Fairfax, Va. (Oct. 20, 2009) – Ken Briggs, a volunteer with the American Red Cross in the National Capital Region and headquartered out of the Arlington County Chapter, will deploy to American Samoa on Thursday, Oct. 22, to assist in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake and Tsunami that took place Sept. 29.

Briggs, a long-time Red Cross volunteer will assist with recovery planning and helping to manage the relief operation there. He will return to the D.C. area Nov. 12.

Briggs will depart from Ronald Reagan National Airport on Thursday, Oct. 22, at 7:59 a.m. He will be available for interviews at the airport beginning at 6:30 a.m.

This is Briggs’ second Red Cross deployment to American Samoa. During the first, five years ago, he was assigned as Client Service Administrator. In 1994 he was deployed to assist an operation in Saipan.

The American Red Cross in the National Capital Region is a volunteer-led organization that provides relief to victims of disaster and empowers people in the D.C. Metro Area to prevent, prepare for and respond to disasters and other life-threatening emergencies. Financially supported by the generosity of the local community, the American Red Cross in the National Capital Region works 24 hours a day, 365 days a year responding daily to local disasters while continuing to build its capacity to effectively prepare for and respond to the next major disaster to strike our community. The region consists of the National Capital Area chapter (the counties of Prince George’s, Montgomery and Fairfax; the District of Columbia; the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church and field offices at Fort Belvoir, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Andrews Air Force Base, National Naval Medical Center and the National Institutes of Health) and chapters in Alexandria, Arlington, Loudoun and Prince William.

To arrange for an interview, contact Julie Wright, Chief Public Support Officer, Arlington County Red Cross, Cell Phone: 703-850-2145. 

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