Mike’s 2025 Memorial Day Message

Posted on May 26, 2025 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By Michael N. Parks, Regional CEO, American Red Cross of Northern Ohio
Rear Admiral, United States Coast Guard (Retired)

Hello friends and family of the American Red Cross of Northern Ohio!! As we head into Memorial Day weekend, also known as the unofficial start of Summer, I’d like to highlight some of the other significant dates we recognize during the month of May which will hopefully help answer the question, “Why is May ‘Military Appreciation Month?”:

Military Appreciation Month: Observed throughout the month of May. This month-long celebration, established in 1999, is dedicated to honoring and thanking the men and women who have served in the U.S. military.

Month of the Military Caregiver: Observed throughout the month of May, established in 2017, honors more than five million caregivers in the U.S. who support wounded, ill, and injured service members and veterans.

Victory in Europe (VE) Day: Commemorating the end of WWII in Europe on May 8, 1945.

Military Spouse Appreciation Day: The Friday in May before Mother’s Day, first recognized by President Ronald Reagan in 1984, is set aside for us to pause to recognize the military spouses who have the greatest impact on service members and our military communities.

Children of Fallen Patriots Day: Observed on May 13^th (selected because it’s also the day Arlington National Cemetery was established in 1864) to show appreciation for the young people whose lives were forever changed in support of their parents’ service to our country.

Armed Forces Day: Observed annually on the third Saturday of May, designated in 1949 and established by proclamation in 1950 by President Truman, is a day to honor and recognize current active-duty service members of all six branches in the U.S. Armed Forces (the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force).

Memorial Day: A federal holiday observed in the United States on the last Monday of May to mourn and honor American military personnel who have died in service to our country, both in peace and in war. It’s a solemn day of remembrance, reflection, and public displays of gratitude for their sacrifice. It was originally called Decoration Day established in 1868 by the Grand Army of the Republic (an organization of Union Veterans) to honor fallen soldiers of the Civil War. It was officially declared a national holiday by Congress in 1968. Congress passed the National Moment of Remembrance in 2000 to designate a time (3:00 pm local time) for quiet reflection and prayer.

As you can see, there are many opportunities to recognize, honor, and/or celebrate members (past and present) of the Armed Forces, and their families, in the month of May. Please remember, Armed Forces Day specifically honors current, active-duty service members, while Veterans Day (November 11^th) recognizes all those who have served. Memorial Day (this coming Monday, the 26^th) honors those who died in service to our country (which is why we shouldn’t wish people “Happy” Memorial Day). I’m repeatedly asked how to greet service members and veterans. I’ve found the most meaningful comment is a simple, “Thank you for your service!” To those who have lost loved ones, “Thank you for your sacrifice,” is always appropriate. I hope we’re all able to take time this weekend to have a memorable Memorial Day. Best regards…Mike

Military Appreciation: Air Force Veteran’s first Red Cross deployment

Posted on May 16, 2025 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By Ryan Lang, American Red Cross

For Nasir Ahmad, deployment was nothing new. As a retired member of the United States Air Force, Nasir had been on multiple deployments. But his most recent trip overseas with the American Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces was new territory. Previously, Nasir was carrying out his mission as a service member. This time, he’d be providing a service to other service members along with his Red Cross team.

Nasir Ahmad, Service to the Armed Forces

The Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) branch of the Red Cross focuses on active service members, veterans, and their families, providing various humanitarian services and resources. Nasir explains that his primary focus is on emergency communication, which looks different in Northern Ohio compared to in Iraq, where Nasir was recently deployed for six months.

“You become directly involved in the process (of emergency communication) when you’re overseas,” Nasir said. At home, in the Northern Ohio Region, most of the work Nasir and the SAF team does is over the phone, whereas in Iraq, it’s often face to face. “It’s just different when your overseas and the service member has a conversation with you,” Nasir explained. He spoke of one example where a female service member was having a personal emergency, on the base, at 9 o’clock one night. As he and the rest of the team were settling down for the evening, there was someone who needed direct care. That is the work of SAF in action.

