“Ever since I was little, I always wanted to find ways of helping people. That is why I became a volunteer firefighter,” stated Susan Seery of rural Oakland.
As time passed, Susan realized she wanted to go beyond being a firefighter. She felt there was much more she could do to help others. “I decided to look into the Red Cross. I always hear about them. They are always on the scene after a disaster strikes,” Susan said. “I then thought to myself, that is another way I could help people out.”
Thus, the next chapter of her life began. “I looked them up, gave them a call and took some classes,” Susan stated.
After taking the required classes, Susan became a member of the Red Cross, responsible for client case work. “This means I would fill out their information and what they lost,” Susan said. “Some clients would receive funds to help replace some of what they lost.”
Her first time helping those in need was after a tornado hit Macy. “The people there were so nice and happy to see us,” Susan stated. “One gentleman gave me a big hug and told me thank you.” He also said he was surprised they were there. “He told me he didn’t think anyone would ever help us out. It broke my heart,” Susan said.
Having heard someone say that, Susan decided she wanted to help people even more. “I decided to become a Volunteer Red Cross Supervisor,” Susan stated. She took several online classes in pursuit of her goal, which she achieved.
Being a Supervisor means she has many more responsibilities when disaster strikes. “I can do mass feedings, help with shelters, damage assessment and much more,” Susan said. “I can also get called out when a home is destroyed by a fire.”
Susan’s next call of duty came after a tornado hit Beaver Crossing. “Pretty much the whole town lost everything. It was the first time I have seen such destruction like that in person,” Susan stated. “In Macy, we weren’t able to go out because everything was blocked off. In Beaver Crossing, we needed to survey the damage.”
Susan’s favorite movie is Twister. “To se a town destroyed in person is devastating. My heart went out to all the people there and the other seven towns that were affected by the storms on Mother’s Day,” Susan said.
Susan is also nationally recognized. “This means if there is a national disaster in another state, I would be deployed for up to two weeks to help with those affected for any type of disaster,” Susan stated. “This includes disasters from flooding to tornadoes.”
Susan was very moved by the disaster and how devastating a tornado can be to everyone in its path. “ After I got home that night, I hugged my kids and told them that I love them very much as I do every day,” Susan said. “But, I hugged them a little tighter, knowing things can change in an instant.”
Tornado strikes Battle Creek. All Photos/Credit of Susan Seery of the Red Cross and rural Oakland resident.
Susan Seery, Volunteer Red Cross Supervisor. Photo Courtesy of Susan Seery.
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