On July 23rd, Georgia’s Red Cross lost a dear colleague to medical complications. Jack Looney, Disaster Program Manager for South Georgia, “…wasn’t just a member of our team, he was a member of our family,” said CEO Jennifer Pipa. Whether providing support for volunteer responder, helping families impacted by fires, tornadoes, floods and hurricanes, or leading smoke alarm installation events in at-risk neighborhoods, Jack was always there for the Red Cross and the people we serve.
A U.S. Air Force veteran and resident of Nashville, Georgia, Jack began his 12-year Red Cross career as a volunteer. His compassionate heart led him to support other community organizations with his time, too, but for Jack and Cheryl Edwards, his wife, the Red Cross became a family affair. Also a Disaster Services employee in Southwest Georgia, Cheryl shares Jack’s passion for helping others through the Red Cross. It’s impossible to think of one without the other.
"To say we are heartbroken is an understatement,” said Cheryl Edwards on behalf of her family, “but we have the peace of knowing how loved Jack is by so many people." To both our colleagues, Jack and Cheryl, on behalf of the people of Georgia, we say “Thank you for your service.” And on behalf of Red Crossers everywhere, we say, “You make us proud.”