Nanette Cruz is a small woman with a big heart.

Lt. Col Richard Hayes presented the mother of two and grandmother of seven an award and plaque for her volunteer work through the Red Cross May 23 at the McChord Field medical clinic.

Cruz has volunteered more than 900 hours over six years performing a variety of duties. Spending one day a week from morning to afternoon, she's been especially helpful in the women's health clinic, according to Bob Jeffrey, the Red Cross volunteer coordinator at the clinic.

She was selected mainly for her dependability, professionalism and compassion, Jeffrey said.

"She's just an exceptional person," Jeffrey added.

Cruz's medical background has been a valuable asset for the volunteer team of about 35 people at the clinic, Jeffrey said. Her experience as a registered nurse for more than 20 years has been useful in the pharmacy department and keeping Airmen's medical records organized.

The combination of her family being in the military and the volunteerism she saw as an RN made her want to become a dedicated volunteer. Her father, William Siegfriend, was a major in the Marine Core as a pilot.

"I wanted to give back to the community that gave me so much," she said. "It always feels good supporting the guys and gals."

The American Red Cross awards quarterly and annual volunteer awards. There are more than 230 Red Cross volunteers on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, which includes Madigan Healthcare System.