Fort Knox Red Cross Celebrates
Red Crescent Day By Iva Pearlstein
May 8, the birthday of Henry Dunant, founder of the Red Cross, was chosen for Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, first held in 1948. It began as a post-WWII initiative for global peace. Today the event is supported by the International Red Cross, an organization which aims to protect lives and health, as well as to alleviate or prevent suffering. Congress has sanctioned the Red Cross to provide an emergency message service for Military personnel and there are Red Cross workers supporting U.S. service members throughout the world. The Fort Knox Red Cross works hard to support its Soldiers. “The operations on post are near and dear to my heart because we take care of Soldiers,” states May Giulitto, Fort Knox Red Cross Manager.
Wounded Warriors, Soldiers undergoing therapy, and children have the opportunity to benefit from these specially trained dogs. Santa’s Workshop is another special program that provides toys for Military Families that are financially challenged during the holiday season. Through the Summer Youth Volunteer Program, youth starting at age 13 are able to volunteer at various operations on the Installation during their summer vacation. The volunteer opportunities are age appropriate and provide valuable experience for future job searches as well as giving the participants a real sense of accomplishment and responsibility. Volunteer hours are tracked and the youth are recognized for their service at the end of the summer program. Contact the office to arrange an interview. Army Veteran, Tommy Marian, with his Master’s Degree in Education and Army leadership skills, puts his experience to good use as the Coordinator for Helping Hands. He manages the Helping Hands Program and says, “The key to keeping good volunteers is a happy work atmosphere. We all work in harmony here!” Operations have recently been reorganized to accommodate the food, clothing and household goods stored at the building. In addition to non-perishable
Multiple programs run by the Red Cross on Fort Knox support Soldiers and their Families. Giulitto is pleased that this spring her programs on Fort Knox will be able to accommodate Reserve Soldiers that come for monthly drill weekends. Furthermore, Department of Defense (DoD) civilians living in Fort Knox housing will be considered for eligibility on a case-by-case basis. Giulitto relates, “When DoD Civilians come from other locations, they will be able to take advantage of our lending closet before their household goods arrive.” “Because we don't want children or Families to go hungry,” the Red Cross also makes food available through its Helping Hands operations explained Giulitto. She said if there is a good reason, Soldiers below the rank of E5 or in the future, DoD Civilians below G5 would be considered eligible. Each case will be evaluated individually. As a former volunteer herself, Giulitto became committed to the Red Cross when she worked as a dietician and experienced how the organization supported the Soldiers at a Military hospital. She has performed many different jobs for the Red Cross and is the only paid staff member on Fort Knox. “All our coordinators are volunteers,” stated Giulitto proudly. Pet Therapy, offered on Fort Knox since 2011, provides training for dogs and their owners so they can participate in programs serving Soldiers and their Families. 3
Tommy Marian, Coordinator of Helping Hands, stands among the many resources available to those who seek help.
food items - jeans, coats, jackets and Military clothing - are welcomed donations and available at the facility. “We are always in need of volunteers and have no requirements for a commitment to a set number of hours. The minimum age is 13 and even if you just have very limited time, we can still use your help. Time here is well spent,” says Marian. He has dedicated himself to the Fort Knox Red Cross operation because, “I have worn Soldier's boots and in my heart, I am a Soldier and will always take care of Soldiers.”
Contact information:
May Giulitto Manager – Fort Knox Red Cross 1131 Fifth Avenue (502) 624-2163 Helping Hands, Building 119 on Binter Street (behind the Commissary and across from the Class Six)