You know, my time here at the Cincinnati Area Chapter of the American Red Cross has been an experience that has provided me with a world of opportunity. It is one that has brought me full circle; from the dream of seeing a world as a high school student, to today where I can both proudly and gratefully say that I have been to every part of the United States and many parts of the world. Never having to choose who to help and who not to help, developing strong relationships with people of all nationalities and never having to carry a gun.

When the International Services Department was created 10 years ago, I was confident that it would be successful, but where we are today makes me proud. Our Cincinnati Chapter reaches more people with our programs and educational tools than anywhere in the nation. Our on-going Measles Initiative allows people to speak to community groups and schools to save a child's life by your donation of a dollar. The international educational programs teach the community about how the Red Cross operates in war and conflict. Then, of course, there is our naturalization program that provides Red Cross materials to new citizens.

Since the earthquakes in Haiti - as with all disasters that affect a lot of people at once - there has been an increase in calls from people who want to learn more about volunteering and possibly going to help. Although locally our chapter does not send volunteers to international disasters, there is still help that is needed right here at home. In the Cincinnati area alone our Disaster Team responds to 3 - 4 fires A DAY!!! We provide services of food, clothing, shelter, re-filling any prescriptions that were lost and providing support for a family who has just lost almost everything.

The core of the American Red Cross, the International Red Cross Movement, the Red Cross/Red Crescent Societies and the Magen David Adom of Israel (MDA) principles is to help the most vulnerable people in the world by doing what is possible to prevent disasters, respond to them effectively and prepare. I encourage all of you to take a class and learn more about the Cincinnati Area Chapter of the American Red Cross' volunteer opportunity by going to www.cincinnatiredcross.org. You too can make a difference!

From locating loved ones to providing assistance to those persons who have just become U.S. Citizens, the Cincinnati Area Chapter provides numerous resources through the International Services Program.

Over the past 36 years, I have worked and searched for people of all ages throughout the United States, Caribbean and foreign countries outside of the U.S. Sometimes initiating requests from individuals here in Cincinnati or being on the receiving end, searching for others. What it all comes down to is bringing people separated because of war or disaster back together again. The Red Cross movement works tirelessly every day to reunite those missing family members.

Many do not realize this, but more children die of measles than of HIV/AIDS. In December of 2001, the International Department made the decision - with the support of Chapter Management - to participate in the newly developed Measles Initiative. Over the course of the last 8 years, the International Department has raised $63,000 to save children dying of measles one dollar at a time. I hold this initiative dear to me and what makes it so special is the fact that these monies were raised through the efforts of grade schools, high schools and college students. The Measles Initiative focuses on vulnerable populations in the world where children under the age of 5 years of age need to be vaccinated.

While sometimes we take for granted the wealth and freedom of our nation, there are many that risk their lives to live the "American Dream." The Naturalization program is a prime example of our outreach to the international community here in Cincinnati. It was one of the first programs we established as part of the International Services Department. The Cincinnati Area Chapter of the American Red Cross believes it is important for these new citizens to become aware of our International Services and how we may be of help to them. Some may have lost contact with family left behind but we are there to help.

Through these programs, and others, I am able to fulfill the mission of the Red Cross. Through this organization, each day in countries all over the world, people like me work to reunite, prevent and assist those in need.

The vision: Strive, through voluntary action, for a world of empowered communities, better able to address human suffering and crises with hope, respect for dignity and concern for equity. The mission: Improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity.

My desire to be of service to others runs parallel to the vision and the mission of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) founded in 1863 and the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

As a youngster coming in to the world at my namesake Hospital, St Vincents in New York City, and growing up in Oradell, New Jersey, New York City was my sandbox. I found myself in Cincinnati, OH sometime before my freshman year in college on a trip to visit a friend who was a student at Xavier University. It was during that time I came to realize Xavier University was the place to be. As many first year college students, I knew little about what I wanted to do. I knew I wanted to work with people and that was as close as I could get through sophomore year. I considered quitting and then chose to major in sociology. During my senior year I took an elective course titled "Introduction to Social Work" - the instructor provided me an opportunity for exposure to social work through a social service agency. That agency was the Red Cross, where I volunteered two afternoons a week in the department that was then known as the "Service to Military Families and Veterans." I soon came to realize the Red Cross was more than an organization that provided CPR and First Aid training, but it was an organization that offered services through military, health & safety and during disasters.

Through this single volunteer opportunity, I realized that my calling was to be fulfilled through the Red Cross; first serving as a casework specialist, case work supervisor and director of Social Services - a position I held for 13 years. I served with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) as a Tracing Delegate in Macedonia during the Kosovo conflict providing Family Linking services to Albanian, Serbian and Roma refugees.  It was through my passion for International Services that the International Services Department at the Cincinnati Area Chapter of the American Red Cross evolved and was created in September of 1999.

And instead of joining the military as my high school counselor suggested when I shared my interest to see the world, I joined the Red Cross and for 36 years have helped people all over the world in a neutral and impartial way, made friends in places I never thought I would see, and never had to carry a gun, or choose one person over another to help. As a social worker by trade I have realized that the values of Social Work and the Principles of the Red Cross are very closely aligned. It is for that reason I have stayed so long - and the ride is not over yet either.

Haiti has brought back a flood of memories of past disaster assignments I have been a part of over my long career. The hardest part is seeing the children who are helpless and at the same time dependent upon adults to help them. As in all disasters, the children are also the most vulnerable and the Red Cross Movement response has and will continue to target the most vulnerable. There are none more vulnerable than infants and children. Our Red Cross partners around the world will work tirelessly for as long as it takes from emergency needs through recovery. I would love to be there, but recognize where ever I am, working for the Red Cross doing what I am doing is the best place to be.