Category Archives: Service to the Armed Forces

Whether at Home or Abroad, the Red Cross Is There for Those Who Serve 

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By Tim Poe, American Red Cross volunteer. 

Assisting members of the armed forces, veterans, and their families has been a core tenet of the American Red Cross since its founding. In honoring Veterans Day, November 11th, we wish to highlight our Services to the Armed Forces (SAF) programs. To help do so, I spoke with Nasir Ahmad, Program Specialist with the Red Cross’s SAF & International Services. He is also a US Air Force veteran. 

Regional COO Tim O’Toole (left) with Nasir Ahmad (right) after Nasir returned from his six-month deployment in Iraq.

Nasir, who returned from a six-month Iraq deployment earlier this year, has continued the Red Cross mission here in Northern Ohio. Nasir stressed the need for flexibility of adjusting to changes, something he and other military families know well. Nasir said, “When coming back, there are a lot of changes, personally and professionally. You can’t pick up where you left off and not expect things to be different. You have to roll with it, be resilient, and fit back into life, both you and your family. Within a month or so, I was back in a new groove, and I think my military experience helped with that.” 

In Bagdad, Nasir and other members of his Red Cross team mainly assisted deployed service members, many of whom were in their early 20s, experiencing their first or second deployment, which reminded Nasir of his experiences as a young service member. Others were at a different stage, sometimes winding down their time in the military. Nasir and his team were there for them, whether they needed a Red Cross service or someone to listen.  

“There’s no rank with Red Cross,” Nasir said, “So they can talk more freely. Conversations often go from funny to somber and serious then back to silliness. When it comes to melancholy, they need support. It is wonderful being one of those to make sure they’re okay.” Nasir also said deployments can be especially challenging during the holidays, and everyone responds differently. 

“Making sure they’re okay” is an important part of Nasir’s work back home in Northern Ohio, too. “We’re helping people in a different capacity,” Nasir said, “but it’s still very much needed.” Services include Coffee Cart programs near VA hospitals and centers, Family Days, and Yellow Ribbon programs, among others. 

This flexibility, humanity, and responsiveness are key to the Red Cross. I asked Nasir what issues are currently most pressing for SAF. A major one is helping ensure military members and their families maintain access to food and necessary services.  

International Services is another aspect of Nasir’s role in the Red Cross, which includes the Restoring Family Links program. This service is open to all families who are separated internationally by war, disaster, migration, and other humanitarian crises. With the number of conflicts and crises throughout the world, and the toll they are taking on families, it is desperately needed, and Nasir spoke of how proud he is to help reunite families. 

Nasir will help honor Veterans Day by taking part in the parade and festivities in downtown Cleveland. He and other Red Cross members will be at a table at Tower City. Stop by and say hello. 

Mike’s 2025 Memorial Day Message

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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 13th (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 11th) recognizes all those who have served.  Memorial Day (this coming Monday, the 26th) 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

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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.

Celebrating Veteran Moms: A Heartfelt Baby Shower

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By Jill Patterson, Senior Regional Philanthropy Officer and Tiffany Circle Staff Lead

The American Red Cross Northern Ohio Tiffany Circle Women’s Leadership Society, in collaboration with Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces, recently hosted a memorable event with the Cleveland VA Medical Center at their Parma location. This special occasion, known as “A Very Merry Baby Shower,” was dedicated to honoring and supporting our women veteran Moms-to-Be.

The event was a beautiful partnership between the Tiffany Circle, the VA, Blue Star Moms, and the Auxiliary Moms. Together, they created a welcoming and supportive environment, providing baby bundles filled with essential items such as diapers, wipes, bottles, bath wash, Desitin, pacifiers, blankets, onesies, and much more. These thoughtful gifts were a testament to the community’s commitment to caring for our veteran mothers.

