Richard Miller in front of his forklift truck at the American Red Cross warehouse.
By Aidan Phillips, American Red Cross
What does it mean to be an American Red Cross volunteer? You might think of boots on the ground and service on the front lines during disasters likes floods, fires, and hurricanes. However, those boots on the ground must be designed, crafted, and distributed before they are worn into the field.
All operations of the American Red Cross depend on volunteers in a variety of positions all across the country, including people like Richard Miller. Richard, a veteran, great-grandfather, and current retiree, helps run a precise operation at a Red Cross national warehouse in St. Louis, Missouri. At this Red Cross warehouse, one of four national Red Cross warehouses across the country, Richard organizes, tracks, stores, moves, and preserves everything from biomedical gear for blood drives, to cots and tarps used in response to disasters.
At 80 years old, he has worked at the warehouse at least three times a week, every week since 2021 with no plans to step away. “When we get busy and have to respond to hurricanes and floods, I’ll work as much as is required,” Richard says, expressing his commitment to the Red Cross’ mission. Because of this commitment and experience, Richard now knows this dauntingly large warehouse like the back of his hand.
In his early days as a volunteer, Richard felt he faced a big learning curve. However, Richard was able to make quick progress, thanks to his colleagues and supervisors at the Red Cross, including Tony Diaz who acts as his supervisor at the warehouse. “Tony has been great to me and really guided me through the initial learning process here,” Richard says.
Richard Miller demonstrating packaging and issuance of American Red Cross supplies.
Richard Miller carrying and transporting American Red Cross emergency cleanup kits for disaster response.
Richard has also served on the frontlines of disaster response. In 2024, with the help of Michele Fasel and Wesley Smith, he deployed for the first time. Richard credits Michele and Wesley for the influential role they played in the edifying experiences he has had since that first deployment. “They were both tremendously helpful to me going through everything we’ve gone through,” Richard explains.
He has since deployed for responses to disasters in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Kentucky. He has served food, provided shelter, and provided assistance to the victims of the recent natural disasters in each of the respective locations. These were significant and meaningful experiences for Richard. “It’s very fulfilling to know that you’re helping people who have lost so much,” Richard says.
Richard recounts a number of stories from his time on deployment, including helping families impacted by disasters by preparing what he called “treat bags.” He prepared these bags with different snacks and candies supplied by the Red Cross, and soon his response team colleagues began doing the same and giving them to children at disaster sites. “It was truly gratifying to initiate something that could bring some joy and relief to these families,” Richard says.
Richard Miller examining inventory records, supply lists, and transport scheduling at the American Red Cross warehouse.
Deployment with the Red Cross is not his first time embarking on such kinds of missions. From 1963 until 1967, Richard deployed to numerous parts of the world, including Asia and Europe, while serving in the Air Force. After his military service, he came to St. Louis for a nearly 40-year career with Boeing.
After living in St. Louis for many years, he’s now ready again to travel as far as needed for the next opportunity to assist people in need. “Let me know and I’m ready to go,” Richard says. Until then, he’s holding down the fort for everyone else in the Red Cross.
It’s only with the assistance and generosity of thousands of volunteers like Richard that the Red Cross can carry out its mission of serving the public.
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