The American Red Cross South Florida region recognized the extraordinary efforts of about 30 volunteers who served aboard the USNS Comfort while the ship provided emergency medical services to the people of Haiti in the aftermath of the Jan. 12 earthquake that devastated the country.

Miami Mayor Tomás Regalado was among the local dignitaries at the event on March 20. “We’re here to honor the volunteers that went to Haiti on the Comfort hospital ship,” said Regalado, who proclaimed March Red Cross month in the city of Miami and issued a second proclamation in honor of the returning volunteers.

Volunteers told tales of heartbreak and hope as they took the microphone, remembering the experiences they all shared.

“Just as the Comfort was a beacon of hope on the horizon for the people of Haiti, the translators were a beacon of hope for the victims arriving aboard,” said Cdr. Norm Nobrega, of the U.S. Southern Command, who helped coordinate the effort. “You saw first hand the graphic nature of the victims’ injuries. The hours for you were long and many of you accepted responsibilities that were beyond the scope the translator mission. You helped bathe patients and change bed linens and sat many hours comforting victims who just wanted to hear a familiar tongue.”

In all, more than 80 volunteers from South Florida and other states as far away as Minnesota served as translators aboard the USNS Comfort, helping doctors communicate with patients.

Since the January 12 earthquake, the American Red Cross has spent more than $106 million on food and water, shelter and health and family services. Currently, the American Red Cross is developing long-term plans to help Haitian rebuild their lives and prepare for the hurricane season.

Miami Mayor Tomás Regalado (left) and Tony Colmenares of the American Red Cross read a proclamation honoring the USNS Comfort translators.

A USNS comfort translator picks out a Red Cross polo shirt commemorating his service aboard the USNS Comfort.