Central and Southwest Oklahoma Chapter recognizes outstanding volunteers

Volunteers, board members and staff of the American Red Cross of Central and Southwest Oklahoma came together at their annual meeting to honor the incredible individuals who dedicate their time, energy and hearts to serving others.

The Red Cross embodies compassion, resilience and hope, and no part of the mission would be possible without extraordinary volunteers. Each of them has played a vital role in delivering relief, comfort and support when it was needed most.

Each award honors a different aspect of volunteerism: dedication, leadership, teamwork, innovation and unwavering compassion.

Disaster Services Exceptional Volunteer of the Year: Anne Grenier

Anne is dedicated, energetic and passionate — a force of nature in the Red Cross family. She embodies honesty, empathy, and an unmatched work ethic, always putting others first.

“When I began my journey with the American Red Cross, Anne was one of the first faces I met—a guiding presence who immediately made me feel welcome and showed me the heart and soul of the Oklahoma City Red Cross Office,” said Kenneth Bentley, Volunteer Services Senior Engagement Specialist.

For nearly three decades, Anne has served with unwavering commitment, traveling an hour just to be in the chapter office several days a week because helping people is simply who she is. Whenever someone needs help, Anne drops everything to assist, never hesitating to lend a hand.

She doesn’t just care about disaster relief, she also cares about people, about building safer communities and about making a real difference. Anne directs that passion into Sound the Alarm events, ensuring that families are equipped with lifesaving resources.

Anne’s devotion has been a cornerstone of the Red Cross mission. Her kindness, hard work and tireless spirit have shaped this organization and impacted countless lives.

Service to Armed Forces Department Exceptional Volunteer of the Year Award: Sheri Wetekam, along with her incredible therapy dogs, Hazel and Clover.

Sheri and her pups are more than just visitors; they are a bright light, a moment of peace and a source of joy to everyone they encounter. Whether it’s the military clinic, Behavioral Health, the Hero Care Center, elementary schools or basic training, their presence is requested often and appreciated deeply. From young children to service members, their impact is felt across Fort Sill and beyond.

What makes Sheri truly exceptional is her adaptability, dependability and eagerness to serve. She doesn’t just show up, she steps in and engages. She embraces new ideas, supports different events and always finds a way to bring positivity wherever she goes. She even dressed Hazel and Clover in superhero costumes for a themed kids’ event because she understands that sometimes, a little fun and a friendly paw can make all the difference.

Sheri’s dedication and the love she brings to her work make her an invaluable part of the Red Cross family. She and her pups embody the spirit of service, lifting hearts and easing burdens simply by being there.

Volunteer Services Department Exceptional Volunteer of the Year: Anomar Veal

Anomar has demonstrated remarkable growth and commitment over the past year as a Volunteer Screener. She ensures that every referral is handled with care, never hesitating to ask the right questions to guarantee proper placement. Her keen attention to detail has helped countless individuals find the best opportunities to serve and, in turn, strengthened our Red Cross community.

But what truly sets Anomar apart is her willingness to step up when it matters most. As the volunteer screening team underwent reconstruction, she volunteered extra time, ensuring that referrals continued to be processed efficiently and without delay. She never hesitated and never slowed down. She kept the heart of our volunteer system beating.

Anomar is also someone who embraces learning and growth, always seeking to improve procedures and implement best practices. She is not just dependable. She is driven, adaptable, and a cornerstone of our success.

Anomar’s dedication ensures that every volunteer who walks through our doors has a purpose and a place.

Clara Barton Award for Meritorious Volunteer Leadership: Barbara Martin

This award recognizes an individual whose dedication, expertise, and leadership have not only shaped the success of our mission but have inspired countless others to serve with the same passion.

Barbara embodies the very essence of service. She is dependable, dedicated and exceptional, consistently bringing a level of professionalism and enthusiasm that elevates every project she touches. Her commitment to the Red Cross mission goes far beyond expectations. She steps in wherever she is needed, ensuring that our efforts move forward with efficiency, care and purpose.

One moment that perfectly illustrates her dedication was when she received a request to pull specific data to help a fundraiser prepare a report for a tribal partner. Even though she was heading out on vacation, she dropped everything, swiftly gathering and delivering the necessary information to ensure the fundraiser’s success. It was an act of selflessness, a reflection of Barbara’s unwavering commitment to those we serve.

Barbara is more than a volunteer — she is a mentor, a leader and an inspiration. Her dependability and accountability with deadlines ensure that our mission continues seamlessly across all lines of service. She not only supports the Red Cross, but she also strengthens it.

Congratulations to these award-winning volunteers!