When Brad Blunt decided to join the American Red Cross, his motivation was simple yet powerful: he wanted to help people. After the pandemic and the isolating effects of social media, he felt a strong need to reconnect with others and to make a tangible, positive impact. The Red Cross became the perfect place to do just that.

Brad first got involved through the Disaster Action Team (DAT) program, which remains his primary area of service. He also supports Mass Care. “I really love it. The folks on the DAT team have all been great to work with, and I value how solemn our responsibility is when we work with clients whose world has suddenly been turned upside down because of a fire or flood,” he shared.

Among the many moments that have stayed with him, one of the most impactful took place after a large multi-family fire at an apartment complex. Brad recalls helping three very different families in just one shift:

  • Supporting a Spanish-speaking client with the help of Google Translate,
  • Assisting a Tigrinya-speaking client by connecting with their grandchild over the phone,
  • And receiving heartfelt thanks from a Southeast Asian mother who, still in smoke-covered clothes from the fire, expressed her gratitude through tears, prayer gestures, and hugs.

“The experience showed me the range of people I could encounter in this work—thanks to Houston’s amazing diversity—and the impact we can have through it,” Brad reflected.

Through volunteering, Brad says he has gained both confidence and perspective:

“It has taught me to appreciate the truth that everyone has a story and everyone’s story matters.”

His message to anyone considering volunteering is clear and encouraging:

“If you’re thinking about volunteering, just go for it! We need you, and the community needs you. Don’t worry about what you would do—you’ll find the way to serve that best fits you, whether you want to use a strength you already have or develop a new skill.”

Brad’s story is a reminder of the compassion, resilience, and human connection that lie at the heart of the Red Cross mission.

Story By: Mayumi Hayashi