Lincoln couple travel country to help with disaster relief
Posted by: Laura Wilson
lwilson@klkntv.com
LINCOLN–From retirement to Red Cross relief, a Lincoln couple has found a way to give back to people in dire straits across the country.
They’re not your typical volunteers
"[We’ve covered] floods, fires–forest fires and wildland fires, hurricanes, typhoons…I have not done an earthquake yet thankfully. Tornadoes here in this region, too,” explained Jill Neeman.
When disaster strikes, Red Cross calls volunteers like Neeman and her husband Randy, for assistance—sometimes giving them just a few hours to get to the airport.
"They say ‘hey we need you. We need your specific set of skills. You have anywhere from 2–24 hours to get on plane.’"
For the last five years, the couple has been part of roughly 20 full-scale disaster relief operations around the U.S.
One of their longest, and most emotional aid relief assignments came last year, after several typhoons blasted the island of Saipan, near Guam.
"We watched families and children, until we could get them in our shelters—they were living underneath this metal in them mud. It’s just no place to. Taking them inside a shelter was definitely rewarding,” Randy recalled.
Their volunteer efforts have taken them all over the country, but the Lincoln couple still manages to stay grounded.
"We are volunteers who just step up whenever we need to.”
That’s why they’re being honored at next week’s 18th Annual Tribute to Heroes Awards.
“I don’t mind being the voice or a face for the Red Cross. But, I want this award to be recognized for all Red Cross volunteers,” Randy said.
The awards banquet is a fundraiser for the Red Cross.
It will take place next Tuesday, April 26th.
If you’re interested in attending next week’s Tribute to Heroes event or donate to the Red Cross, click here.
