On June 17, volunteers Jerry Klingbeil and Margie Sutton received the Gwen T. Jackson Award at the Annual Meeting of the American Red Cross in Southeastern Wisconsin. These volunteers were chosen because of their impressive contributions to the Red Cross and the incredible way their work has impacted their community, country and world.

Jerry Klingbeil joined the Red Cross as a CPR & First Aid instructor nearly 40 years ago. In 2001, Jerry became involved with Red Cross to help members of his community affected by local disasters. Just a few months later, he traveled to New York to assist the Red Cross response following the September 11 attacks. Since then, Jerry has served on 26 disaster relief operations and provided training to thousands of Red Cross workers. He is recognized as a leader in Disaster Services throughout the United States, and currently serves on the national Critical Response Team.

Margie Sutton came into the Red Cross through the First Aid Service Team. In addition, she has made many contributions to this community through Red Cross in Disaster Services, International Services and Community Disaster Education. Almost single-handedly Margie has built bridges between the Red Cross and countless organizations, creating partnerships that have enhanced the lives of people in southeastern Wisconsin and throughout the world.

The Gwen T. Jackson Award recognizes a volunteer who demonstrates extraordinary passion for the principles, values and spirit of the American Red Cross. The award is given to volunteers who have made a deep and lasting personal commitment to the organization. Volunteers selected to receive the Gwen T. Jackson Award are known for their inspiring leadership, advocacy for volunteerism, and tireless efforts to make others aware of the important work of the Red Cross.

The American Red Cross in Southeastern Wisconsin relies on donations of time and money so they can provide relief to victims of disasters and help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies in Dodge, Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth and Waukesha counties. To donate your time, please visit our Volunteer page. Financial donations can be made online through our secure contribution site.