Volunteers are at the heart of the American Red Cross, and this year, the organization honored the exceptional contributions of its volunteers at a recognition event held in Minot. The celebration highlighted the vital role local volunteers play in disaster response, community preparedness, and support for military families across western North Dakota.

“We’re proud to recognize these dedicated volunteers,” said Zoe Wergeland Manstrom, Executive Director of the American Red Cross serving Western North Dakota. “They give their time and energy to help neighbors in need. Their compassion makes our work possible across western North Dakota.”

Western North Dakota Red Cross Volunteer Impact

In the past year, volunteers in western North Dakota:

• Made 225 homes safer with free smoke alarm installations and home fire safety planning
• Taught emergency preparedness to more than 1,200 children
• Responded to 65 local disasters, including home fires, wildfires, and floods
• Supported over 260 disaster survivors
• Deployed volunteers for a total of 142 days to national disaster relief operations
• Delivered 80 emergency messages and 66 pre-deployment briefings for military families
• Helped 63 military families access emergency financial assistance

From Minot, among those recognized was Judi Leonard, who received a pin for over 6,000 hours of volunteer service. Judi began volunteering after being directly impacted by the 2011 Souris River Flood.

“I know I can make a difference—help people when they need help,” said Judi. Since joining, she has deployed 15 times to support disaster relief efforts and currently helps manage local Red Cross facilities in Minot. “I’ve made a lot of good friends,” she added.

2025 Honorees

Kyle Pearson – Disaster Cycle Services Volunteer of the Year (Bismarck)
Kyle keeps Red Cross vehicles running across western North Dakota and trains new emergency response drivers. He also organized a home fire safety event in Emmons County and assisted with shelter, canteen, and damage assessment during flooding in Bismarck and Mandan.

Mary Mahoney – New Volunteer of the Year (Bismarck)
Within her first week of volunteering, Mary completed Disaster Action Team training and assisted in multiple home fire responses. She also helped prepare more than 1,000 Pillowcase Project kits for a large-scale preparedness event.

Brian Weigel – Exceptional Leadership Volunteer of the Year (Bismarck)
Brian stepped up to lead local operations while the chapter’s executive director was on parental leave, overseeing responses to both flooding and wildfires. He also provided leadership for Service to the Armed Forces programs and worked closely with Red Cross regional operations.

Auston Biles – Disaster Cycle Services Volunteer of the Year (Beulah)
As he retires from his role as board chair, Auston is recognized for his outstanding leadership through the COVID pandemic and in rebuilding the local volunteer board. His vision and commitment have inspired volunteers and strengthened Red Cross efforts across the region.

To learn more about how you can volunteer in Western North Dakota, visit RedCross.org/GiveTime.