Monthly Archives: October 2023

A Humanitarian Retires: A Fond Farewell to Mo Ghandehari

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It is often said that humanitarians are people dedicated to helping others, especially those in need. They work in stressful and difficult conditions. They are motivated by a strong sense of compassion and empathy and are driven by a desire to make a difference in the world.

Mo (center) with Service to the Armed Forces Directror Nikki Rowe (L) and Sr. Disaster Program Manager Ginny Ortiz (R) at his retirement celebration in October. Photo by Violet Nguyen/American Red Cross.

There can be no better example of a humanitarian than Mo Ghandehari, who will be retiring after almost a quarter century of service to the Red Cross. Mo started as a Disaster Action Team (DAT) volunteer helping people in a variety of disaster situations. His unwavering commitment and passion led him to explore other roles within Disaster Services and International Services. His exceptional dedication and leadership abilities quickly ascended him to prominent positions, earning admiration and respect of colleagues across the organization.

During his service to the Red Cross Mo displayed a depth of compassion and empathy that few can develop. Mo has also shown a high degree of selflessness as he is always willing to put the needs of others before his own. He has devoted countless hours of service to the Red Cross.

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“Pulling at Your Heartstrings”: A Volunteer Reflects on 13+ Years of Service 

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As an American Red Cross volunteer since 2010, Roxanne Anderson has deployed to more than 35 disasters across the continental United States and several island deployments including the islands of Guam in June 2023 and the American Virgin Islands in 2017. She is one of those special volunteers who has, “been there, done that.”

Roxanne has held a wide variety of jobs in her 35+ deployments, including in Georgia following a tornado in May 2011. Photo courtesy Roxanne Anderson

Roxanne, who lives in San Jose, joined the Red Cross after spending 30 years as a California Highway Patrol officer. She’s done a wide array of Red Cross roles, including disaster response feeding, sheltering, managing logistics, driving an emergency response vehicle (ERV), supply and transportation. 

States she has been sent to, in addition to her home state of California, include Illinois, Georgia, Missouri, Connecticut, Colorado, Arizona, New Jersey, Washington, North Texas, South Carolina, North Carolina, US Virgin Island, Oklahoma, Florida and Guam. She has responded to floods, hurricanes, wildfires, a gas pipeline explosion and multi-structure fires, tornadoes and mass shootings. 

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Youth Volunteer to Seasoned Professional: Debbie Yee’s Red Cross Journey

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By Anika Kurkut, Red Cross Communications Team Intern

Photo courtesy of Debbie Yee

Debbie Yee, a dedicated Red Crosser for 23 years, turned her passion for helping others into a fulfilling career as a Senior Disaster Program Manager where she leads disaster response efforts for the Northern California Coastal Region.

Debbie first started volunteering with the Red Cross in the summer before she began eighth grade, as a requirement for volunteer service. Little did she know, this initial step would lead to a lifelong career dedicated to helping others. Her early days as a Red Cross volunteer in the Bay Area were marked by her involvement at the Leadership Development Camp (LDC), where she was able to find inspiration among fellow passionate youth volunteers. Debbie recalls, “I was organizing events at school, helping with blood drives, and fundraising.”

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Meet Tom Tanner, Regional Excellence in Disaster Services Award winner

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Photo courtesy of Tom Tanner

“Being able to make a difference,” is what motivates Tom Tanner, Red Cross Silicon Valley Chapter volunteer and winner of the Regional Excellence in Disaster Services Award.

Tom is one of those unsung heroes who just does what is needed without being asked. Tom’s dedication to the Red Cross evolved from his family and his midwestern values.

“My maternal grandmother was a Red Cross Gray Lady during my youth, possibly even during WWII, who drove more than 60 miles to the nearest Army base to serve the troops and over 100 miles to donate blood regularly. My father’s aunt was also a volunteer in the 1930s, so it runs deep in my family.”

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