There are people who are committed to their jobs. There are people who are committed to their communities. And then there’s Johnny Hooker. In December 2011, Johnny, a 40-year veteran with our company, saw a tornado strike his hometown of Bradley County. He knew exactly what to do. He went on vacation to volunteer full time for the American Red Cross as they came to the aid of affected families.
Johnny’s been a volunteer for the Red Cross for 3 years. As chronicled in the Cleveland Daily Banner, he was in ill health and recovering from a serious trauma: his son was nearly killed in a robbery over a cell phone. Miraculously, his son recovered, and Johnny felt compelled to come to the aid of people who still needed help. Snip:
‘”My life was a wreck. I felt I wasn’t being fulfilled. I wasn’t doing anything good for anyone else,” Hooker explained. In March 2011, devastating and deadly twisters ripped into Bradley County, killing nine people and destroying homes and lives. “That’s when I discovered I could do something for others. I could volunteer to help,” he said.”‘ (Read the full article.)
Today, Johnny is trained in assessing damage, client case work, operating shelters and distributing food (both “bulk distribution” and “mass feeding”). He serves the Red Cross as a Front Line Supervisor, a Field Instructor, a Coordinator for 6 counties in southeastern Tennessee, and as a Government Liaison – that means if another tornado hits, he’s fully trained to spring into action. The American Red Cross recently honored him with their “Volunteer Leadership Award,” one of the highest recognitions for Red Cross volunteers. We’re honoured to work with him every day.
We asked Johnny if we could share his story and if he had any suggestions for those inspired by his story. He encourages people to consider donating to the Red Cross. “When you’re in it like I’m in it, and you see first hand what those donors’ money is doing… It is an amazing organization,” he says. In honour of Johnny’s incredible contribution to his community, Resolute has made a donation to the American Red Cross of Southeast Tennessee.
Here are link to the American Red Cross and the Canadian Red Cross where you can find information about donating to your local chapter. Thanks, Johnny!
