David Priest is a dedicated member of our Disaster Action Team, and when he is not responding to home fires, he is providing disaster training to fellow Red Crossers. He began volunteering with the organization in 2016 with Services to Armed Forces. As a U.S. Force Veteran, this came as a natural choice for David, “I started in Service to the Armed Forces, and I really enjoyed that. But I ventured into Disaster Action Team work and I just fell in love with the basic idea of helping my neighbor. The idea of helping my neighbor whether my neighbor is several blocks away, or my neighbor is several miles away, they’re still my neighbor.”
His heartfelt dedication to helping neighbors affected by disasters, particularly home fires, embodies the essence of community support. “Every time I go out to help someone impacted by a fire, I know that I’ve made a difference in someone’s life,” shared David.
David who served in the Air Force as a communications officer for 28 years was no stranger to the Red Cross before becoming a volunteer. He was in the organization’s ‘Learn to Swim’ program when he was eight years old, and in college, David was trained by the Red Cross in water safety instruction. This allowed him to train lifeguards while stationed with the Air Force in Spain.
Reflecting on his experiences, David remarked, “As great as my military experiences were, my Red Cross experiences are just as meaningful.” His words echo the spirit of countless veterans who choose to serve their communities beyond their military tenure.
He is among the many veterans who continue serving their community as Red Cross volunteers. We are grateful for their service and proud to deliver our humanitarian mission alongside them. Thank you, David, for your steadfast commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.
Written by Communications Intern, Thao Nguyen.