The President’s Volunteer Service Award, bestowed by the President of the United States, honors the service of exceptional volunteers making a positive impact. Now joining the distinguished individuals throughout the nation to receive this award is Red Cross volunteer Robert Petrie, of Central Pennsylvania.

Last year, Petrie logged more than 600 hours of service with the American Red Cross. As a Service to the Armed Forces volunteer, Petrie works with the Red Cross Hero Care Network, which supports our military, veterans and their family members by providing emergency communications and critical services.

“I am a veteran. I wanted to help veterans,” Petrie said. “When I found out the Red Cross has a Service to the Armed Forces department, I came over to see the staff.” 

Veterans and their families rely on the Red Cross to help identify their needs and connect them to resources from the Red Cross and community partners. These vital services range from responding to emergency needs for food, clothing and shelter, referrals to counseling services (e.g., financial, legal, jobs, mental health), information on veteran cemeteries and burial benefits and other resources that meet the unique needs of local veterans and their families. Petrie’s work also involves obtaining grant funds to aid local veterans.

“Many veterans have made major sacrifices to defend the country," Petrie said. “They deserve the respect and support of all Americans. I am glad to be able to help veterans in need.” 

It is for these contributions that Petrie received the Gold President’s Volunteer Service Award. Petrie was honored with the official President’s Volunteer Service Award medallion, a personalized certificate of achievement and letter signed by President Joe Biden.

"Throughout our country's history, the American story has been strengthened by those who combine an optimism about what can be with the resilience to turn that vision into reality,” President Biden’s letter reads. “I know I’m not alone in recognizing that those who are willing to step up and volunteer in service of community and country are essential to the ongoing work of forming our more perfect union.” 

Petrie was also recognized during the Red Cross of Central Pennsylvania’s volunteer appreciation event, where he was celebrated by 60 of his fellow volunteers. 

“Many veterans have made major sacrifices to defend the country," Petrie said. “They deserve the respect and support of all Americans. I am glad to be able to help veterans in need.”