“When I was in the Air Force,” Nasir, who was an aircraft mechanic, said, “we had that mission, that focus, and when you go with your squadron, there’s nothing else. Now, with the Red Cross, I get to focus on the service member and assisting them and being there for them, and I’m really enjoying this mission.”

When asked whether his experience in the Air Force prepared him for deployment with the Red Cross, Nasir said it did because of his shared connection with the service members he is there to help. “But don’t feel like you have to be a service member of former service member to do this,” Nasir said. “It’s really a beautiful thing to not have that connection and still be willing to go over there and assist and be there and support our service members.”

There are all types of SAF volunteers. Many who have prior military backgrounds, others who have family members who have served, but also there are those who have no background or personal connection to the military. “I’ve seen some volunteers who deploy with no connection,” Nasir said. “That’s why I commend them so highly because at least I had my buddies with me.”

But in preparing for a deployment with the Red Cross SAF team, Nasir explains that is when relationships are built and friendships are formed, often life-long friendships. “We form our own team,” Nasir said, “and it reminded me of going with my unit.”

The team Nasir deployed with, “Team 55,” had only met online prior to their case work and other Red Cross training at Camp Atterbury, in Edinburgh, Indiana. “In the same room it was different,” Nasir said. “We had Red Crossers who had deployed before… and they were absolutely essential.” Even with his previous military experience, specifically deploying overseas, Nasir said he approached his training as a first timer. “They were so valuable to my experience. It being my first time overseas with the Red Cross… I leaned on the Red Crossers who had done this before. Those were the ones who were leading the way.”

To hear more of Nasir’s story, click here to listen to our Be A Hero podcast. To find out more about volunteer opportunities with the Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces, click here.

National Medal of Honor Day and the Red Cross standard

Posted on March 25, 2025 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

The American Red Cross is celebrating National Medal of Honor Day, recognizing those members of the United States Armed Forces who have earned the highest military decoration in their service to the country. Stephen Bales, who chairs our Service to the Armed Forces Committee for the Northeast Ohio Board, recently gave the following presentation to his fellow board members, correlating the work of the Red Cross to National Medal of Honor recipients.

“Tuesday, March 25th, is National Medal of Honor Day. On March 25, 1863 the first Medal of Honor was presented to PVT Jacob Pratt, 33rd Ohio Infantry Regiment. Jacob Pratt was from Fairfield County, Ohio. I encourage you to read about his story and the other Medal of Honor recipients who were part of Andrews’ Raiders and the Battle of Chattanooga.

The Medal of Honor is the United States’ highest award for valor. Every Medal of Honor citation begins: “For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of one’s life, above and beyond the call of duty.”

Medal of Honor recipient Hershel W. “Woody” Williams with Stephen Bales, Red Cross board member and volunteer

In 2015, I had the honor of meeting Medal of Honor recipient Hershel Woodrow “Woody” Williams, CWO4 USMC (Ret). At that time, he was the last surviving Medal of Honor recipient for action during the Battle of Iwo Jima. Mr. Williams passed away in 2022 and was the last surviving Medal of Honor recipient from World War II. What I remember most about meeting Mr. Williams was his extraordinary humility and overall sense of selflessness.

So why, you may ask, is Medal of Honor Day important to the Red Cross? Here are several thoughts that you might consider.

First, the Medal of Honor is, in some respects, about humanity. It is about individuals who, in the face of unimaginable danger, chose to act selflessly to save others. It is about courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to a greater good. These are the same values that drive Red Cross volunteers and staff every day.

A Marine runs into enemy fire to save a comrade. A Red Cross volunteer wades through flood waters to help a stranded family. While the context is certainly different, the core principle is the same: putting the needs of others above your own.

Second, Medal of Honor Day reminds us of the profound impact of service. It highlights the sacrifices made by those who dedicate their lives to protecting and serving others. Just as Red Cross volunteers dedicated countless hours to disaster relief, blood drives, and community preparedness, Medal of Honor recipients demonstrated extraordinary dedication to their country.

