Dedicated Red Cross worker retires after 46 years

“It was a nice feeling that I could be there to help someone in their time of need. ” – Nancy Rogers

Nancy Rogers is passionate about the mission of the American Red Cross and helping veterans.

Rogers, a former longtime employee of the Red Cross serving northern Minnesota, has spent nearly her entire professional career assisting military members, their families and Red Cross volunteers. In July, Rogers retired after 46 years with the Red Cross.

Her former supervisor, Dan Williams, executive director of the northern Minnesota chapter, called Rogers’ appreciation of Red Cross volunteers and veterans “unmistakable.”

Her famous chocolate chip cookies weren’t the only reason people were drawn to her, according to Williams.

“I think (Rogers) took it that people were thankful for her cookies, but really what they were thankful for was her hospitality; her welcoming nature; her wanting our volunteers or partners to be there,” Williams said.

Rogers started working as a receptionist for the Red Cross, but over the years she took on other duties, such as disaster relief services and casework for military families. The northern Minnesota chapter, which is based in Duluth, serves several counties in Minnesota and along the Wisconsin border.

Rogers said she enjoyed the Red Cross’s Services to the Armed Forces work she was involved in, including providing support to military families during deployments and emergencies.

“It was a nice feeling that I could be there to help someone in their time of need,” she said.

She is also a guardian for the Honor Flight Network, which transports American veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit veteran memorials. She also goes on the flights in honor of her late father, who was a World War II veteran.

“You can tell my heart is with the veterans,” Rogers said, adding that she’s been on five Honor Flights.

Despite retiring, Rogers is continuing her work with the Red Cross as a volunteer, organizing the Holidays for Heroes Program, which involves collecting holiday cards and gifts for veterans and military members.

Rogers said she’s committed to the vital work of the Red Cross because she believes in the organization’s mission: to help people in need.

“I believe in the mission of the Red Cross and everyone does a great job at helping folks in fires and the military and all that. We’ve got everybody covered,” she said.

Story by Blair Emerson, American Red Cross Minnesota and Dakotas Region. There are many rewarding career opportunities supporting the Red Cross humanitarian mission. Start your search here.