NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

By: Denise Lineberry

September 11, 2001 – a day none of us will forget. It was also a day that prompted Debbie Murray, Office of Education and Rick Ross, Research and Technology Directorate, to visit the Red Cross, give blood and ask, “What else can we do to help?”

They have been helping ever since.

“It is very rewarding to see the impact you can have on an individual or family that has been dealt a hard blow due to a disaster,” Murray said. “It keeps you from feeling so helpless, because it gives you a way to make a difference.”

Debbie Murray stands beside one of the many piles of debris left by Hurricane Katrina.

Photo courtesy of Debbie Murray.

NASA Langley employees are being given the opportunity to make a difference on Friday with a Day of Caring. More than 200 employees will be volunteering throughout the Hampton Roads area where their help is needed.

Many of those involved with a Day of Caring also volunteer year round for a variety of organizations. Murray and Ross are examples of employees who devote their time and efforts to helping others – not just for a day, but every day.

Murray is the Hampton Roads Chapter of the American Red Cross co-chair for Shelter Operations with the Disaster Management Team. She is also a member of the Disaster Action Team (DAT), which responds to local disasters, and a member of the DSHR for national larger scale disasters such as Katrina.

“It does not matter if you are affluent, middle class or less fortunate, when a disaster such as Katrina hits, and the flood waters take your house, your possessions, power is lost, vehicles are gone, food sources are gone and all you have to eat is a bag of chips that you share because you cannot get money out of the ATM, buy gas, or go shopping...financial status does not matter at that point,” Murray said.

Ross attended training at the Red Cross on Sept. 12, 2001. He became a member of the DAT and later became a team captain.

A couple of months later, the chapter head was looking for an emergency communications chair, and he volunteered to learn and take over that role. From that, his volunteering evolved and he became the emergency radio coordinator for Newport News.

Rick Ross at the Newport News Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during a training exercise. "During an actual emergency, the room that I am in is staffed by representatives from each department in the city so that everyone can easily communicate with each other," Ross said.

Photo courtesy of Rick Ross.

“During storms like Isabel, LAN and cell phones go out within eight to 16 hours and there is no form of communication, except us,” Ross said.

Ross’ volunteering also stretches to two other organizations: The Special Olympics and SMART-One, a non-profit, parent-run corporation with a mission to provide the special needs community with the same choices and opportunities as everyone else.

Ross’ motivation for involvement in these organizations is his daughter Jenny, who has Down syndrome.

Jenny was a spokesperson for the Special Olympics Global Messenger Program from 2005-2007. She spoke at more than 50 places throughout Virginia. She also competes in the Special Olympics in soccer, basketball and softball.

Ross got involved by coaching a bowling team, and he also became a board member for Special Olympics in Newport News.

Whether disaster strikes or a helping hand is given, Murray and Ross have served their communities by volunteering continuously for seven years.

Murray’s goal through volunteering is “to give back, to help people and make a difference. And to set an example for my children and grandchildren.”

“If you think that there is more that can be provided, get out there and provide it,” Ross said.

Murray hopes that others will be willing to provide help through the American Red Cross.

“The American Red Cross is always looking for people to train today for disasters that happen tomorrow,” Murray said. “Speaking for Shelter Operations, there is always a shortage of people to help, so the more volunteers we can get trained now, the better we will be able to handle whatever comes our way.”

If you are interested in volunteering for the Red Cross, please contact Dawn Roberts, Volunteer Coordinator, at 757-838-7320.


 
NASA Langley Research Center
Managing Editor: Jim Hodges
Executive Editor and Responsible NASA Official: H. Keith Henry
Editor and Curator: Denise Lineberry