Photo by Embry Lopez/American Red Cross
As a former equipment parts specialist with the U.S. Army, Gary Jenkins decided that after serving his country, he wanted to be of service to U.S. Veterans, so he took a job as a veteran services assistant with the Veterans Administration.
Gary’s duties included supporting unhoused veterans as they move through the transitional living program; he made sure they had clothes, personal hygiene items, a bed to sleep in and any other resources needed to get them back on their feet.
Gary found he connected easily with veterans, especially those who struggled with a variety of issues like post-traumatic stress, substance abuse, unemployment and homelessness.
During one of his shifts, a veteran ran into Gary's office to tell him another vet had collapsed and was unresponsive.
Gary asked someone to call an ambulance as he ran to the aid of the collapsed man. Gary immediately applied chest compressions and continued until professional medical help arrived.
Due to Gary's quick response and actions the man's life was saved. While it wasn’t in Gary’s job description to provide medical care, he knew how to administer Cardiopulminary Resuscitation (CPR) and didn’t hesitate to use it.
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The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/la.
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