Written by Red Cross of Illinois Volunteer Amberlee Mucha
A Detroit native raised across Michigan, Rich Dansizen’s journey to volunteering with the American Red Cross began long before he officially joined the organization as a volunteer. As a young man, he survived a house fire, a personal experience that gave him an early understanding of how critical support is during life’s crises.
Later, his service in the Air Force introduced him to the Red Cross in a very personal way: while on leave, he saw his mother volunteering to help military families get home on emergency leave. Inspired by her work, Rich realized the quiet, life-changing impact of service.
Rich’s Air Force career took him from veterinary work to radio and TV broadcasting, eventually earning a promotion to secondary first sergeant. In that role, he often coordinated urgent requests for service members, sometimes in the middle of the night, ensuring they could get home in emergencies. “Helping people get home for family emergencies, being part of that process, was incredibly meaningful,” he recalls.
After retiring from the Air Force, Rich continued his commitment to service as a high school teacher for Air Force Junior ROTC programs throughout Central Illinois. Community service was a cornerstone of the program, and Rich frequently partnered with the Red Cross on blood drives and other initiatives.
When Rich retired from teaching, he returned to the Red Cross in 2019. He completed the basic volunteer course online during COVID-19 and began working remotely, eventually joining the Public Information Office as a scheduler. In this role, he coordinates volunteers across Illinois, and even parts of Missouri and Iowa, ensuring someone is always ready to respond to emergencies, from home fires to major disasters.
For Rich, volunteering isn’t about recognition; it’s about the lives quietly touched behind the scenes. “Sometimes you don’t even know the difference you’re making until later, but it’s powerful,” he says. Beyond the Red Cross, Rich is active in his community, volunteering with his church and serving on the Tazewell Honor Guard. These experiences reinforce the values that drew him to the Red Cross: service, connection, and meaningful help.
Rich’s story reminds us that volunteering comes in many forms, some visible, some behind the scenes, but all equally important. “I really enjoy helping other people, getting to know them, and hopefully having a positive impact in their lives,” he says.
The American Red Cross offers countless ways to volunteer, whether assisting at blood drives, responding to disasters, or supporting vital community programs. Every act of service creates ripples of impact. As Rich’s story shows, volunteering isn’t just about giving your time; it’s about touching lives and discovering the extraordinary difference one person can make.
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