Our expectant mothers were treated like VIPs throughout the event.  One of the highlights was the Mind and Body Workshop, presented by Red Cross volunteer Jackie Otte. This workshop offered valuable relaxation and breathing techniques, equipping the moms with skills that will be beneficial both now and in the future.

Upon arrival, each guest received a raffle ticket, giving them a chance to win beautifully crafted diaper cakes and a variety of $25 gift cards, other miscellaneous baby items and a stroller, all generously donated by supporters. Additionally, there was a grab table featuring hand-knitted blankets and outfits, as well as a table filled with gender-specific clothing. The moms were encouraged to take anything they needed from these tables, ensuring they left with plenty of useful items for their new arrivals.

“A Very Merry Baby Shower” was more than just an event; it was a heartfelt expression of gratitude and support for our women veterans. It brought together different parts of the community to celebrate and assist those who have served our country, making it a truly special day for everyone involved.

Mike’s message for Veterans Day 2024

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By Mike Parks
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard (Retired)
Chief Executive Officer, American Red Cross, Northern Ohio Region

Friends and family of the Northern Ohio Red Cross!  Next Monday, November 11th, we will recognize Veterans Day (no apostrophe because it’s not a day that “belongs” to veterans but a day for “ honoring all veterans.”)  

Mike Parks

I was recently speaking to a group of young folks and was asked what Veterans Day means to me.  As I started to answer the question, I found myself taken back to my youth and earliest memories of the first federal holiday in November.  As a young boy, I always paid attention to the days on the calendar in our kitchen that had red numbers on them—those meant NO SCHOOL!!  As a Boy Scout, it also meant those were days when I put out our American flag in its holder on the front porch. 

As I got older, I remember going with my Dad to the local American Legion Hall (Post 92) for their special Veterans Day dinner.  As was true of many men of his generation, my Dad, a West Point graduate, Korean War veteran and Purple Heart recipient, rarely spoke of his time in the Army.  Admittedly, I was too foolish back then to really engage him and ask about his service and sacrifices for our country.  At those dinners, I got to listen to other men, wearing their iconic American Legion “garrison caps” adorned with writing and ribbons, tell stories of their exploits while wearing the cloth of our nation.  I gained meaningful insight into what I imagined my Dad experienced and developed a much greater appreciation for veterans.  How I wish I could have just one more conversation with my Dad about his time in the Army so I could also thank him for putting his life on the line so I could live the with the freedoms I so often take for granted. 

If we’re fortunate to still have family and/or friends that are veterans, I encourage us all to recognize the valor, courage, and sacrifice of these patriots, as well as their families that have given so much.  If appropriate, I urge us all to engage these veterans about their service—while they’re still with us.  In the words of former President Ronald Reagan, “Freedom is never more than a generation away from extinction.  We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream.  It must be fought for, protected, and handed on to them to do the same.”   Let us commit to always remember and honor the contributions made by our nation’s veterans, not just on November 11th, but each and every day of the year.   

Best regards…Mike

Editor’s note: Mike was recognized earlier this year by Cleveland Kindland with a Leadership Award. See photos from the event, held at Cleveland City Hall here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/redcrossneo/albums/72177720321775256

Red Crossers: Humanitarians every day and everywhere

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Recognizing Red Cross heroes on World Humanitarian Day

By EILENE E. GUY, American Red Cross volunteer

What is a humanitarian?

According to the dictionary, a humanitarian is someone “involved with improving people’s lives and reducing suffering.”

So, on this World Humanitarian Day, I’m lifting up the American Red Cross for being one of the foremost humanitarian organizations in the world. And saluting its roughly 285,000 volunteers and paid staff for being humanitarians of the first order.

The Red Cross mission statement is to “prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.”