Medal of Honor day offers a chance to reflect on the meaning of service and to inspire others to embrace a spirit of volunteerism and civic responsibility. It’s a reminder that even small acts of kindness and courage can make a difference.

Third, the stories of Medal of Honor recipients are powerful narratives of resilience and hope. These stories serve as a source of inspiration and demonstrate the strength of the human spirit and the ability to overcome adversity. At the Red Cross, we witness resilience every day, as individuals recover and communities rebuild after emergencies and disasters. Recognizing the unwavering resilience of Medal of Honor recipients reinforces the importance of our own work in fostering resilience in the face of hardship.

Whatever the reason might be, Medal of Honor Day is more than just a commemoration. It is a reminder of the values that unite us: courage, sacrifice, service, and resilience. By honoring these values, we reaffirm our commitment to the Red Cross mission and inspire others to embrace a spirit of humanitarianism and service.”

The Red Cross is committed to supporting our military and veteran families through our Service to the Armed Forces line of service. Click here to find out more about how you can support the effort.

Mike’s 2023 Veterans Day message

Posted on November 9, 2023 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By Mike Parks, RADM, U.S. Coast Guard (Ret.), CEO, American Red Cross Northern Ohio Region

Greetings, Northern Ohio Red Cross Family and Friends! This Saturday we’ll be celebrating Veterans Day. Prior to that, on Friday, November 10^th, we will honor the United States Marine Corps’ 248^th anniversary. Thank you to all those Marines who have remained Semper Fidelis (Always Faithful) as they’ve helped keep our country safe and free for almost two and half centuries!

Veterans Day (that’s right—no apostrophe) is celebrated on the 11^th of November, although this year the federal holiday is observed on Friday the 10^th of November. Veterans Day, formerly known as Armistice Day, was originally set as a U.S. legal holiday to honor the end of World War I, which officially took place on November 11, 1918 (the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month). In 1938, through an act of Congress, November 11th was made a legal holiday. There are currently 18.5 million veterans of which almost 2.5 million are women. Texas, Florida, California, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Ohio are the six states with the greatest number of veterans.

I’m often asked what is the best thing to say to a veteran on Veterans Day? I’ve always felt the right thing to say is to thank the veteran for their service & sacrifice in defending our freedom. I also feel it’s important to thank their families for their tremendous sacrifices in supporting their veteran over the years.

Photo Illustration by Abby Walker/American Red Cross

One of the most admirable qualities of many of our veterans is their commitment to continued service—even after serving their country in uniform. Several of our nation’s veterans find ways to continue to selflessly serve their communities as civil servants, first responders, teachers, and members of Veteran Service Organizations (USO, DAV, AmVets, American Legion, & NEOPAT to name just a few), as well as other non-profits. This includes our own American Red Cross, where there are currently more than one thousand men and women who indicate they are veterans engaging in all lines of Red Cross service and representing all branches of the Armed Forces. For these veterans, service seems to be in their DNA. This is also true of the tens of thousands of veterans who volunteer their time, talent, and treasure supporting countless righteous causes in their communities around the country. As a nation, we are truly blessed by so many veterans who are committed to “service beyond service.”

Photo Illustration by Betsy Robertson/American Red Cross

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the Red Cross also has a Team Member Resource Group for veterans and allies. If you’re interested in more information about the Vets + TMRG, please reach out to VeteransPlus@redcross.org.

I think President Ronald Reagan said it best in a 1983 radio address to the nation when he commented, “Veterans know better than anyone else the price of freedom, for they’ve suffered the scars of war. We can offer them no better tribute than to protect what they have won for us.” Hopefully, all of us will never take for granted the freedom we’ve been afforded to us by the valor and courage of our veterans!

