By: Laykyn Webb, American Red Cross

For the second consecutive year, Sandra Johnson has been recognized for her exceptional work with the American Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces, receiving the Presidential Volunteer Service Gold Award.

The award recognizes individuals committed to a high level of volunteering and service. To be eligible, a person must volunteer more than 500 hours in a calendar year for an approved organization.

Sandra, who is with the Greater Arkansas Chapter in Little Rock, received the Award in June for her work this year as the Missouri Arkansas Region SAF casework lead, overseeing a team of more than 25 SAF casework volunteers.

Last year, she received the Award and each year, she has given more than 750 hours of service in her role.

Helping people comes natural to Sandra who worked in public service for 36 years, the last role as a social worker for the state of Arkansas. After she retired, she started volunteering with the Red Cross in 2018.

Her son, a Navy veteran, told her of his experience as a volunteer for the Red Cross in San Diego. Knowing she had more to give, she decided to volunteer with Service to the Armed Forces. After spending 23 years as a military spouse and experiencing multiple deployments, she understands the challenges military families face.

“Sometimes all the families need is someone to hear and share that they understand and have gone through the same thing. I know the sacrifice veterans and their families make, and how they don’t get the recognition they deserve. My spirit is always humbled to be able to share with these individuals,” she said.

When asked why she volunteers, Sandra said, “It’s simple; the veterans and their family members are so worthy, the least I can do is give my time. I have been where they are, and I understand it isn’t always “peaches and cream”. These individuals give so much of themselves to our county, and I just wish there was more I could do.”

The Red Cross has been supporting military personnel for more than 140 years and provides more than 540,000 services to active service members, veterans, and their families.

From the first day of enlistment, service members and their families are eligible for Red Cross assistance. If you are interested in learning more about becoming an American Red Cross volunteer, go to http://redcross.org/volunteertoday.