By Sarah Martin
American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region Communications Manager
For years, Robin and her husband stood in long lines at the pharmacy on Nellis Air Force base in Las Vegas. Now Robin spends her time at the pharmacy as a Red Cross Volunteer behind the counter helping people access their medications a little faster. In 2022, she spent more than 500 hours at the Nellis Satellite Pharmacy and has been awarded the prestigious President’s Gold Volunteer Service Award for her dedicated work.
“There’s nowhere I’d rather volunteer,” Robin says. “The pharmacy really is a family.” She and her husband Jim, a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy, moved to the Las Vegas base in 1994. “We started using the Nellis Pharmacy as soon as we arrived, and I’m still a customer.”
After her husband’s death three years ago, Robin says she knew she wanted to keep serving her military family. “The military took care of me and my husband for so long,” she stressed. “I’ll be there giving back for as long as I can.” Robin was the first Red Cross volunteer trained after the pandemic.
The Nellis satellite pharmacy is one of the largest in the military system and includes a robot assembly line that speeds up the process of counting and packaging individual prescriptions.
Volunteers at the pharmacy work alongside military doctors and pharmacists to sort medications, catalogue inventory, and help fill prescriptions. Robin has pursued training in every area, making her a valuable multi-tasker. “In a single shift, I move around to whatever area needs me most,” Robin says. “I happily bounce between positions.”
Dee Dodwell, the Regional Service to the Armed Forces Director, says, “We are incredibly proud to recognize Robin, not just for her time and effort, but also for Robin as a person. She cares about military families.” Her award came with a letter signed by President Biden that says it best: ‘I congratulate you on taking it upon yourself to contribute to the public good, and I’m proud to present you with the President’s Gold Volunteer Service Award in recognition of your 506 hours of service to this great Nation… On behalf of the American people, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to you for your volunteer leadership, and I encourage you to continue to answer the call to serve. The country is counting on you.’
Robin says it’s never been about the recognition. “I’m not here for the notoriety, I’m here because I’m passionate about the military and helping the people who served right alongside my husband and me.”
More volunteers needed
Robin says her team of Red Cross volunteers at Nellis Satellite Pharmacy needs more help. Volunteers at the pharmacy can give as little as a few hours a week. If you’re interested, please reach out at redcross.org/volunteer.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
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