The Sunnyvale Sun
Community
Mearns has retirement plan: giving aid to people in need
By Erin Hussey
Sunnyvale resident John Mearns retired from the fast-paced technology world of the Silicon Valley in April 2005,. But instead of living his life on a golf course, doing crossword puzzles and taking relaxing vacations, he decided to become a disaster service volunteer for the American Red Cross.
"I had been wondering what I was going to do with myself," says Mearns. "Over the Labor Day weekend, I said to myself, 'You've always said you wanted to be part of the solution, but being a high-tech person you always had too many schedules, too many commitments, too many people counting on you. But now, you have the opportunity.' "
After talking it over with his wife, Sally, Mearns called the Santa Clara Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross to see if it needed help in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. It did.
"Within a week I was on an airplane to Louisiana," Mearns says.
Once in Louisiana, Mearns helped set up the Headquarters Satellite System and provided computer network support. He also activated cell phone, radio and other communications systems that allowed other Red Cross workers to operate feeding, cleanup and medical aid operations throughout the region.
"It was almost unbelievable in Louisiana," says Mearns, who arrived within weeks of Katrina devastating the southeastern part of the state.
While deployed, Mearns was soon promoted to supervisor of networking and acted as manager of the rapid technology transfer team.
"When I was working, I wasn't so much on the logistical end," says Mearns, a former software engineer. "But I was always relatively close to the hardware and the communications so my background fits pretty well with what I am doing."
When Mearns returned from his first trip to Louisiana he knew he had found his new passion.
"When I was done and came back home, I said, 'This is not a bad group of people to be associated with. In fact, it's kind of impressive because people from all walks of life are their own time to help others,' " he says. "This gives me a chance to be a part of that."
Mearns continued his Red Cross training and became certified as an emergency communications response vehicle driver. He has been deployed to Louisiana three times in the last 18 months and also volunteers close to 25 hours a week at the chapter office.
"He's a very quiet soul who has a great depth of knowledge and can do just about anything," says Liz Dietz, director of disaster preparedness and response. "He does all the things we ask."
Mearns has created new photo ID badges for 600 volunteers, helps with classes and is working with both the Red Cross and a technology company on the possibility of creating Internet access in disaster shelters for clients.
"Reconnecting with family members is very important in a disaster," he says.
Currently Mearns is Springfield, Mo., helping the tens of thousands of people without power due to severe ice storms. He was deployed Jan. 23.
Mearns plans to remain active in the Red Cross until he is physically incapable of doing so. He also wants to encourage others to look into how they can help others through the Red Cross as well--whether it is with disaster response, giving blood, first-aid or making donations.
Why volunteer? To Mearns it's simple.
"When people need help, help can't wait," he says.
For more information on the Santa Clara Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross, or ways to volunteer, visit www.santaclar avalley.redcross.org or call 408.577.1000.