Damage done by recent tornadoes in Greater Cleveland and Red Cross responders

Maybe you recognize the iconic red vests on responders at natural disasters – everything from biggies like hurricanes and wildfires, to smaller, localized disasters like the tornadoes, power outages and flooding that hit the Cleveland area this month. Nearly 200 individuals received financial assistance to cover emergency needs in the aftermath of those storms. Some of the Red Crossers were without power in their own homes, but they answered the call to “reduce suffering. ”Or how about manmade disasters, such as bridge collapses, mass casualty events and plane crashes? (Remember the Red Crossers in the movie “Sully,” with blankets and hot drinks for passengers from the airliner that landed on the Hudson River? Those weren’t actors!)

For more than 80 years, the Red Cross has been collecting blood to “reduce suffering.” It began during World War II, first for English war victims and then for our military on the battlefields of Europe, Africa and the Pacific. To this day, paid Red Cross staff (such as phlebotomists and quality assurance lab techs) as well as volunteer donor ambassadors and transportation specialists work to ensure about 40% of the nation’s blood supply for trauma victims, surgery patients and folks who need treatment for cancer, sickle cell disease and other conditions.

Did I mention “improving people’s lives?” The Red Cross trains lifeguards and babysitters; teaches first aid skills and how to save lives with CPR and an AED; and prepares children and their families to cope with sudden emergencies. It’s installed more than 2.5 million free smoke alarms to make households safer from the most common cause of disasters in our country: home fires.

The Red Cross commitment to the American armed forces goes back to our founder, Clara Barton, who earned the nickname “Angel of the Battlefield” for her compassionate service during the American Civil War as well as the Franco-Prussian War in Europe and in Cuba during the Spanish-American War. Every day, the Red Cross provides some 1,400 emergency communications and critical community services to members of the military, veterans and their families at home and abroad.

Speaking of abroad, the American Red Cross is a partner with national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies in 191 countries, where we share expertise and guidance in disaster and crisis response and recovery; disease prevention and control; and environmental resilience. Our Red Cross is active in the global Restoring Family Links program that helps people separated by conflict or disaster reconnect with their loved ones. (I know: We helped a teenage Haitian adoptee in Berlin Heights find his half-sister who had been adopted in France. Small world!)

Today, every Red Crosser can be proud to call herself/himself a “world humanitarian.” If you’d like to explore volunteer opportunities on this team, please visit NEOvolunteer@redcross.org or call 216-431-3328.

Edited by Glenda Bogar, American Red Cross volunteer

Regional Specialist Bagdad Bound

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By Mary Falconer-Williams, American Red Cross volunteer

Since 1898, when Clara Barton sailed to Cuba with supplies for those affected by the Spanish-American War, the American Red Cross and the United States Armed Forces have maintained a unique relationship.

Service to the Armed Forces Program Specialist Nasir Ahmad

Today, that relationship takes the form of one special position, the Service to the Armed Forces Program Specialist—a position which, in Northern Ohio, is held by Nasir Ahmad.

“Nasir has been an invaluable member of the Service to Armed Forces/International Services team in Northern Ohio,” wrote Dr. Alaina Foster, Regional Program Manager for the department. “I’m glad he will have the opportunity to share his passion for connecting service members to the many resources offered through the Red Cross, during his deployment.”

This specialist position was created to assist in the delivery of Red Cross programs and services, in order to meet the needs of military members, veterans, and their families while focusing on supporting the delivery of International Services including:

● International Humanitarian Law
● Youth Action Campaign
● Restoring Family Links

Additionally, Nasir is part of a special workforce required to deploy on short-term assignments. Which means, he is headed to Bagdad, Iraq for six months! During his deployment, he will focus on ensuring Training Services programs like First Aid and CPR are supported and promoted in the jurisdiction, and assist in maintaining a positive and mutually beneficial relationship with local Armed Forces Blood Service Programs.

Nasir Ahmad and Alaina Foster

“I couldn’t be prouder of Nasir as he deploys overseas to provide members of our Armed Forces Red Cross services,” stated Mike Parks, Regional CEO. “As a retired veteran himself, Nasir knows firsthand the value of the support provided by the dedicated members of the Red Cross Service to Armed Forces deployed staff and volunteers. I join our entire Northern Ohio Region in thanking Nasir for his deployment and wishing him a safe return!”

