By Kaitlyn Connolly, American Red Cross

When Phil walks through the halls of the American Red Cross Sandhills Chapter office on Carol Street, he’s never truly walking alone. He carries with him the legacy of three generations of family members who have poured their time, leadership, and hearts into the Red Cross and the community they love.

“My grandfather was involved with the Red Cross—actually, he was a board member after WWII,” Phil shared. “Eventually, he was the board chairman, and he was at the groundbreaking in 1964 of our current chapter on Carol Street.”

For Phil, this discovery wasn’t just a piece of family history—it was a moment of connection across time.

“I didn’t even know my grandfather was at the groundbreaking until I found a picture in my office,” he said. “There he was—breaking ground on the chapter building, doing many of the same things we still do today, like supporting volunteers with cookouts and holiday parties. He was always involved, so it’s kind of full circle for me.”

Service wasn’t just something Phil’s grandfather talked about, it was a calling he passed down to his children and grandchildren.

“He always encouraged our family to be involved with giving back to the community,” Phil recalled. “He encouraged my aunt, his daughter, who became a board member as well. My dad, who was employed by my grandfather, got involved with the chapter too.”

Phil’s father built his own reputation as a community leader.
“My father was the Goodyear Tire Dealer in Fayetteville. He had multiple stores,” Phil explained. “He was always involved with the Chamber, United Way, Methodist University, Fayetteville Tech, the YMCA. They were always involved, and the Red Cross has always been a fixture in our community.”

That family mindset was that service was a shared responsibility. Eventually it led Phil to the organization that had shaped so much of his family’s life.

“That’s why I wanted to join almost 13 years ago,” he said. “I knew the Red Cross was a reliable resource in the community.”

Phil’s father continued to support the chapter even after Phil joined the Red Cross himself.

“When I did join, he was proud of that,” Phil said. “He didn’t brag about it, he just went on volunteering, like what we’re doing today. As the Executive Director, my father would always come by and say hello to the chapter. He remembered those days, back in the ’60s, when he was involved with my grandfather after WWII.”

Phil has carried forward that spirit of involvement, especially when it comes to supporting volunteers.

“I like being with our volunteers and seeing their work and supporting them,” he said. “My father was a board member. He was actively involved in recruiting volunteers and always talked about Red Cross services out in the community. Again, it’s full circle, telling our story out in the community.”

And now, the legacy continues to the next generation.

“My kids are the same way. They’re giving back to their community,” Phil shared. “They’re young adults, Boy Scouts, and active in their church. It’s in our DNA to be a community supporter.”

Phil didn’t always picture himself working for the Red Cross. But the values he grew up with ultimately led him there.

“I never thought I’d join the Red Cross when I was younger,” he said. “I was looking for a way to stay in the community and give back. I was a banker, so I didn’t have a nonprofit background, but as a banker I was always supporting the community and being on boards. So when the opportunity came, I was excited to grab it.”

Today, Phil carries forward the pride of his parents and grandparents.

“My grandfather would have been really proud that I’m a Red Crosser,” he said. “My dad was proud before he passed away. My mother is still proud. It runs in our blood, if you will.”

And while there are “no grandbabies yet,” Phil laughs, he’s confident the tradition will live on. “They’re doing their career thing,” he said, “but we’ve always been committed to our communities where we live.”

Phil’s story is a reminder that giving back isn’t just a duty, it’s a joy, a family tradition, and a legacy that shapes communities for generations.

“You can be a board member or install alarms like we are today,” he said. “There’s something for everyone at the Red Cross, and I encourage everyone to join in. Join in on the fun.”