The Southeast and Deep East Texas Chapter of the American Red Cross recently gathered to honor the contributions made by its volunteers. The Red Cross would be nothing without its volunteers as they make up 90% of the organization. Their hard work is what allows us to carry out our mission of alleviating human suffering and serving our communities. 

“Thank you for the amazing year,” said Kimberly Cline, Executive Director for the SEDE chapter. “You are our Heroes. We couldn’t do our mission without you,” 

The awards designated by the SEDE Chapter are as follows: 

Service Hour Awards:

500 Hours
Shelia Cannon
Melanie Cervanka
Michael Chambers
Darla Chesson
Catherine Homer
Janice Lweis
Tressie Simon
JoLana Ybarra
Dondi Sheats

 1,000 Hours + 
Queen Handy

Years of Service Awards: 

5 Years of Service
Kevin Crump
Patricia Kirkland
Beverly Simon
Bethany Edwards

10 Years of Service
Roxanne Acosta-Hellberg
Pete De La Cruz
Vada Hughes
Jason Lankford 

15 Years of Service
Catherine Stalnaker                                                                   

Departmental Awards:  Disaster Response Volunteer Award-The Disaster Response Volunteer Award recognizes a volunteer who has had a measurable impact on the American Red Cross and the community and clients we serve within Disaster Cycle Services. 
Darla Chesson

Operational Support Volunteer Award- The Operational Support Volunteer Award recognizes an individual who has provided outstanding operational support to their local chapter whether through maintenance, fleet or administrative support.
Queen Handy

Service to the Armed Forces Volunteer Award- The Service to the Armed Forces Volunteer Award recognizes an American Red Cross volunteer in a direct service, management, or leadership position who has made a measurable impact on the American Red Cross and the military customers and community we serve by strengthening or improving services to the military and their family members.
Patricia Labossiere

Volunteer Services Award- The Volunteer Services Award recognizes a dedicated volunteer whose work regarding volunteer recruitment, onboarding, or retention has significantly improved the volunteer experience in their local chapter and who serves in a VS role that goes above and beyond in their dedication to the mission. 
Jan Lewis

The Mike Butchko Volunteer Leadership Award– The Mike Butchko Volunteer Leadership Award is named for former board member and long time volunteer, and donor, Mike Butchko. It goes to a volunteer who has sustained outstanding leadership at the local or beyond the unit level with or on behalf of the American Red Cross.  It involves an extraordinary commitment and results in the performance of their job in advancing the organization’s goal of achieving total diversity of our programs and services. 

JoLona Ybarra

Rising Star Award Each chapter can have up to three recipients of the Rising Star awards. Although relatively new to the chapter, they stand out from the crowd. Leadership, Dedication, Passion for the mission is evident from the beginning of their service. Any line of service position qualifies as long as they go above and beyond in what they do.
Alton Horn
Patricia Labossiere
Cynthia McKenzie

Nuts & Bolts Awards Each Chapter can have up to three recipients for the Nuts-and-Bolts award. This goes to any volunteer who responds enthusiastically when needed and is consistent with their dedication and service. Any line of service position qualifies if they go above and beyond in what they do.
Jacob Balderas
Jan Lewis
Sheila Cannon

Clara Barton Award- The Clara Barton Award is a meritorious service in Volunteer Leadership over a period of years. Given to a volunteer for a service in a number of Leadership positions held over a period of years. Epitomizes the 7 Fundamental Principles (Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity, and Universality)and 5 C’s (Compassion, Credible, Creative, Collaborative and Committed).
Queen Handy

Photos from the event are available: Southeast and Deep East Volunteer Awards | May 2025 | Flickr

To learn more about the work of the Coastal Bend chapter and how you can get involved, please visit: South East & Deep East TGRC