_{By Volunteer Julia Zauner}

_{“We need you in Missouri to help the communities impacted by tornados, would you be willing to go tomorrow?”}

I held my breath. This was the call I had been waiting for. After months of Red Cross training in Mass Care (sheltering/feeding), I was eager for my first deployment. My schedule was open, I really wanted to help—but there was a flicker of doubt. Was I really ready? Would it be what I expected? How would I do?

“Yes,” I told the duty officer. “I’m happy to help.”

And just like a new swimmer on the diving board staring into the deep end, I jumped.

Once I said “yes,” a whirlwind of activity began as I had less than 24-hours to prepare for my departure. While I was a bit anxious, at every step along the way I felt supported.

Almost immediately, I received a detailed email outlining my assignment, packing tips, what to expect, and available resources. My advice to any first-time deployer is to take a deep breath and carefully review the messages you receive – read them over two or three times and make a check list of what you need to do step-by-step. My duty officer was exceptionally helpful and guided me through any issues I had. She was always just a call or text away.

Once you say “yes,” you’ll be amazed by how many fellow volunteers step in to help. One drove more than an hour to give me a mission card. Another offered to take me to the airport—more than an hour from my home. As I frantically packed, cleared my calendar and prepared to go, I began to relax, knowing there was a strong network in place to help me succeed.

The next day, I flew to St. Louis to join the Disaster Relief Operation that was assisting communities in Missouri and Arkansas affected by the May 16 tornadoes. By the time I arrived on July 1, the operation was winding down, but our mission was still critical—helping ensure that those impacted received nourishment and a sense of care during an uncertain time.

At the airport, a volunteer from the Transportation Team greeted me warmly and took me straight to headquarters to meet my supervisor. Everyone was friendly, welcoming, and ready to help.

My assignment was to deliver meals to families staying in non-congregate shelters—mostly hotels. We picked up meals from local restaurants and delivered them to the shelters. While we didn’t always meet directly with the families, we quickly realized we were also supporting our fellow Red Cross volunteers at these sites, giving them a friendly face and a few moments of connection during their busy day.

When we weren’t delivering meals, we helped to clean and organize the “canteen” or staff kitchen at headquarters, making sure everything was well stocked and orderly. On other days, we helped at the warehouse to clean and pack up cots and other supplies from the shelters that were able to close. What I learned in this deployment is the importance of being flexible and willing to take on whatever assignment is needed to help the relief operation.

The highlight of my deployment was the people I met—volunteers from across the country, from all walks of life. I loved hearing how they got involved with the Red Cross, learning about their local chapters, and about their personal lives and passions. I also enjoyed learning about other deployments these volunteers had been on – what they liked and didn’t like about each type of assignment. I asked a lot of questions of people about their other Red Cross work to help me get a better understanding of what I may want to do on future assignments. One thing I learned from talking to other volunteers is that no two deployments are alike and each is its own adventure!

For years, I have wanted to deploy as a Red Cross volunteer to help those impacted by disaster.  Once I retired last fall, I had the time and flexibility to complete all the required training, but I just wasn’t sure if I was ready. I’ll admit I turned down a few assignments early on because I was a bit anxious. Now that I’ve completed my first assignment, I’m looking forward to another deployment and hopefully reconnecting with some of the great folks I met in Missouri.

If you’re a Red Cross volunteer who hasn’t deployed yet, I encourage you to take the plunge. It might not look exactly like you imagined, but it is deeply meaningful work—and you’ll never be alone. From start to finish, the Red Cross family will be there to guide and support you.