The Red Cross office located at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point now is associated with the American Red Cross in Greater New York (ARC/GNY). The chapter, the largest in the U.S., helps nine million people in New York City and Orange, Putnam, Rockland and Sullivan Counties prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Michelle Strom, who has served as the West Point Red Cross office director for the last three years, has been appointed director for ARC/GNY at West Point and nearby Putnam County.

The West Point Red Cross office, which first opened in 1941, will continue to oversee emergency response, safety and preparedness programs, and community initiatives on the military base and in nearby communities. The West Point Red Cross office is operating from a new location (Building 2104, Highland Falls, phone 845-938-4100) that is adjacent to the West Point Visitors Center.

The West Point Red Cross office was transferred for logistical purposes from the American Red Cross of Dutchess County. The proximity of West Point to ARC/GNY's training centers in Putnam County (Patterson) and in Orange County (Goshen) will help the Red Cross enhance its programs for the military community on the academy grounds and the civilian population surrounding the facility.

Ms. Strom, a resident of the West Point community for the last four and one-half years, serves as a community mayor and is on the West Point School Board. Ms. Strom has been an active member of the Highland Falls Chamber of Commerce, West Point Women"s Club, Putnam County Toastmasters, The Association of Fundraising Professionals and the Putnam County Service Network. Before assuming her new position with ARC/GNY, Ms. Strom served as the West Point director for the Dutchess County chapter of the Red Cross. As a Red Cross staff member, she deployed to Mississippi as a case worker in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Bonnie Fletcher, who has served as director for ARC/GNY operations in Putnam County and Rockland County since 2005, will focus solely on expanding emergency response, preparedness classes and community outreach programs in Rockland County (143 North Broadway, Nyack - 845-358-0833).