Michael Brogan,
A Hero In Our Midst

Michael Brogan believes in the power of memories. Often, the reminiscences that we can provide young children--even if for only one week--have the power to last a lifetime. Year after year, Brogan has helped countless foster children to understand the invaluable importance of memories through his extraordinary compassion and steadfast commitment as a volunteer with Camp Fire USA.

Every summer, foster children throughout Alabama gather for camp--often disadvantaged, with only a brown paper sack or a garbage bag in tow--and in that week, men and women like Brogan step up and offer to help. Brogan's story, however, is a bit more unusual.

Brogan first volunteered with Camp Fire USA over ten years ago because of his company’s commitment to foster a volunteer spirit in its work force. Brogan’s volunteer work has been very fulfilling. What started out as a casual call for help, however, quickly turned into a passion.

One of his most memorable contributions has been the creation of a photo album for each young foster child.

Like the gift of a card, Brogan searched for something that could recall a happy time or represent the joy of a particular moment. Thinking long and hard, Brogan quickly turned to photo albums, designing each album to include as many memories of camp as possible that could be looked at when the young child needed a fond recollection.

Of Brogan's contribution, Cledith Fischer, a project administrator for Camp Fire USA also recalls, "One year I had a problem because I was short of a staff member and Michael came out and served as a counselor to the group. We needed help and he stepped right in; that was him from the beginning. Then there was the time that he painted the dining room floor all by himself because he knew it had to be done."

Fischer continued, "Children are able to realize and to recognize that when someone gives them something special--genuine attention--they are able to open up. As these children look Michael in the eye, not only do they feel special, but they also recognize that someone is looking at them genuinely and with honest affection."

Brogan’s community service extends well beyond his work with Camp Fire USA. He is also active in the Birmingham Aids Outreach and often participates in mission trips to Africa to help with AIDS testing. Years ago, Brogan lost a dear friend of his to AIDS, and he feels that through volunteer work, he can help make others aware of this deadly disease.

With characteristic humility, Brogan admits, “It’s humbling to be considered a hero, because volunteering is the right thing to do. There is no greater feeling in the world, than to give back to others, especially children.”

Certainly for him, the power to spread joy one memory at a time is enough of a reward to last a lifetime.