They could be role models for both the young and the old. Bob and LaVonne Brinkman, who live in Austin and have spent their retirement helping others, have just returned from the Red River Valley where they spent their time aiding victims of the flood-threatened Fargo-Moorhead cities.

The two residents are members of the Disaster Action Team of the Mower County Chapter of the American Red Cross.

They retired nearly a decade ago and made the decision to become Red Cross volunteers.

They’ve helped out during Hurricane Ivan in Alabama, Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana and Alabama and floods in Rushford, Austin and Owatonna, in addition to other emergencies throughout Mower County.

Volunteering is something we all should be doing as a way to take part in the community and to help others who are in need.

Bob and LaVonne Brinkman have chosen to volunteer as part of their retirement and give unconditionally when local, regional and even national emergencies strike.

We thank the Brinkmans for their efforts and hope their example will encourage others to volunteer as well.