Volunteers placed in spotlight Published March 23, 2007 By Airman 1st Class Kris Levasseur 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- A luncheon in the honor of the American Red Cross volunteers at RAF Lakenheath was held at the Eagles Landing here March 21. More than 30 volunteers were recognized at the luncheon for their time spent volunteering for the Red Cross on RAF Lakenheath. The Red Cross, the largest humanitarian organization in the US, provides services around the world for people in need by providing volunteers who work as doctors, dentists, nurses, dental technicians and hygienists, counselors, lawyers and school teachers. "The American Red Cross is led by volunteers, and depends upon people who are willing to give of their time. The organization is not able to complete its mission without these people," said RAF Lakenheath ARC station chairman, Erika Gargis. The mission of the American Red Cross at RAF Lakenheath is to support and supplement the activities of the military that affect the health, welfare, and morale of service personnel and their families. "The banquet's theme, 'It's About Time', touches on the unique ways each volunteer gives their time and how especially meaningful that time is in today's world," said Ms. Gargis. "We gathered to recognize the exceptional commitment and dedication shown by the Red Cross volunteers at RAF Lakenheath." ARC volunteers are responsible for performing many tasks at RAFs Lakenheath and Mildenhall. Volunteers help augment the staffs at the hospital, dental clinic, post office, library and various locations here. These tasks are vital to the mission of the base and valuable to the people they help. "The American Red Cross volunteers directly contribute to the quality and quantity of public and specialized services provided to and enjoyed by the entire RAF Lakenheath/Mildenhall communities," said Leslie Della Maestra, RAF Lakenheath's ARC field office coordinator. "I volunteer to try and help fill in the gaps at the Obstetrics Gynecology clinic here," said Kari Lewis, OB/GYN volunteer. "Volunteering, not only helps others, it also helps the various organizations here that are short-manned." The Red Cross is always in need of volunteers. Volunteer positions at RAF Lakenheath include: RAF Lakenheath Hospital Base Library Area Defense Council Legal Office Post Office Base Chapel Base Schools There are also several leadership positions available. These include: Casework Chairman Chairman of Volunteers Records Chairman Youth Chairman For more information, contact the RAF Lakenheath American Red Cross at 226-1855.