Congratulations to Minnesota and Dakotas Red Cross volunteer Bruce Norgard, recipient of Minnesota Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (MNVOAD) 2025 Garrett Alessandroni North Star Award. The award recognizes a volunteer who exemplifies the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) principles of cooperation, communication, coordination, and collaboration.

"Bruce ensures responders are cared for, volunteers are mentored, and clients are met with dignity. Whether coordinating with FEMA, local health systems, or interfaith councils, he approaches each partnership as an opportunity to align purpose and compassion in service of those most in need," says Steve Hartman, a volunteer leader with MNVOAD and the Minnesota and Dakotas Red Cross.

Bruce's day-to-day volunteer activities include serving as the North Central Spiritual Care Advisor and Disaster Action Team responder for local home fires. He supports all phases of disaster response, engaging with community partners, faith-based organizations, emergency managers, and health systems to provide care to those impacted by disaster.

"His work extends beyond individual operations. He plays a vital role in building community resilience through training, mentorship, and partnership development, regularly co-teaching courses, such as Mass Casualty Incident Response Management and Mass Casualty Simulation alongside other national leaders," adds Steve.

Bruce has deployed to major disaster relief operations nationwide — including Guam, Maui, Kentucky, and Minnesota flood and tornado events — where he's led disaster spiritual care teams and integrated with client care, disaster mental health, and mass care partners. Most recently, he provided leadership for Northern Minnesota Wildfire relief and the Annunciation Church and School mass casualty response.

Thank you, Bruce, for your dedication to our humanity-first mission and deep compassion for disaster survivors and responders.