Best regards…Mike

On behalf of a grateful nation – Mike’s Memorial Day message

Posted on May 25, 2023 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By Mike Parks, Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard (Ret.), Regional CEO, American Red Cross Northern Ohio Region

Next Monday, as we celebrate Memorial Day, we will honor those men and women of our Armed Forces who paid the ultimate sacrifice so that we may enjoy our everyday freedoms. As I was reflecting on this special day, I recalled my recent attendance earlier this month at the funeral of a dear Coast Guard friend of over 40 years. The funeral, replete with military honors, included a gun salute, the playing of “Taps”, the ceremonial folding of the American flag, and the presentation of “the colors” to the family.

I don’t know about you, but every time I hear those 24 somber notes of “Taps” played, I feel my emotions well up inside me. “Taps” is not a song but a bugle call. Although there are no official associated lyrics, Horace Lorenzo Trim is often credited with a set of words intended to accompany the music. Here are just the first of his five stanzas:

“Day is done, gone the sun,
From the lake, from the hills, from the sky;
All is well, safely rest, God is nigh.”

Yes, I found myself wiping away tears as the last note was played. After “Taps” was finished, two members of the Coast Guard Honor Guard approached the casket to begin the ceremonial folding of the American flag, which had been carefully draped over the casket so the union blue field was at the head and over the left shoulder of my friend. With exacting precision, these two young servicemembers carefully folded the flag into the symbolic tri-cornered shape, representing the three-sided hats worn by our troops during the Revolutionary War. Our nation’s “colors” were folded 13 times on the triangles, representing the 13 original colonies.

Annual Memorial Day Ceremony, Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery

Having personally performed this important ritual in my career, I can attest to the solemnity of the event. It struck me as I stood at attention, that this ceremony is conducted by every service of the Armed Forces numerous times throughout our country every single day in tribute to the fallen and in support of their loved ones. The words “…On behalf of a grateful nation…” must never be taken for granted as we take a few moments out of our busy lives to remember and thank those who have given their all so that we may live in freedom—it’s the least we can do. This Memorial Day, let us all take time to remember those who have gone before us and those who have received the American flag “…On behalf of a grateful nation.”

Once the flag was perfectly folded, it was given by the Honor Guard to the senior Coast Guard officer to present to the next-of-kin, in this case my friend’s lovely wife of 44 years. She was surrounded by her six grown children as the officer knelt to present her with the folded American flag as a keepsake. He then said to her, “On behalf of the President of the United States, the United States Coast Guard, and a grateful Nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one’s honorable and faithful service.”

Memorial Day 2022: A message from Michael N. Parks, Regional Executive

Posted on May 27, 2022 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By Mike Parks, Regional CEO, American Red Cross of Northern Ohio, Rear Admiral, USCG (Retired)

Mike Parks, Rear Admiral, USCG (Retired)

Northern Ohio Red Cross Family:

May is an important month for those men and women, and their families, who have chosen to serve our nation as members of the Armed Forces. In 1999 Congress designated May as Military Appreciation Month to ensure the nation was given the chance to publicly show their appreciation for troops past and present. Each year the President makes a proclamation reminding Americans the important role the U.S. Armed Forces have played in the history and development of the United States. May was chosen because it has many individual days marked to note our military’s achievements including Loyalty Day (observed on May 1^st and established in 1921 by Congress as “a special day for the reaffirmation of loyalty to the United States and the recognition of the heritage of American freedom”) and Victory in Europe (VE) Day (observed on May 8^th commemorating the end of WWII in Europe in 1945).

We also observe Military Spouse Appreciation Day every May on the Friday before Mother’s Day (this year on May 6^th). President Reagan first recognized Military Spouse Appreciation Day in 1984 when he said, “Throughout the years, as the numbers of married men and women in uniform have grown and as their military missions have become more complex and dispersed, their spouses have made countless personal sacrifices to support the Armed Forces. In many instances, they subordinated their personal and professional aspirations to the greater benefit of the service family.”

Gold Star Families Memorial Monument – Cleveland, OH

On the third Saturday in May, we celebrate Armed Forces Day which was created in 1949. Not to be confused with Veterans Day, which honors those who wore the cloth of our nation at war, or Memorial Day, which honors those who died wearing the cloth of our nation at war, Armed Forces Day honors both the men and women currently serving as well as those who have previously served and sacrificed to defend our nation’s freedom—which we all hopefully know has never been “free.”

