One day Max Nuxoll was flipping through the newspaper when something caught his eye -- a call for Red Cross volunteers. For Max, that ad stirred a memory — and a mission.

During his 26 years in the U.S. Army, Max had experienced the Red Cross from the other side, receiving support during critical times.

“The pleasant memory stuck with me,” he said.

Now retired from the military and private sector, Max, who lives in Lewiston, was searching for something more meaningful.

“I wasn’t looking for a routine volunteer job with set hours,” he said. “I wanted flexibility and purpose. The Red Cross seemed like a good fit.”

Service has always been part of Max’s life. Over the years, he’s volunteered with church and youth groups, the AARP  and the Boy Scouts. But his Red Cross journey — beginning in 2021 in Lewiston — was different.

Initially drawn by the hope of working with military members, Max found himself instead stepping into a different role -- responding to disasters as a Disaster Action Team volunteer.

“It was challenging and rewarding in a way I never expected,” he said.

Whether responding to home fires, wildfires or the Lewiston reservoir burst in 2023, Max has seen the devastating impact of disaster firsthand. One memory that stays with him is assisting a retired couple whose home was destroyed by fire, with no insurance to fall back on.

“Seeing the emptiness in their eyes, knowing I could only do so much — it really hit me. What were they going to do now?”

Max finds strength and purpose in his work and in those he serves alongside.

“Some of the best parts of joining the Red Cross have been the people I’ve met,” he said. “Like-minded individuals who show up, day or night, to help strangers in need.”

Among those who helped shape his journey were longtime Red Cross mentors Jim and Julia Knauss, as well as his dedicated Disaster Program Managers, Autumn Gibson and Jennifer Bivert.

In 2024, Max led a team that went door-to-door in Orofino, helping families prepare for the upcoming wildfire season and installing free smoke alarms — just one of many examples of his commitment.

For his exceptional service and dedication, Max recently received the Dane Watkins Exceptional Volunteer Award, presented to the Idaho volunteer who logged the most hours in the past year.

“It’s not always easy to drop everything and rush to a call,” he said. “But when I return home, weary and tired, I feel a sense of pride and gratitude. The Red Cross has given me a purpose — a way to serve others and be more giving in my life.”

JOIN OUR TEAM

No matter what your passion, expertise or experience, the Red Cross has a volunteer role for you. To learn more about our lines of service and the volunteer opportunities available visit redcross.org/volunteer.