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Oklahoma Red Cross Chapter open house March 19

  • Published
  • By Brandice J. O'Brien
  • Tinker Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Like a heart to the human body, the American Red Cross is vital to the military. Often considered a conduit between a service member and his family during a time of need, the humanitarian-aid foundation has a proud and lengthy history. But officials said the Red Cross manages more than just emergency situations.

To give people a better understanding about the Oklahoma Red Cross, an open house will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 19 at the Heritage Hall, Bldg. 1094 at the 72nd Medical Group.

Adhering to the motto, "Get to know us before you need us," the open house will offer information on volunteering opportunities; resiliency, coping and reintegration education; referrals and access to emergency financial assistance.

"Our mission is to let people know we are here for them," said Elena LeGree, Oklahoma Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces and International Services coordinator. "Come and see us, our doors are open."

Ms. LeGree isn't the only one excited about the Tinker-Red Cross partnership possibilities. Col. Dean Prentice, 72nd MDG commander, said he is equally thrilled.
"The American Red Cross is an organization that has recognition and people see them when disasters and crises happen. They send care packages and are there when forest fires, tornadoes and hurricanes hit. They are the symbol of hope and life," he said. "Having them in the med group, for me, specifically, is great because their mission fits so nicely with what the med group does for Team Tinker."

Tinker currently has 10 Red Cross volunteers working in the med group, but Ms. LeGree said if an individual has an interest to work elsewhere, she will try to make it happen.
"I want to increase the volunteer numbers significantly throughout Tinker," she said. "Right now I'm working with the 72nd Force Support Squadron on creating volunteer job descriptions in various areas like the bowling center, library and golf course, just to name a few."

Ms. LeGree said another goal of hers is to compile a babysitter's list, and allow Tinker to host more blood drives.

"My intent is to work with Tinker, not against Tinker and the programs that already exist," she said. "I figure we can work together as a team and it would be better for the base, the retirees and the Airman and Family Readiness Center."

Ms. LeGree came to Tinker in January, but began her relationship with the Red Cross in late 2001. Stationed at Aviano Air Base, Italy, with her husband, Tony, she said the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks occurred and she felt helpless and hopeless.

Wanting to get involved somehow, some way, she ventured to the local Red Cross station and shared her desire to volunteer. They placed the mother of four in a fundraising coordinator spot. She volunteered for a year. Although she would leave for other opportunities, the Red Cross remained close to her heart and she returned in January 2013.

"I have a deep compassion for helping people," she said. "Working for the American Red Cross is the perfect place for me to build relationships and help families with our many programs. I have an open door policy at Tinker and look forward to meeting the military members and their family."

The Red Cross office hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays. For more information, call Ms. LeGree at 582-6095, or email her at elena.legree@redcross.org.