The Alabama Mississippi Region proudly announces May’s Volunteer of the Month, Dick Amberg, representing the representing the Central East Alabama Chapter.
He began his active and dedicated service in 2012. He has served as a blood services donor screener, blood donor ambassador and as Community Leader Volunteer. Dick’s most memorable moments with the Red Cross include working in hurricane relief shelters and having a chance to serve in “hands on” capacities. His most significant and important role has been as the Chairman of the Central East Alabama Board of the Red Cross.
He is a veteran of the United States Navy, serving two years in active duty and as a Naval Reservist for 30 years. He is retired from the newspaper industry working with several papers including serving as the publisher for the Montgomery Advertiser and as the General Manager for the Washington Times. He and his wife returned to Montgomery, AL upon his retirement in 2011.
In addition to giving countless hours to the Red Cross, Dick also volunteers with Meals on Wheels, in a halfway home for parolees, tutoring disadvantaged children, and several other church and community activities. He and his wife have enjoyed extensive world-wide travels. He is the father of two children that are Harvard graduates and three wonderful grandchildren.
Kelly Hodges, Executive Director for the East Central Alabama Chapter, shares a few additional thoughts regarding his service as Chairman of their Board: Dick has led two successful board campaigns raising over $60,000 with 100% participation. Dick has recruited new board members and has secured generous financial gifts for the chapter. Most recently, Dick collaborated with fellow board member Jean Davis to secure a $10,000 gift and a board membership commitment from locally headquartered ALFA Insurance company.
Dick was the first volunteer in the Central East Alabama chapter to step up during COVID 19 and agree to be a blood donor screener at local blood drives. He stood at the front lines during drives taking temperatures and screening donors to ensure safety prior to entering the donor center. He also worked with our account managers in blood services to schedule blood drives during the trying times of COVID. Always the giver, Dick was also instrumental in assisting his own church host its very first and very successful blood drive.
He is always there as Red Cross representative, going above and beyond in service and leadership for our chapter. Dick is always willing to help-from sitting at a telethon to raise money for disasters or meeting with volunteers to simply say thank you. He is so kind, often penning a handwritten note to donors, board members or whomever he feels needs an encouraging word from the Red Cross. We have been lucky to have this superhero lead our team!
Congratulations, Dick! We appreciate your commitment to the Central East Alabama Board and for your continual service to the American Red Cross!
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