Judi Leonard

BISMARCK — The American Red Cross recently honored exceptional contributions of volunteers at a recognition event in Minot.

From Minot, among those recognized was Judi Leonard, who received a pin for more than 6,000 hours of volunteer service. Leonard began volunteering after being directly impacted by the 2011 Souris River Flood.

“I know I can make a difference — help people when they need help,” Leonard said. Since joining, she has deployed 15 times to support disaster relief efforts and currently helps manage local Red Cross facilities in Minot.

“I’ve made a lot of good friends,” she added.

The recognition event highlighted the vital role local volunteers play in disaster response, community preparedness and support for military families across western North Dakota.

“We’re proud to recognize these dedicated volunteers,” said Zoe Wergeland Manstrom, executive director of the American Red Cross serving Western North Dakota. “They give their time and energy to help neighbors in need. Their compassion makes our work possible across western North Dakota.”

In the past year, volunteers in western North Dakota:

— Made 225 homes safer with free smoke alarm installations and home fire safety planning.

— Taught emergency preparedness to more than 1,200 children.

— Responded to 65 local disasters, including home fires, wildfires, and floods.

— Supported more than 260 disaster survivors.

— Deployed volunteers for 142 days to national disaster relief operations.

— Delivered 80 emergency messages and 66 pre-deployment briefings for military families.

— Helped 63 military families access emergency financial assistance.

Other honorees were Kyle Pearson, Disaster Cycle Services Volunteer of the Year; Mary Mahoney, New Volunteer of the Year; and Brian Weigel, Exceptional Leadership Volunteer of the Year. All are from Bismarck.

Auston Biles of Beulah was recognized as Disaster Cycle Services Volunteer of the Year.

The Red Cross serving Western North Dakota supports communities in the counties of Adams, Billings, Bottineau, Bowman, Burke, Burleigh, Divide, Dunn, Emmons, Golden Valley, Grant, Hettinger, McHenry, McKenzie, McLean, Mercer, Morton, Mountrail, Oliver, Renville, Sheridan, Sioux, Slope, Stark, Ward and Williams, as well as the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation (Three Affiliated Tribes) and the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.