Robert A. Young, better known to us as Bob was born in East Haven, CT in 1931.He was raised on a local farm attending a two-room school. He joined the U.S. Army in 1948 and soon was fighting in the Korean War as a Machine Gunner He came back and attended Embry-Riddle School of Aviation in Miamiwhere he studied Aircraft Mechanics and became a Pilot. He was recruited again into the Army as a Pilot Trainer serving in the Vietnam War. When he came back stateside he was stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska for three years. He retired from Fort Benning, GA and he felt he needed to return to his roots in South Florida.

In 1992 during Hurricane Andrew he responded to the call of the American Red Cross serving as a Radio Operator. Again in 2005 when Hurricane Katrina hit he was there assisting our chapter in the local efforts as well as being deployed to Mobile, AL. When Hurricane Wilma hit Bob was there once again to assist us with Radio Communication, Logistics & Transportation. Bob is currently a Disaster Team Leader, a Health & Safety Instructor, and a Community Disaster Education Presenter. He is also involved with the Girl Scouts of Americas as an Instructor. He is the Treasurer for the South Fla. Astronomer’s Association and the President of the Hollywood Radio Amateur Club. Bob is also the Senior Vice-Commander of the local chapter of the Disabled American Veterans and the First Vice-Commander of the Local Post of the American Legion. Bob enjoys camping in North Carolina, fishing, sailing, and spending time with family and friends.

 Bob feels the American Red Cross is the greatest thing in the world and we feel Bob is the Greatest Volunteer in the World! Thank you Bob for this you are our Hero and have earned the Volunteer Spotlight of the Month!

For most individuals, helping out those in need is something they do when the opportunity arises. To some giving back to their community is not top priority, however, whether we realize it or not, most non-profit organizations are run almost completely on volunteers and it is their help that helps organizations such as the American Red Cross reach greater masses of people.


Blink B. Jones, or Big Bad Jones as he is known to his friends, is going on his second year volunteering at the American Red Cross Broward Chapter. Jones has a past history with the non-profit organization that began many years ago in the Greater Miami Chapter and evolved into his duties currently in the Broward Chapter. 


With a smile Jones tells me of how he began at the American Red Cross, “Originally I didn’t volunteer, my wife volunteered me. She didn’t want me fussing around the house; she found something for me to do. Now I love it. I am committed. ”  B.B. Jones is a Savannah ,Georgia native, who joined the US Army, when his time with the Army was done and moved down to Florida. Jones settled down in Miami-Dade were he raised his children and now this proud grandfather of eight is delighted to give back.

“You see I worked 35 years and 8months for the Miami-Dade Transit System, I met many wonderful people and I loved my job. It was the best time.”  Jones retired from his duties at the Miami-Dade Transit System and now at the age of 70 continues to meet wonderful people. “I guess you can say I am a handy man, whatever they need I’m there.”


 Jones along with his wife traveled to Alabama when hurricane Katrina hit, they stayed in Alabama as volunteers for the American Red Cross for 21 days. “Although so many people were left homeless, it was amazing to see how people came together in the time of need.” 


Jones plans to begin to travel more with his wife and enjoy his golden years around the globe. However, he says that as a volunteer the number one rule is “You have to be flexible and you have to remember that the clients come first!”