Red Cross honors head of Simpson ROTC

For Immediate Release

10.07.2010

REDDING, Calif. – Army Maj. Kurt Walling, who heads the ROTC program at Simpson University, was one of 11 people honored recently at the eighth annual Red Cross Heroes Breakfast.

The heroes, who are selected after a nomination process, "took extraordinary action to help another," said Martha Griese, CEO of the American Red Cross of Northeastern California, in an article published in the Redding Record Searchlight.

Walling served in the Army from 1987 to 2008 after graduating from Eureka High School. He served as a paratrooper in Italy, Iraq, and Alaska and as a combat engineer in Missouri and New York.

He was recalled to active duty in 2009 to become the officer in charge of Simpson's Reserve Officers' Training Corps program. Last year the program had 21 students.

In May, Walling was the keynote speaker at a Memorial Day ceremony at Redding Memorial Park attended by about 400 people.

Simpson President Larry McKinney nominated Walling for the Red Cross honor. Walling received a framed picture of a Red Cross worker from the 1940s. "It's nice to be recognized for selfless service," he said. "That's one of the values of the Army."

He said his Army colleagues are never far from his thoughts. "When I'm recognized for things like this all I can think about are friends who are currently serving overseas," Walling said.

Simpson University is a Christian university offering undergraduate, graduate and teaching credential programs. Simpson’s academic programs includes ASPIRE, a degree-completion program geared toward working adults in the north state. Simpson’s recent curriculum expansion includes degrees in biology, nursing, outdoor leadership, and a master’s degree in counseling psychology. For more information about the university, or to arrange a personalized visit, call 1-888-9-SIMPSON or visit simpsonu.edu.

 

Contact: SU Public Relations
mediarelations@simpsonu.edu
(530) 226-4737