For Glenn Parker, volunteering for the American Red Cross is more than a job; it’s a calling. As a Disaster Action Team supervisor for the Wichita Falls area and a volunteer partner for the Sheppard Air Force Base, Parker is a cornerstone of his community, responding to emergencies around the clock.

Since beginning his disaster response work in 2023, Parker has become an indispensable asset—one of the first people dispatched for anything from house fires to large-scale disasters.

Parker and his team respond to house fires, whether single-family or multi-family, with one goal: helping the displaced.

Trained in damage assessment, Parker and his team evaluate whether a property is inhabitable. They also collaborate with first responders to address immediate medical needs and connect families to disaster mental health services. Basic toiletries, pet food and other essentials are distributed to help families cope and regain a sense of normalcy.

Whether it’s the middle of the night or the heat of the day, Parker and his team are ready, often working with volunteers from the base on weekends. For them, it’s about making a difference, especially through small acts of kindness, like handing a teddy bear to a child who’s just lost everything.

"That's a paycheck you can’t take to the bank," Parker said, capturing the heart of why he and his team serve those in need.

Parker’s journey into volunteer work began long before his current role. He first became an instructor in 1989, teaching CPR to military personnel and later focusing on pediatric CPR until 1998. A master sergeant when he retired from the Air Force in 2005, Parker returned to the Red Cross and transitioned into disaster relief full-time after a 2023 microburst revealed the dire need for responders in his area.

When he realized there were no immediate teams to help, he stepped up, taking on the responsibility of coordinating and deploying aid. His leadership has been crucial to the Red Cross’s operations in Wichita Falls.

Volunteering has become a family affair for Parker. His wife Lori is also active with the Red Cross, working in the medical group and assisting on calls. Their involvement has inspired their children and grandchildren, with one granddaughter now considering joining the Red Cross. Parker’s grandchildren and cousins Korbyn and Evelyn have become dedicated youth volunteers and earned their special Junior Red Crossers titles.

Parker calls it the "best job you don’t get paid for" and values the impact it has on his community. His flexibility, leadership and unwavering commitment embody the spirit of service that defines the Red Cross.

To become a Disaster Action Team member, go to: RedCross.org/DAT. Also, consider supporting the American Red Cross on the 11th annual Red Cross Giving Day on Wednesday, March 26, 2025. Every single donation will make a difference in someone’s life. Red Cross Giving Day takes place each March during Red Cross Month.