A ShielD is A Leader

“Our goal is to support victims of disasters such as fires, tornadoes, blizzards and flooding, as well as our fellow first responders.” Brian Styka has been volunteering with The Salvation Army since he was 17, beginning with helping after the Plainfield tornado of 1990. In addition to being a driver of an Emergency Disaster Services canteen, Brian is also an after-hours dispatcher, responding to calls from fire departments who request canteen services. “Depending on what’s needed, we serve nourishing hot meals including beef stew and chili, energy drinks and water, hot coffee and hot chocolate.”

Through its Emergency Disaster Services, The Salvation Army provides relief for everyone affected by calamitous disaster. In addition to serving nourishing drinks and meals, the Army also provides counselors trained in critical incident stress management, offers cleaning supplies and helps in setting up temporary shelters with cots, blankets, toiletries and clothing. In 2010, the Army responded to 285 disasters and requests for assistance, and helped more than 51,000 first responders and victims.

“In the northwest suburban flooding in 2009, we responded with multiple canteens that served residents of the affected areas by distributing clean-up kits and serving hot meals three times a day.” Why does Brian volunteer?  “I admit I just can’t say ‘no’ to people. I love the Army because it helps me help others, and I’ll never give it up for the life of me.”