opdyke, Robert Wolfe, Mike Kearney and Barbara Kearney, alongside many additional members of SERC and SRQ-ARES who play critical roles.