By Jake Bruder, Public Affairs/Communications Volunteer

In the heart of Northeast Georgia, amidst the rolling hills and vibrant communities, resides a man whose dedication to helping others is truly inspiring. Roy Ficklin, a resident of Cleveland, Georgia, says he has donated an astounding 15 gallons of blood over the years. It took over 50 years to reach that goal, which stems from a chance event during the Vietnam War.

“I remember getting a briefing about the Red Cross and how they can help soldiers in Basic Training at Fort Jackson [South Carolina]. At the time, I didn’t give it much thought,” said Ficklin.

After finishing his training, Ficklin deployed to Vietnam to serve as a radio telephone operator for his unit. He soon realized how far he was from home and normality. When doing patrols and walking through the jungle, Ficklin remembers clearly the challenges of maintaining the ability to communicate just within his small area, let alone back to the United States.

“When you are way out in the field, it’s virtually impossible to get comms [communications]. You’re on your own,” he said.

One fateful day in 1971, while he listened for messages to relay to his squad, he heard a message come from his company commander. He instructed his company to get a soldier back to the base and to secure his travel back to the U.S. It was not until a few weeks later that Ficklin discovered the soldier’s mother was dying and the American Red Cross was the organization that ensured the message arrived quickly to the right person.

“The family contacted the Red Cross and they made it happen, even out in the middle of nowhere,” he said.

To this day, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, the Red Cross Hero Care Network provides emergency communications to active duty service members. Most service members, like Ficklin, get an overview of the Red Cross when they first enlist. The United States Department of Defense relies solely on the Red Cross to obtain verified reports of family situations for service members and their commanders, enabling them to make timely decisions about returning home.  

When Ficklin saw what the Red Cross did to help an individual in need, he knew he wanted to give back and help the organization.

“At the time, it [donating blood] was the way I knew how to support the Red Cross.”

That first donation sparked a lifelong journey to give back the best way he knew how. At some point during that journey, he established a goal with his wife to donate 15 gallons of blood, which is about 120 donations. To put that value into perspective, in a perfect world, donating a maximum of six times a year as eligible, it would take a minimum of 20 years to give that amount.

Ficklin kept at his goal, pausing his donations only when he was being treated for skin cancer. And as he kept giving, his relationship and knowledge of the Red Cross grew. Each experience was a humble and powerful reminder of the importance and impact of the Red Cross.

A few years ago, a close friend of his lost their home to a devastating tornado. The Red Cross was the first to arrive, providing immediate assistance and emotional support.

“I was impressed. Just like in the middle of the jungle, there’s nothing there. Yet they show up and get people the help they need,” said Ficklin.

He is continually amazed by the scope and variety of volunteers supporting the Red Cross. There are opportunities and demands for every skill and specialty to be a part of the Red Cross mission. In fact, the organization is powered by volunteers, who carry out 90% of its humanitarian work. He describes the volunteer spirit and drive as a testament to their mission. And he encourages others to help in any way they can.

"You need it [help] when you need it. There's no other option. When people need blood, when their back is against the wall, and there is no other option, the Red Cross is there and does it all," he said.

Most of the roughly 65,000 emergencies that the Red Cross responds to each year are local disasters like home fires and severe weather.

Ficklin's story is not just about his remarkable contributions, it is a call to action for others to get involved. Whether through blood donation, volunteering or supporting the Red Cross mission, everyone can play a part in making a difference. As Ficklin demonstrated, it's about being there when it matters most.

In celebrating Roy Ficklin, we honor a true hero whose lifelong commitment to the Red Cross has touched countless lives. His story is a confirmation of the power of compassion and dedication and the enduring legacy of one man's journey to give back.

Those interested in donating blood can visit https://www.redcrossblood.org/ to find out more. Even if you cannot donate blood, there are always opportunities to volunteer and support the Red Cross mission with your unique skills. Visit https://www.redcross.org/volunteer/become-a-volunteer.html to find a way to help that fits you.

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.

About the American Red Cross – Service to the Armed Forces

For over 140 years, the American Red Cross has provided critical assistance to military families including providing 24/7 global emergency communication services to troops and their families, supporting military and veteran medical facilities, and helping families cope with deployments and support returning combat veterans as they reintegrate into the community. The American Red Cross employees and thousands of its volunteers help deliver services at Red Cross offices across the country and in more than 100 military installations around the world—including Djibouti, Iraq and Kuwait. As a result, more than 1 million military families have been served since 9/11. For more information, please visit https://www.redcross.org/about-us/our-work/military-families.html