That brings us to the last Monday in May—Memorial Day—which is next Monday, the 30^th—when we honor members of the Armed Forces who have died in military service to our nation. Much like our beloved American Red Cross, Memorial Day has roots dating back to the post-Civil War era when citizens would decorate the graves of fallen soldiers. Memorial Day is one of the six recognized holidays we all celebrate in the Red Cross (an official day off)—appropriately so I might add. That said, many Red Cross staff and volunteers will be participating in Memorial Day events around the country–in Northern Ohio, we’ve got folks supporting the ceremonies at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Seville and Woodlawn Cemetery in Toledo. As well, Red Crossers around our Region and the country will be responding to those in need throughout the holiday weekend. Thank you to those serving!

Today, when many people hear “Memorial Day” they think of the unofficial beginning of Summer, backyard barbeques, sales, and maybe even parades. The word “memorial” means “intended to commemorate someone or something.” I’m concerned that many are losing focus on what this special holiday is all about—are we truly commemorating those who paid the ultimate sacrifice? I recently attended some events where our National Anthem was played and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited. I must admit I was saddened to see so many people failing to show the proper respect by placing their hands over their hearts in tribute to our flag and our nation, and by extension, those who have sacrificed for both.

I think we all, especially as members of the premier humanitarian organization in the world—the American Red Cross–with its roots in the blood and mud of the battlefields of the Civil War, are well-suited and have an obligation to set the right example—year round. Please join me in committing to stand tall, remove our caps, and place our hands over our hearts when the National Anthem is played or we recite our Pledge of Allegiance. We should also do the same when the American flag is “paraded” by us, both indoors or outside. These small gestures will go a long way to acknowledge those who have fallen as well as those who remain to deal with their loss—we owe them that much—not just on Memorial Day but throughout the year!

Thank you for all you do to support this wonderful organization—I’m proud to serve alongside each of you. I hope you get to enjoy this special holiday with your family and friends while remembering those who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom. God bless America!!

Honoring our commitment during Military Appreciation Month

Posted on May 12, 2022 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By Doug Bardwell, Red Cross volunteer

June 20, 2018. Washington, DC. Development SAF Stock Photography Project 2018. Photo by Roy Cox/American Red Cross

In 1776, our founders signed the Declaration of Independence, but without a military to back up our claims, the British Crown could have quickly regained control of our country. Fast forward to 2022, and one needs to look no further than Ukraine to see why our country needs a well- trained, well-equipped, always-prepared military.

Our military guarantees our entire way of life, so we need to do all we can to be there for our fighting men and women, along with their families. That was the original aim of the Red Cross founder, Clara Barton when she began caring for the wounded during the Civil War.

Service to the Armed Forces (SAF)

Since 1881, the American Red Cross has deployed alongside our military in every U.S. conflict since the Spanish-American War. The Red Cross also provides in-person support on more than 100 military installations and deployment sites worldwide, leveraging the services of 14,700 SAF volunteers around the globe.

“Members of the military, veterans, and their family members all make sacrifices,” said Jessica Tischler, Regional Program Director, Service to the Armed Forces and International Services. “From emotional wellness workshops to emergency communications, our staff of volunteers works hard to help provide valuable service to the armed forces.

Red Cross services for our military and their families include:

Before deployment:

 “Get to know us before you need us” sessions inform the military family about the variety of Red Cross services available to them.

During deployment:

 Delivering verified emergency messages to active-duty personnel worldwide
 Facilitating financial assistance and resources through Military Aid Societies
 Military hospital services – providing comfort and help with therapy
 Coping strategies for families at home
 Mind-body stress reduction workshops

After deployment:

 Assistance at local VA hospitals and facilities
 Hero Care Resource Directory
 Information and referral services to community programs
 Military and Veteran Caregiver Network
 Reconnection workshops
 Assistance with veteran’s assistance appeals

Since 9/11, Red Cross and its volunteers have served more than 1 million military families, providing 24/7 emergency care and communications. Would you like to support military and veteran families in your community? Don’t take your freedoms for granted. Sign up to become a Red Cross volunteer or donate on our Support Military Families webpage.

