Thomas Butler and Susan Mitchell serving as an Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) Team in Georgia in the aftermath of Hurricane Debby.
February 14, 2025
By: Shelby Wells, regional communications manager
For Susan Mitchell and Thomas Butler, service to others is not just a shared value; it’s a personal mission. The couple, married for 18 years, has spent nearly all of that time volunteering for the American Red Cross, helping those in need during times of disaster, crisis and hardship. From largescale disaster relief operations to local home fires, their commitment to helping others has brought them closer together and strengthened their bond as partners in life and service.
“We love helping people. That is our priority in life. We would rather be out helping people than doing anything else. And we're thankful to the Red Cross for giving us the avenue to do that,” Susan shared.
The dynamic duo has served all over the country during major disasters like the 2023 Hawaii wildfires, where they helped families get crucial financial assistance that helped with immediate recovery. Together, have answered the call for help after tornadoes in Missouri and Mississippi, devastating floods in Colorado and Illinois, major hurricanes in Georgia, Florida, Texas, Louisiana and beyond.
When a "super fog" event cause a 150+ car pileup on I-55 outside of New Orleans, Susan and Thomas arrived to the scene to help provide water, snacks and comfort to families who were trapped on the roadway.
In fact, Thomas and Susan deployed to every single hurricane in 2024- a testament to their commitment to serving others. Many of these deployments were back-to-back, with little downtime, but they are both invigorated by supporting others during dark times. In true Louisiana fashion, their favorite role during a disaster is feeding others. Susan and Thomas are certified Emergency Response Vehicle operators and wholeheartedly enjoy delivering meals and smiles to impacted families.
“Thomas is really good at putting a smile on their faces,” Susan reflected on the important skill of connecting with people during a crisis. “You’ve made someone happy for a few minutes. You’ve given them a moment to forget about the disaster and provided for their needs.”
During their deployment as a feeding team for Hurricane Debby, Susan Mitchell and Thomas Butler spent nine days delivering meals to a Georgia resident whose home had been devastated by the storm. The only room left standing was her sanctuary, but she couldn’t bring herself to leave it behind. On their final day of delivering lunch and dinner, Susan and Thomas shared a heartfelt conversation with the woman. In that quiet, emotional moment, she found the strength to step away from the wreckage, ready to face the uncertain future ahead.
Thomas Butler preparing meals for Houstonians in need in the wake of Hurricane Beryl that made landfall in Texas on July 8, 2024.
Their collective impact is felt locally, as well. Thomas and Susan joined the Disaster Action Team (DAT) in 2008 and have responded to hundreds of local home fires in New Orleans ever since. After 35 years of being a firefighter, Thomas found that volunteering as a DAT responder keeps him connected to his calling.
“All my life I’ve been helping people, that’s all I know. I love it,” Thomas said.
In December 2024, when a fire in an assisted living facility displaced more than 100 senior citizens, Susan and Thomas delivered lunch and dinner to the residents every day for two weeks. During that time, they built friendships and made inspiring connections with those they were helping. In fact, four of those residents were inspired to join the Red Cross after hearing Thomas and Susan’s stories of service.
In true Louisiana fashion, Susan connects with a displaced resident over a snack. When the New Orleans assisted living facility was made unliviable, Christopher Inn residents were comforted by daily meal deliveries from Susan and Thomas.
“Everything we do for the Red Cross makes us feel good,” Susan shared. “If we're going out to feed somebody, that makes us feel good. If we're going out to open a case at a fire and provide some financial assistance to start their recovery, that makes us feel good.”
Throughout their time volunteering with the Red Cross, Thomas and Susan have shared comfort, care and connection with communities far and wide. Their story is one of selflessness, sacrifice and the unbreakable connection between love and service. By serving together, their power is multiplied.
“It's nice to have my wife with me because we can continue living our lives, loving each other, even when we’re deployed. It’s so great to volunteer together,” Thomas said.
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