Every day is a gift for Gary Klinker, a Cisco employee who suffered cardiac arrest and was saved by members of Cisco’s Emergency Response Team (ERT) program.

"If I could vote, I'd give the ERT crew 100 out of 10," Klinker said. "I wouldn't be here without the program—the volunteers saved my life. God bless Cisco for doing this," Klinker said. Approximately 1,500 global Cisco employees and contingent workers volunteer their time to train and respond to a variety of emergency situations through Cisco's Emergency Response Team (ERT). The ERT program aims to ensure the safety of Cisco employees, contingent workers, guests and other people on campus by managing on-site emergencies.

An ERT member may be called away from his or her regular, full-time job at Cisco to respond to an emergency at any time he or she is at work, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Cisco, a HandsOn Network supporter, provides ERT members with the training and supplies they need to perform emergency medical treatment, allowing them to support their communities in a variety of ways outside of the Cisco.

Many of the ERT members volunteer at community events by providing emergency medical care associated with the Red Cross or other external agencies. Other ERT members are Boy and Girl Scout Leaders, volunteer firefighters and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT's).

In addition to the ERT, Cisco also has a strong AED (automated external defibrillators) program, which Klinker credits with saving his life. Cisco has been recognized by the American Heart Association and the City of San Jose for leadership in developing and implementing both the ERT and AED programs. Their dedication to the effort is proof that ERT volunteers like to give back, both to their work colleagues and the community "Being an ERT volunteer is a great way of giving back," said another ERT team member. "I am a local Boy Scout leader, and this is the kind of training I encourage everyone to take."

Veterans First Executive Director, Deanne Tate, was moved to tears thanking volunteers for volunteering and spending the day helping veterans in need. It was an honor to participate on this rebuild project and help honor the service men and women who have given so much to our country.
 

This community event provides our entire community with heightened crime and drug prevention awareness; generates support for and participation in local anticrime programs; strengthens neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and sends a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
 

Keeping the veterans community active is the best way to honor those who have served.
 

We found a solution to help military girls fight low self-esteem, grow in leadership, and unite with those who understand their struggles. The Sisterhood of the Traveling BDUs will bring together 500 military girls from across California for the first ever weekend conference for military girls to empower one another in sisterly support.
 

I am not done serving yet but I have slowed down since I turned 80.
 

There is nothing like brightening a stranger’s day with a thank you, and a kind gesture.
 

Whole Foods shoppers know that when they donated their unwanted cell phones at Secure the Call’s collection barrels in Ann Arbor and West Bloomfield, MI that not only were they ‘greening’ their community, but they were also helping to keep the Detroit area safe.
 

The mission of Always Ready Kids was inspired by my Aunt Betsy who is a 9/11 survivor. Aunt Betsy was pushing the revolving door of the Center when the first plane hit. She says that what helped her survive is that she “was prepared with basic items” in her purse like a flashlight and handkerchief. Aunt Betsy is proof that preparedness saves lives.
 

Through our Community Emergency Response Team training, we came up with a disaster plan for our community. We have had many drills. We separate our community into six sections and send teams of two out to check approximately 50 homes per team.
 

During these past few years, I have seen several major events consisting of structure fires, vehicle accidents, vehicle fires, search & rescues and wild fires. It is teamwork that has proven time after time, that we can perform a task that sometimes leaves you wondering why risks are taken.
 

Each spring since the restoration, the Bohemian Hall has a fund raising event called “Long Live the Squeeze Box”. Musicians donate a song or two for the event to help with restoration projects. This year we took it one step further.
 

I know as I look back on this year, I will regard it as one of the most transformational experiences of my life.
 

We all know the Red Cross responds to natural disasters through stories and pictures that generate horror, sympathy for lives that were lost or uprooted, admiration for selfless dedication of volunteers, and the dreadful conditions in which they worked. However, they were also remote, happening to other people in other places. In February of 2007, my concept of the Red Cross was forever changed.
 

The state of Oklahoma knows too well the devastation that disasters can cause. Whatever type of disaster, such as tornadoes, flooding, or terrorist attacks (such as the bombing of the Murrah Building) the physical, emotional and financial harm to people and property can be enormous.
 

Reports state that families of children with special needs are 80% more at risk for divorce, and the children are 30% more at risk for out of home placement. Respite days help families to cope with the stress of caring for these special children.
 

In Minnesota, a collaborative of citizens has emerged to provide a forum for veterans to share their stories and begin the process of healing.
 

When disaster strikes, often a home fire, John and other team members are on the spot to help those affected. He finds out what’s needed and may arrange hotel lodging and provide funds for immediate needs.
 

I have been a Red Cross Volunteer affiliated with the Washtenaw County Chapter in Ann Arbor, Michigan for almost 4 years. Because I have a full time job, I cannot volunteer as much as I would like but am able to find 8 or so hours a week to join in the efforts of a fixture of my hometown.
 

I have been a Community Emergency Response Team member in Cobb County, Georgia since 2004. It all started with my desire to help my family and neighbors to survive a disaster.
 

One man has found a way to share his art with the world's most appreciative audience.
 

Getting to know your neighbors is one of the most meaningful ways to keep your communities safe.
 

To kick off United We Serve, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates visited wounded soldiers at Walter Reed Medical Center. The Secretary said that meeting with the soldiers “lifted him up.”
 

It takes a special kind of person to devote part of their life to actively making the lives of our troops better – both during their deployments and when they get back. That is especially important for those who bear the wounds of war, both seen and unseen." - Secretary of Defense Robert Gates