Edited by Glenda Bogar, Red Cross volunteer

Northern Ohio Red Cross volunteer awarded for a lifetime of service to others

Posted on March 15, 2022 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

If you had 4,100 hours to do whatever you wanted, what would you do? If it helps, that’s almost 175 days. Would you take a vacation? Or a few? Catch up on sleep? Finally read all those books on your nightstand?

American Red Cross Northern Ohio volunteer Sharon Nicastro took her hours and spent them helping others. In fact, she took exactly 4,172 hours working to assist the military and their families as a Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces and International Services (SAF/IS) volunteer. During a virtual ceremony on Martin Luther King Jr., Day this past February, Sharon was awarded the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award, a civil award bestowed by the President of the United States. Also called the Presidents Call to Service Award, a volunteer must give 4,000 hours or more over a lifetime of volunteering to receive this prestigious award.

*Admiral Mike Parks, CEO of the American Red Cross Northern Ohio Region, presents Sharon Nicastro with the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award*

During the ceremony Koby Langley, Senior Vice President, Red Cross International Services and Service to the Armed Forces, said “This level of achievement represents a person who’s dedicated their entire life to improving the world around them. They’ve dedicated themselves to being a humanitarian, to help others in need.”

Sharon Nicastro volunteers at the Cleveland VA Medical Center on Pearl Harbor Day (Photo taken prior to COVID-19)

With how busy life seems to be for everyone these days, many may wonder why Sharon has spent so much time in serving others. She says her lifelong commitment began with her father, who encouraged his children to volunteer. “If dad went to the clambake to help, all us kids went to the clambake to help,” said Sharon. For Sharon and her family, it wasn’t a question of will you help but why wouldn’t you?

During her time as an SAF/IS volunteer, Sharon has supported military families during deployments and emergencies. She has also helped our nation’s veterans after their service ends. Sharon has taught CPR and hands only CPR classes in Northern Ohio and volunteers at the VA Medical Center in Cleveland. “Sharon is an inspiring woman to work with. Her dedication to support service members, veterans and their families is humbling,” said Jessica Tischler, SAF/IS Regional Program Manager. “She is also a force multiplier as she engages and leads new volunteers in delivering services and works with community partners. Winston Churchill said ‘We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give’ and that encompasses what Sharon has shared with the Red Cross.”

Sharon Nicastro and volunteer Jackie Otte teach a CPR class in Cleveland. (Photo taken prior to
COVID-19)

The Northern Ohio Region is incredibly fortunate to have Sharon Nicastro on our team. We congratulate her on this outstanding achievement. And we look forward to what she does next because, of course, Sharon doesn’t plan to stop volunteering anytime soon!

If Sharon has inspired you the way she inspires all of us, learn how you can become a Red Cross volunteer and start working your way to that 4,000-hour milestone, at RedCross.org/VolunteerToday.

Tiffany Circle members in Northern Ohio help support female military serving in Africa

Posted on March 5, 2021 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By: Donna Gracon, American Red Cross Philanthropy Officer

The Northern Ohio Region of the American Red Cross recently gathered on Zoom to hear regional leaders, including CEO Mike Parks and Tiffany Circle member Patty Flowers, describe their deployment experiences as they helped communities by responding during the unprecedented wildfire and hurricane season in 2020.

During the virtual session, the region launched its Holiday Mission Project to help female members of the U.S. military serving in Djibouti, a country in East Africa. Learning of the difficulties these military heroes face in securing personal care and hygiene products due to inaccessibility caused by COVID-19, Tiffany Circle members stepped up by purchasing items from a locally created Amazon Wish List.

*Donna Gracon, Red Cross Philanthropy Officer, stands among the packages of items purchased for female members of the military serving in East Africa*.

“How special it is to be a part of a group of women who so willingly volunteer their resources and join together to support others during the holidays and also during all seasons,” said Northern Ohio Tiffany Circle Chair Laurie Laidlaw Deacon.

