Wolf  Ametsbichler’s Red Cross journey began when he first came to Missoula, Mont. as a German foreign exchange student in the early 1970s.

“I kind of caught the bug like so many people do, but had to go back home to Germany,” he said. “Then eight years later, I returned to Missoula to go to school at the university and graduated from the university.”

Wolf left the Treasure State for the next decade to pursue career opportunities, but his heart stayed in Big Sky country. He eventually moved back to Missoula, where he served as the city’s Job Service manager for 20 years. While Wolf’s career had wrapped up, his work in the community was just beginning. In 2021, he joined the Red Cross as a volunteer blood donor ambassador, welcoming donors to blood drives and helping them check in.

Over the next year, he’d light up the Missoula Blood Donor Center with his cheerful demeanor, developing relationships with donors and learning their reasons for rolling up a sleeve to help save lives.

“Some of them have a family history that required somebody to need a blood donation, and that motivated them to go. Others just haven’t done it for a long, long time,” he said. “What was really interesting to me is there's not a grumpy blood donor anywhere. They're all just great people, you know?”

The Missoula resident gained a new appreciation for the work Red Cross volunteers and staff do to keep communities connected with resources, support and lifesaving blood.

“I was lucky. I never sustained an injury where I needed blood, but I've had plenty of friends that were in that unfortunate position. And there's nothing more critical than being in a hospital and having a red blood supply there,” he said. “I mean, it's called the ‘Juice of Life’. And that's exactly what it is.”

Wolf loved seeing people, but he yearned to see places. The travel enthusiast traded in the comforts of the often-bustling donor center for the chance to hit the road with Mother Nature as his sole companion as he delivered lifesaving blood products to Montana hospitals. As a transportation specialist his duties changed, but Wolf’s motivations for volunteering remained the same — a passion for helping others.

“I love Montana for going out and seeing things,” he said. “There is nothing like a sunrise over the Rocky Mountain Front. It's just absolutely gorgeous. Or you see a bunch of eagles hovering in the trees, you know, waiting for breakfast or swimming by. So it's very rewarding.”

Wolf says knowing that he’s helping keep facilities stocked with lifesaving blood products is one of the best parts of his role, and hopes others consider the opportunity.

“If you hate driving, this is not the right job. On the other hand, you can do something meaningful while exploring the state. That's about as good as it gets,” he said. “Then, you get to the hospital where you deliver the product or you get to Great Falls to the lab and people are so appreciative. And it just makes you feel good when you drive home. You go, ‘Boy, I've done something nice today.’”

When it comes to being a transportation specialist, he doesn’t plan to let off the gas any time soon and believes his role is an essential part of the many ways the Red Cross saves lives every day.

“I admire the Red Cross as an organization for all the different things they do. I mean, it's not just about blood supply. It is about fire catastrophes where families lose their home. The Red Cross is right there and takes care of people; natural disasters, the Red Cross is there,” he said. “And I can't think of another organization that does so much good worldwide and is so committed to helping people.”

If you like to travel and help others, consider applying for a transportation role near you. We have openings in Kalispell, Bozeman, Great Falls and Helena. Learn more by heading to redcross.org/ volunteertoday!