After volunteering with the American Red Cross Heart of Texas Chapter for several months, John Selmer answered the call to help when devastating flooding impacted Central and South Texas. The deployment marked his first time serving in a disaster response operation.

John deployed as a shelter worker, supporting several shelters that were quickly opened to provide safe refuge for individuals and families affected by the flooding. Through his work, he helped ensure community members had a safe place to stay and access to critical support during a challenging time.

The experience aligned closely with John's educational and career goals. Currently pursuing a master's degree in nonprofit management with a focus on emergency management at the Texas A&M Bush School, John was eager for the opportunity to serve communities while gaining firsthand disaster response experience.

"Absolutely, I'd deploy again," John said. "It's something I've never experienced before. At the Bush School, I'm studying emergency management, so it's exactly the kind of work I'm hoping to do. It's also a way to give back to the community and serve."

John's journey with the Red Cross began through the Bush School Board Fellowship Program, where he serves as a non-voting member of the Heart of Texas Chapter Board of Directors. In this role, he attends board meetings, participates in community events, and shadows Heart of Texas Chapter Executive Director, Valerie Vetrone, to learn more about nonprofit leadership and operations.

While his fellowship has provided valuable insight into how the Red Cross functions as a nonprofit organization, his first disaster deployment offered a new perspective on the organization's mission in action.

"The Red Cross is taking care of them (the community), but in many ways they're taking care of us," John shared. "It's really beautiful to see the community come together and help one another."

For John, the deployment was more than an opportunity to support flood survivors. It was a reminder of the power of service and the resilience that emerges when communities come together in times of crisis.