Speech
Montana Red Cross Convention
Remarks of Governor Judy Martz
Butte
6/13/2003
*** Check Against Delivery ***
Thank you, Bruno.
I want you all to know how truly honored I am to be here among you this evening, among people who are outstanding examples of the spirit and values that I hold so dear … volunteering and helping others.
Throughout my years as both Governor and Lieutenant Governor, I have always gone out of my way to try and further the causes of groups like the Red Cross, AmeriCorps VISTA program, Foster Grandparents and so on.
I can’t tell you how much it means to our state – and to our nation – knowing that people like yourselves are willing to come forward during times of need to assist others.
President Bush has made volunteerism a major part of his domestic agenda… and here in Montana we are a shining example because of organizations like the Montana Chapter of the American Red Cross, which, I’m told, is the 65th-largest Chapter among more than 1,000 nationally.
In preparing these remarks, one thing my staff requested was some recent examples of the work you do, and some anecdotes from the thank-you notes you receive.
We should have known better, because the information was so extensive that we would be here until breakfast if I tried to summarize everything.
You truly are an amazing group providing an amazing array of services.
I do want to touch on a few of those services tonight.
Right now, one of the most vital services you are providing is to our military personnel and their families, and it is my understanding that you still have people assigned to Iraq and Kuwait.
Montana Red Cross volunteers have been active in collecting and sending comfort items to our troops overseas, showing them that the American public cares for them and the job they do.
From helping our soldiers keep in contact with their families, to providing counseling services and financial assistance – and we can’t forget the humanitarian aid – the Red Cross is there to help stabilize families.
And right here in Montana you have already been a Godsend to dozens of families this year, helping them recover from floods, fires, accidents and other similar disasters and tragedies. You were right there during the 2000 wildfires and I so much appreciate what you do to help our fellow Montanans!
You should be proud of the fact that the Montana Chapter assists about 200 families each year with single family Emergency Disaster Assistance.
Knowing that hundreds of people are helped from blood and blood products collected at Red Cross blood drives, and distributed to our hospitals, saving peoples’ lives.
I am a blood donor and I’m pleased to tell you that my staff and cabinet, as some of you know, were donors during the blood drive at the capitol during the 2001 and 2003 legislative sessions.
Coordinating this level of assistance requires leaders who are skilled in crisis management and who have exceptional vision and planning experience.
Obviously, your training programs are second to none, and I have heard many, many compliments about Red Cross courses offered in CPR, First Aid, swimming and lifesaving, to name a few.
I am pleased to know that the Red Cross will be working with local communities and our Department of Public Health and Human Services to train First Responders in the proper use of automated external defibrillators – the devices that electronically shock the heart to stabilize irregular heart beats and save lives.
Your organization is tremendous. I thank all of you and those who support your local Districts with time, talents and money.
It is certainly not easy or always fun to be committed to this type of work, so you all must have that special quality or voice inside you that says, “This isn’t about me. This is about doing what’s right for others.”
I am proud to continue to serve as the Honorary Chair of the American Red Cross of Montana Chapter and would like you to give yourselves a round of applause. You are an integral asset to our state.
Thank you, God Bless and carry on your good works.
