Only volunteers with the American Red Cross can serve at military bases. And on Tuesday, those who help at the United States Military Academy at West Point were honored for their work. Jessica Chen has the details.
WEST POINT, N.Y. -- Robert Reeg has been volunteering with the American Red Cross for nearly 10 years.
He said he wanted to give back after he was injured as a firefighter during September 11th.
"It's a wonderful opportunity to pay back the two groups who have helped me: the Red Cross and the military," said Reeg.
He now spends about two days a week at the United States Military Academy at West Point.
Only volunteers with the American Red Cross are allowed to serve on base. On Tuesday, the organization honored those volunteers.
Troy Prairie, the chief of Primary Care at Keller Army Community Hospital, said most of the volunteers help at the medical center.
They assist at the reception desk, food service, but most importantly with their annual blood drive. About 3,000 units of blood is collected at this location.
"The wait time would be big, there’s just so many things we can't cover now," said Prairie.
Terry and Marilyn Lotz, who have been volunteering together, said they've learned a lot about the cadets and their families.
"My favorite part of this volunteer thing is just talking with the young men and women," said Marilyn Lotz.
And these volunteers hope to continue volunteering with the Red Cross on base for years to come.