Red Cross volunteers generously give their time and efforts to provide Red Cross services and programs throughout our islands and keep our communities safe and prepared. Without volunteers, the Red Cross would not be able to respond to disasters, share important preparedness information with families and communities, teach lifesaving skills and more. Our volunteers are the heart and soul of the Red Cross, and each of them is our hero!

The following individuals were recognized as Statewide Volunteers of the Year for their commitment to helping others

2008 Oahu Volunteer of the Year: Roger Compton

Roger passed away unexpectedly on May 24, 2008. A disaster volunteer with the Hawaii Red Cross since 2005, he served as a Disaster Action Team Captain, Instructor, and Logistics Lead. He responded to numerous local disasters, served as a mentor and trainer, and set up logistics teams on each island. Roger’s work as a National Red Cross disaster volunteer took him to the Gulf Coast during Hurricane Katrina, the Big Island during the October 2006 earthquake, and Nevada during the January 2008 floods. Roger was always willing to help and had a generous spirit and heart. In fact, he responded to a disaster the day before he passed away. He will be greatly missed

2008 West Hawaii Volunteer of the Year: Larry Leedom

Larry has been a Red Cross volunteer for 18 years. Every year, the American Red Cross in West Hawaii sponsors CPR Sunday to offer lifesaving training to the public, free of charge. Larry is the driving force behind this event which teaches people how to come to the rescue of others in times of emergency. The event requires months of planning. Larry handles advertising, securing the location, and garnering donations from the community. He also makes sure there is food to feed the volunteers and keeps everyone motivated and informed. In addition to all of this, Larry is a certified CPR/First Aid/AED Instructor and volunteers to teach several Red Cross classes throughout the year.

2008 East Hawaii Volunteer of the Year: Verna Dias

Verna has been an active Red Cross volunteer for 16 years and has held numerous volunteer positions during this time. As a local volunteer, she has served as the Disaster Chair, Mass Care Coordinator, Disaster Action Team Coordinator, Government Liaison, and Disaster Assessment Lead for the Red Cross in her community. As a national Disaster volunteer, Verna assisted in hurricane cleanup and recovery efforts in Guam, Saipan and Puerto Rico. Verna is also an active Disaster Instructor who passes along not only her invaluable knowledge and experience, but her passion for the American Red Cross mission. Verna also volunteers in the Hilo office almost every day and is a true ambassador for the Red Cross in her community.

2008 Maui County Volunteer of the Year: Jordan Nagasako

Jordan Nagasako and his wife Gail have been active volunteers with the ARC since 2001. Whether it is the ERV needing to be washed & filled, transporting supplies, storage unit inventory, client casework, outreach on foot through the mud, being the first on scene to help set-up an emergency shelter, consoling disaster victims, assisting fellow volunteers and ARC staff or even building new walls in the local office, Jordan shows up for the job with a positive attitude! In addition to the above, Jordan has taken on the added responsibility of teaching disaster classes on a regular basis.

2008 West Hawaii Volunteer of the Year: Robert Anderson

As a Red Cross volunteer for over four years, Bob’s efforts have strengthened our relationships and collaboration with other non-profit organizations and government agencies. Bob was one of the first volunteers to respond during the floods on Kauai in 2005 and 2006, serving as the Red Cross liaison with the Kauai Civil Defense to coordinate mass feeding and sheltering. Bob is Chair of the Kauai Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster and was instrumental in coordinating this past year’s Hurricane Awareness Day and National Preparedness Day. He has played a major role in assisting with disaster exercises throughout the island and is always looking at ways to improve communications during disasters.