In attendance was Julia Bianchi, who immediately engaged help from Tiffany Circle sisters in South Florida and the National Capital & Greater Chesapeake Region of the Red Cross who also contributed to the effort. In total, 450 items were shipped to the Red Cross office at Camp Lemmonier, the primary base of operations for the U.S. Africa Command in the Horn of Africa.

“It sometimes becomes apparent that women in the military feel overlooked or forgotten,” said Kelsey Smith, senior regional program specialist/site lead for the American Red Cross at Camp Lemonnier. “Generous donations that specifically target the needs of women are uniquely impactful, as they remind our female service members that their sacrifices and dedication do not go unnoticed. Females that serve deserve to be heard, supported and celebrated equally. By ensuring their health and wellness are maintained, we create a stronger and more resilient military community as a whole.”

*Lt. Andrea Wright, Capt. Ellen Bramblee and Lt. Col. Abigail Lee at the Red Cross office at Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti, East Africa.*

To learn more about the Tiffany Circle and how the philanthropic power of its women leaders advance the mission of the Red Cross, click here.

Edited by Glenda Bogar, American Red Cross Volunteer

Consider resolving to volunteer in the new year

Posted on January 1, 2021 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By Tim Poe, American Red Cross volunteer

January 1, 2021- I first stepped into the American Red Cross’ Cleveland office three years ago on a frigid, vibrant January morning. A few weeks earlier, I had resolved to do more to help others, to take part in making the world a bit better. Since then, I have taken on various volunteer roles, each of which has been challenging and exceptionally rewarding. I have gotten to see the relief and hope on people’s faces when assisting after a disaster, had the honor of sharing extraordinary life stories on this blog, assisted first responders during major events, and have seen communities pull together to donate blood or begin to move on after a disaster. I have also seen the incredible levels of dedication and caring from Red Cross staff and fellow volunteers. Through it all, I have learned a great deal about myself, our community and humanity.

As you consider your New Year’s resolutions, please consider volunteering with the Red Cross. While there are several opportunities, depending on your skills and interest, below are brief overviews of needed roles in the Northern Ohio region:

Disaster Response

If you are interested in becoming a member of the Disaster Action Team (DAT), several positions are available. To give a sense of DAT’s vital importance, in 2020, members responded to nearly 1,200 events in Northern Ohio, most of them home fires, and provided more than $1 million dollars in financial assistance. Several DAT members also deployed nationally following major disasters. Several safeguards are in place during the COVID-19 pandemic, including responding virtually when possible. For more information, click here.

Biomedical Services

There are several roles for those interested in helping the Red Cross collect and transport blood. In fiscal year 2020, the Northern Ohio Red Cross created 506,000 life-supporting blood products to help patients in 80 hospitals across Northern Ohio, all with COVID-19 safety protocols in place. Open volunteer roles include:

Blood Donor Ambassadors (must be at least 16 years of age) to assist during blood drives
Blood Transportation Specialists to deliver blood products to processing labs and hospitals
Blood Donor Transporters in Holmes and Wayne counties to drive donors to appointments

For details on Biomedical Services, visit redcrossblood.org.

Services to the Armed Forces (SAF)

If you would like to help support those in the U.S. military, veterans, and their families, there are several opportunities. These include facilitator roles for mental health professionals as well as caseworker and other roles. In 2020, the SAF group completed 5,500 case services for military families and delivered “Get to Know Us” briefings to nearly 5,400 military members and their families before deploying from Northern Ohio. Many positions are currently operating virtually during the pandemic but will return to in person when possible. More information on how the Red Cross serves the military community is available here.

If you are interested in these or other volunteer positions, visit this web page. More information on assistance provided in 2020 is available here. To read the national Red Cross “Resolve to Volunteer” press release, click here.

Edited by Glenda Bogar, American Red Cross volunteer

NOHredcross

American Red Cross of Northern Ohio Region

Category Archives: Red Cross Services to Armed Forces