Volunteer

Since 1975, our founder, Mike Wamble has served his community through dedicated volunteer leadership.

Mike began his volunteer journey at age 15, teaching American Red Cross swimming lessons at the Frayser Community Center. During high school, he served as a member of the Red Cross West Tennessee Chapters Youth Leadership Council and was an active Safety and Disaster Services volunteer. Mike taught First Aid, CPR, and Disaster Services courses at the chapter when it was located on Central Avenue.

As a senior at Trezevant High School in Memphis, Mike led an American delegation on an International Exchange Program to Langenlois Austria, where youth delegations from seven countries participated. This formative volunteer and leadership experience helped shape his professional path and prepared him to lead teams at several large retail organizations.

After relocating to Birmingham, Alabama, Mike continued his service with the local Red Cross chapter. He worked as a Disaster Services volunteer, serving meals from the Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) and conducting damage assessments following disasters. He also served as a Disaster Services instructor and supported Alabama-wide communications efforts as part of the public relations team. In addition, Mike volunteered with the blood services program, assisting with multiple blood drives, including “Alabama’s Biggest Blood Drive,” a multi-day statewide event.

Throughout his volunteer career, Mike has earned numerous certifications and recognitions, including the American Red Cross Lifesaving Certificate of Merit for using his first aid skills to save a fellow volunteer who was choking.

Today, Mike serves on the Board of Directors for the West Tennessee Chapter of the American Red Cross and continues to volunteer as a guest speaker and Disaster Services responder. The Red Cross is more than an organization to him—it is where his leadership journey began, instilling the discipline, compassion, and sense of service that guide both his professional life and his personal mission to help others.