- July 25, 2025
South Texas Red Cross Chapter Honors Volunteers with Awards
The South 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.
“Our mission could never move forward without you,”said Kayla Gonzalez, Executive Director for the South Texas chapter. “Your time, your heart and your dedication are the foundation of the impact we make in the lives of those we serve in our communities. Thank you for choosing to be the difference.”
The awards designated by the South Texas Chapter are as follows:
Bronze 250 +Hours
Athalie Gutierrez (Youth)
Ellsa Salazar (Youth) Miguel Garza
Liza V. Garza
Carmen Benitez
Santana Garcia
Cynthia Hammond
Bruce Wilson
Bill Braaten
Frances Balderas
Idalia Trevino
Tamara Cowen
Trinidad Lozano
Lourdes Seledon-Weaver
Silver – 500 + Hours
Juan Garza
Diana Zaldivar
Jose Yanez
Jane Phillips
Bella Garza
Blanca Gonzalez
Glenn Haagar
Larry Petty
Gold 1000 + Hours
Ivan Rodriguez
Lourdes Seledon-Weaver
Darlene Horak
Mike Phillips
Alicia Gonzalez
Diana Zartuche
Years of Service Awards:
5 years
Edith Watson
David Luna
Ashely Rendon
10 yearsJohana Castro
Antonia “Tony” Medellin
15 yearsBruce Wilson
Departmental Awards:
Communications Award- The Communications Award recognizes an individual who has made a measurable impact to expand the media/marketing presence within their community.
Jaunita Casanova
The Disaster Response Award– The Disaster Response Award is given to a volunteer that demonstrated exceptional initiative in identifying and/or meeting the Disaster Cycle Service’s Response mission.
Diana Zartuche
Disaster Preparedness Volunteer Award – The Disaster Preparedness Volunteer Award goes to someone who demonstrated exceptional initiative in identifying and/or meeting the Disaster Cycle Service’s preparedness mission.
Bella Garza
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.
Mike Phillips
Nursing Award -The Nursing Award recognizes annually a Volunteer Registered Nurse (RN) who has made an outstanding contribution to strengthening or improving the ARC’s programs and services.
Bruce Wilson
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.
Frances Balderas
Youth Award- The Youth Award is given to a Red Cross Club Volunteer who shows outstanding leadership and dedication. They also show inspirational enthusiasm in performing the Red Cross mission and engaging their peers in the mission.
Savannah Gonzalez
Alondra Barra
Elsi Echevarria
Youth Sponsor Award- The Youth Sponsor Award is given to a Red Cross Club Sponsor who shows outstanding leadership and dedication and inspirational enthusiasm in engaging youth in Red Cross Club activities.
Petros Jefaris
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.
Juju Stringfield
Ricardo Llanes
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.
William “Bill” Braaten
Jane Phillips
Jose Vanez
Volunteer Leadership Award- This is awarded to any volunteer who has sustained Superior and Outstanding Leadership service at the local or beyond-the-unit level with or on behalf of the American Red Cross. Epitomizes the 7 Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross (Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity, and Universality) and 5 C’s (Compassion, Credible, Creative, Collaborative and Committed).
Glenn Haagar
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).
Glenn Haagar