When did the Journey started...Part 1

My Alma Mater - SMK La Salle Sentul

On record, my volunteering begin in 1984, when I was given the opportunity to be the Chairman of Persatuan Bulan Sabit Merah (Malaysian Red Crescent Society as it was previously known) SMK La Salle Sentul as the current Chairman John Cosmos Anthony will be changing school the following year to SMK Maxwell. These was because SMK La Salle Sentul at that time doesn't have any Science streamed classes. Their 1st batch (1985) Form 4 were Arts Streamed i.e. Commerce & Arts classes.

The trust that was given to me by the Teacher-in-charge Puan DT Lopez was tremendous. Until today I can still remember her words to me, "I do know that you wanted to be a Leader. Here is the chance to be one. Next year, you will officially be Chairman of PBSM and take over from John Cosmos who will be leaving to SMK Maxwell." Consider it done and so it began a new chapter in my life.

From 1985 onwards, I begin a series of getting to know my task as Chairman and how to bring PBSM SMK LSS out to the world. 1st: A quick trip to MRCS WPKL at MRCS Headquarters, Jalan Nipah, Ampang to meet with the then Hon.Secretary Mr. Frankie and a chance meet up with Mrs. Elizabeth Vaz (presently: President, Rumah Ozanam PJ), Asst. Youth Director. Both of them gave me many insights to what to do, which I followed diligently. 2ndly: asking for assistance in learning giving command & marching. A big Thank You to En. Ali Jantan, Commander SJAM KTM and PBSM SMK Convent Sentul, Ms. Harmonie (Sergeant) . I still can remember the day that I was the lone guy in her squad doing marching. I later learned that it was a 1st for them too to teach a guy in marching.

Cetificate of MRCS membership

3rdly: I introduced a 1st Aid bicycle squad (1985) during our school's Cross Country runs...which was to administer and provide 1st aid quicker time (fast mobility and communication among station)...the members like so much that I continued it in 1986. But alas it stopped altogether after I left school the following year. Years later, under the leadership of Sergeant Mohd Amin, he tried to relieved it but without much success.

4th: SMK LSS participated in Red Crescent Day's parade and guard of honor.

5th: Introduction of rank markings for members (NCO) for the 1st time in mid 1985. Whereby, all Chairmen wears the rank of Sergeant and his assistant, Senior Corporal and thereafter.

After leaving school in 1986, I return to assist MRCS in 1988-1990 in providing the necessary advises and training until I see that my services is not needed anymore.

I was also in the Young Christian Society as a member from 1984 - 1986 but my love of being a MRCS member carried on even after I left school to join VAD 2 KL Barat (based at MBS Sentul) until 1990...this will be told in Part 2 of When did the Journey Began.

My Secondary School leaving certificate

Note: While I was in Standard 3 (1977) in SRK La Salle Sentul (1), I joined the Scouts Movement but it was just for the single day. I had fun with the many games played...especially poison ball but the movement didn't draw me to it.