^{May 25, 2020}

By: Tia Norrington
 

Each Memorial Day, we remember and honor all the servicemen and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and way of life. In fact, the American Red Cross mission started with our service to the armed forces through our founder, Clara Barton, “The Angel of the Battlefield” during the Civil War. This weekend, as we thank the service members and veteran communities who continue to be there for America. We also send virtual hugs to all the dedicated Red Cross supporters and volunteers who are there for them around the world.

Today we want to shine the light on two Red Cross volunteers who are no longer with us but whose dedicated service helped us carry out our lifesaving mission in Georgia in special ways:
 

Virginia Greenway (1927-2020)

Mrs. Virginia Greenway was an amazing Red Cross volunteer who dedicated much of her life giving back to veterans in metro Atlanta. She mainly served at the U.S. Veterans Administration (VA) Hospital on Clairmont Road NE.

“My mom was a strong, vivacious and feisty woman,” said her daughter, Kay Greenway Tritt. “She was a faithful Services to the Armed Forces Red Cross volunteer who also ran a radio program at the VA Hospital.”

Virginia spent more than 12 years spinning records for veterans at the hospital’s “Bedside Network” radio station. It all began with an inspiring conversation she had with a next-door neighbor. Soon, Virginia was working diligently to produce upbeat programming for the veterans to lift their spirits. Her radio shows produced hours of news, interviews, the music of all genres, and special holiday features. The hospital received over 600 donated records from local radio stations to support her efforts.

Virginia passed away, recently, at the age of 93. She was such a huge supporter of the American Red Cross that her daughter asked friends and family to make a financial donation in honor of Mrs. Greenway. This weekend, we honor the memory of Virginia Greenway who helped make the lives of so many hospitalized veterans brighter.

Vincent Woodward (xxxx - 2020)

Vincent “Vince” Woodward, a veteran, was a beloved Red Cross volunteer at Martin Army Community Hospital on Fort Benning until his death this month. For 11 years, he contributed countless hours as a lead shuttle cart driver for the military hospital transportation program. His friendly service provided veterans and service members the ability to make it to their medical appointments conveniently and on time when walking would have been difficult or impossible.

“Vince was a very dedicated volunteer and always wanted to take care of veterans and their families”, said Michele Walton, Regional Program Manager at Fort Benning, “He will be greatly missed but always remembered.”

Georgia’s Red Cross is grateful for Vince’s unwavering service, appreciated by so many military families in the Columbus, Georgia area. 

Since 1900, the American Red Cross has been tasked by federal charter with supporting our nation’s military members. We are so proud and thankful for the great service of all our volunteers that work tirelessly to help those that need it most – volunteers like Virginia Greenway and Vincent Woodward. Our work would not be possible without the help of committed Service to the Armed Forces volunteers who are the smiling faces and compassionate heart of our mission.

Interested in learning more? Sign up today at www.redcross.org/volunteer.