Building 2626, Soldiers Plaza
Michele Walton
Station Supervisor
Phone: 706-545-5194
Fax: 706-545-5118
FORT BENNING STATION
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Service to Military Families
Ft. Benning Station
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Mitzi Oxford and Ft. Benning Station Coordinator Michele Walton present a Red Cross hat to hometown Braves favorite Tim Hudson.
Hudson joined his teammates in signing autographs for Ft. Benning's WTB wounded warriors and their families. Red Cross provided breakfast snacks and joined the WTB in giving the Braves caravan a warm Ft. Benning welcome
History of Service to Ft. Benning
The American Red Cross was born on the battlefield, where founder Clara Barton ministered to the needs of Civil War soldiers.
In 1916, the Muscogee County Red Cross Chapter was chartered, the first in the state of Georgia. Two years later, Camp Benning was established. Just as we have for more than 90 years, Red Cross served at Ft. Benning’s side. In peace time, the Chapter provided volunteers to the Home of the Infantry. In war, Red Cross nurses joined soldiers in theater around the world, while back home volunteers worked blood drives, “Knit Their Bit,” and supplied military family support.
Today, around the clock and around the globe, during times of personal crisis, the Red Cross keeps families in touch with their soldiers. Wherever troops are located, Red Cross employees and volunteers are there to meet their special needs. The Red Cross provides reporting and communication services through a network which links soldiers any place in the world with their loved ones back home.
Nobody ever said being a soldier was going to be easy. Adjustments have to be made. Problems solved. Separations dealt with. Stresses and tensions resolved. Through Red Cross, there is always someone there with Help and Hope when it’s needed most.
Today the West Central GA Chapter offers:
24/7 Hotline
When a wife back home needs to reach her soldier overseas to let him know his son is born—Red Cross delivers the message.
- 900 families and soldiers are connected each year through our emergency messaging service.
- 40,000 soldiers and family members are briefed on how to use Red Cross services.
- 600 other community based military members—including National Guard and Naval Reserve receive briefings.
Patient Shuttle Service
Patients and visitors to the expansive Martin Army Community Hospital complex catch a ride on the Red Cross shuttle.
- 4 shuttles operated by 17 Red Cross volunteers provide shuttle service for more than 35,000 patients and visitors each year.
Deployments & Returns
Red Cross is Always There for soldiers and families with canteens and “Welcome Home” hugs.
- Drinks, snacks, and comfort for more than 4,000 soldiers and family members.
Service to Wounded Warriors
Red Cross provides help for the special needs of wounded warriors and their families of the Warrior Transition Battalion and Traumatic Brain Injury Clinic.
- Memory books, stimulation games, and comfort items as requested to help soldiers heal.
- More than $95,000 in accessible equipment.
- Cookouts and other event hosting to promote a healthy, stable, family environment.
Red Cross Shuttle Saves Steps at MACH
Bill Shirley describes his volunteer position as a Red Cross shuttle driver as “community relations.” For the past 2 years, 3 or 4 times a week, he drives around the massive Martin Army Community Hospital complex at Ft. Benning looking for patients and visitors who need a ride. Shirley retired after a 26 year career in the Navy, moved to Columbus 2 years ago and has been a Red Cross shuttle driver ever since. He and his fellow drivers are decked out in Red Cross shirts and caps and all wear a friendly smile.
“If we can save patients a few steps from the parking lot to the hospital door,” explains Shirley, “that’s a few more steps that they are not in pain.”
Shirley laughingly referred to his position as a lot more than a shuttle driver. “I try to lift spirits for families worried about their soldier and when children get a little rambunctious,” he said, grabbing a bag of lollipops, “these are great kid control and the parents really appreciate the break.”
As new patients and families visit Martin Army for the first time, the complex can be a little overwhelming. Shirley often stops his cart and gives directions.
“Red Cross has been good to me and military families,” he added, “volunteering is a way for me to give back to them and our community.”
April 26, 2011 - Ft. Benning Commanding General Robert Brown and Mrs. Brown congratulate Red Cross staff and volunteers in a ceremony at the Benning Conference Center. The West Central GA Chapter was recognized as the Volunteer Agency Excellence winner. Several Red Cross volunteers were also awarded for their individual efforts including Jerry and Pam Ingalsbe and Bill Wilson.
