By Jake Bruder, Communications Volunteer

For more than three decades, Linda Yehle has been the quiet heartbeat behind countless American Red Cross volunteers and hospital operations. Her story isn’t just about service, it’s about steady leadership, lifelong learning and a love for helping others that never fades.

When you meet Yehle, you’re immediately struck by her calm confidence, the kind that comes from decades of showing up, helping others, and keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes. Her service does not go unnoticed. She recently received a Red Cross award for Exceptional Volunteer, Service to the Armed Forces/International Services.

“I like to help out others,” Yehle says. “I volunteer every day because it gets me out with others, I get to talk to people, and I like doing it.”

Since 2000, Yehle’s been a steady presence at Fort Gordon’s Eisenhower Army Medical Center in Georgia. In an ever-changing environment, she helps volunteers integrate into the hospital and navigate the administrative process to support the medical staff. From background checks to computer access and credentialing, Yehle seems to do it all.

“A big thing about the medical system is regular change,” reflected Yehle. “It can be a lot and I’m glad I can help others through those things.”

Yehle is no stranger to change in her own life and volunteering with the Red Cross. She knew about donating blood from occasional blood drives in her small hometown in Kansas. Once college started, she donated blood to help others. Helping her school win the friendly competition between the major universities was an added benefit. After her husband went on active duty, they began a journey across the country.

Yehle kept her volunteer spirit alive as she moved from base to base. At Fort Huachuca, Arizona, she volunteered as a blood drive coordinator and in the final year, was recognized as Coordinator of the Year. At Fort Campbell, Kentucky, she continued to support hospital volunteers and blood drives. At the former Military Ocean Terminal Bayonne in New Jersey, she had one of her more memorable volunteer experiences.

“They asked me to come in and help with the coffee and cookies,” she laughs. “But when I grabbed the first pot of coffee, I spilled it everywhere.” Instead of stepping back, Linda stepped up and started learning the ropes from there. “It’s amazing to see how much the Red Cross has evolved - the training, the safety standards, the professionalism.”

The journey eventually led her to Fort Gordon where she continues her volunteer journey and shares her experience and knowledge from a lifetime of learning. Every day she comes in with a smile on her face and an energy that inspires those around her.

A special aspect of her current role is her ability to mentor and guide the next generation. She is always impressed by the young volunteers, especially high school and college students, who want to help and learn more about the medical field. And it is one thing she loves about the Red Cross.

 “This is such a great way for students to get real experience in a hospital setting,” she says. “They can see what the environment is like and find out if it’s something they want to pursue. Even if they just come to observe, they’re helping and learning.”

Through every move, every change, and every challenge, Yehle has remained a cornerstone of Red Cross service, leading with compassion, humor and reliability. She sets the standard for others to follow.

“It’s a good organization,” she says. “It helps people and it helps you find what you can do to help.”

About volunteering with the Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces:

Since 1900, the American Red Cross has been tasked by federal charter with supporting our nation’s military members. Today, we are the number a military family calls when they need to reach their serviceperson in an emergency. We are the smiling faces making the rounds at military hospitals, providing personal care items and encouraging words. And we are the respectful visitors paying tribute to veterans as they near the end of the journey. This important work is done by dedicated volunteers across the country and on American military installations worldwide. To learn more, visit: https://www.redcross.org/volunteer/become-a-volunteer/service-to-the-armed-forces.html?srsltid=AfmBOorJJmeCigHuzhhQW-6993bMLspJdcbC2x_PxFNccR5LAdpd5yPg

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media