Phi Vu (on right) and other members of the Youth Council took home Spirit of Red Cross Service awards at the Oregon Trail Chapter's recent annual meeting.

Always one for details, Phi Vu can tell you exactly how long he’s been a member of the Oregon Trail Chapter’s Youth Council…“one year, eight months and 20 days!”

Phi was introduced to the group by a former council member and jumped right into action. As a new volunteer, Phi assisted other Youth Council members at a fundraiser and auction for the annual firefighter calendar. Since then, Phi has been involved in every Youth Council event – from a fundraiser for the Measles and Malaria Initiative to numerous blood drives and Together We Prepare Humboldt neighborhood outreach.

As a result of his attendance at the National Youth Leadership Conference, Phi became the Youth Council Executive Board President this year. “I learned to be a leader at the conference and could then step up to the president position,” Phi said. “I gained valuable lessons and it has created a new chapter in my life, allowing me to follow up with any task I’m given by the American Red Cross.”

Phi graduated from Franklin High School in June after serving as president of the high school’s Red Cross Club. And even though he’s done with school, he’s not yet done working with the American Red Cross.

“Once I’ve made a commitment, I follow it through fully until I’m finished,” said Phi. “I love being a part of the Red Cross; it’s where I belong. My commitment to the Youth Council isn’t done yet!”

By Harriet Vanderbilt, Oregon Trail Chapter Volunteer