In a world often filled with disaster and uncertainty, volunteers bring a ray of hope by dedicating their lives to serving others. Ronnie Sampsel is a proud Red Cross volunteer whose journey isn’t just a demonstration of his commitment but also a continuation of a family legacy rooted in service.

Ronnie embarked on his journey with the Red Cross five years ago, following in the footsteps of his family's long tradition of first responders and nurses. Rooted in the stories of his great-great-grandparents, who met during World War I, the Sampsel legacy continues. For Ronnie, volunteering with the Red Cross isn’t just a choice; it’s a calling—a way to honor his family's legacy and contribute to the prosperity of his community.

"I enjoy volunteering for the Red Cross," Ronnie said. "It's a nice family tradition to have. We enjoy taking care of people. And it's what we all should do. If we don’t take care of each other, we’re not united.”

With about 30 deployments under his belt, Ronnie has offered aid, care and assistance to those affected in various parts of the country, including the Hawaii wildfires. Over the years, Ronnie has worn many hats with the Red Cross, ranging from being an Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) lead to sheltering and feeding. 

Ronnie recalls Hurricane Michael as one of the most memorable experiences due to the scale of devastation that impacted the community of Mexico Beach. Amidst the chaos, he was awe-struck by the resilience of the human spirit and the unwavering sense of hope that brought the community together. 

In addition to his Red Cross duties, Ronnie is deeply involved in his local community, co-owning a steakhouse in Breckenridge, Texas. As a Texan, the wildfires that ripped through the Texas Panhandle hit home for Ronnie. “Living in the ranching community, it’s hard to see the loss. When you lose your livelihood, your house, your cattle, you lose your job. It's devastating. But this is Texas, and we take care of our own.”

As he and his partner prepare for retirement and a move to Breckenridge, Colorado, Ronnie remains committed to continuing his service with the Red Cross. "I'll still do my deployments and stick with the Red Cross," Ronnie affirms. “They’re my family.”

Ronnie looks ahead to the next chapter of his life with gratitude for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. He is proud to uphold the Sampsel Red Cross legacy. For him, there is no greater reward than knowing his actions brought hope and comfort to those in need.

“When you feel like you are sinking, and somebody reaches out their hand to you and lifts you out of the water, that hand helps you take the first breath. And that first breath is a breath of hope, ensuring you will survive. That’s what it’s like to volunteer at the Red Cross. We get to be that hand that reaches out to pull someone out of life’s hardships. It’s better than any paying job in the world to make a difference in somebody’s life at a moment when they don’t have anything. It’s amazing.”

Ronnie Sampsel is a shining example of the power of service and the impact of compassion. As he continues his journey with the Red Cross, he reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is always light to be found in offering kindness to others.

90% of the Red Cross workforce are volunteers. Our work is possible because of people like you. Discover the role that's right for you and join us today! For more information and to apply for a volunteer position, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.