Nasir was born and raised in Cleveland. Shortly after graduating high school, he joined the Air Force where he worked as an aircraft mechanic (Crew Chief), first on the C-130 cargo plane and then on the B-1 bomber. Nasir retired after 21 years of active-duty service and returned home where he attended Cleveland State University and graduated with a business degree.

“The Red Cross was a great fit. In Service to the Armed Forces, the Red Cross’ oldest line of service, I’m able to help veterans in Northern Ohio and stay connected to the military community,” said Nasir. “And now…I’m on my way to Baghdad!”

See more photos from the send-off for Nasir here.

Posted by Ryan Lang, Red Cross board member and volunteer

Military Veteran Moms-to-be get support from Red Cross Tiffany Circle women

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By Jill Patterson, American Red Cross Senior Regional Philanthropy Officer

The Northern Ohio Tiffany Circle Women’s leadership society recently partnered with American Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces to create baby bundles to be donated at two baby showers for women veterans.  The Red Cross was invited by the Veterans Administration to partner with them at their bi-annual drive-through baby shower.  35 expecting mothers were identified by the VA as recipients of the donated items. 

The Tiffany Circle encouraged members, friends, family and Red Cross staff to help purchase baby items from our identified Amazon list.  The group met in Akron on June 6 to assemble the baby bundles and on Saturday, June 8th they volunteered at both the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center and Akron VA Clinic to distribute the gifts to the expecting mothers.  The mothers-to-be were overjoyed by the support; most were expecting their first child.

Volunteers from the American Legion and the Blue Star Moms joined the event and had donated bags filled with diapers and wipes along with backpacks filled with additional baby items.  The event is held twice a year and we look forward to helping again this fall! 

If you would like to join us in supporting this effort, please visit our Amazon link  to purchase items for the fall showers, date TBD.  Items will be delivered to the Greater Akron & the Mahoning Valley Chapter. 

Learn more about the Tiffany Circle here.

See more photos here.

To learn more about the Red Cross and our mission work, visit redcross.org/noh

National Volunteer Week Profile: Mike Falatach

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By Christy Peters, Regional Communications Manager

“I love dogs and I love people.” Knowing this about American Red Cross volunteer Mike Falatach, it’s no wonder he’s the volunteer leader for the Red Cross Animal Visitation Program (AVP) in Northern Ohio. Part of Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces, animal visitation teams support military members and their families across the United States and overseas. In Northern Ohio, Mike works with nearly 40 volunteers and their animals, coordinating visits to the Louis Stokes VA Medical Center in Cleveland and National Guard bases across the region.

 American Red Cross Animal Visitation Program volunteer lead Mike Falatach with his therapy dog Macee.

Mike currently has two Great Pyrenees therapy dogs, Macee, who will be 9 in June and Rosie who is 5. In addition to his role at the Red Cross, Mike is certified to evaluate dogs through Bright & Beautiful Therapy Dog Inc. guidelines which is an approved Therapy Dog program by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Mike is also an AKC Temperament Jude and Canine Good Citizen evaluator.

According to the AKC, “therapy dogs and their owners work together as a team to improve the lives of others.” Training to become a therapy dog is no simple task. Dogs must learn to ignore food that’s nearby, how to stay calm amid beeping medical equipment and be with lots of other dogs without turning the event into a playdate.

Rosie is a 5 year-old Great Pyrenees and one of Mike Falatach’s two therapy dogs

“We look for dogs with personality. They wag their tail or cock their head,” Mike said. “A dog that loves to visit with people and gets excited to do so is important because many of our events have lots of people.”

For many military members, seeing a Red Cross therapy dog is an important reminder of home when they are away training. Mike recalls being at Camp Perry in Port Clinton, Ohio for a leadership academy. He said officers came in and sat on the floor with the dogs, crying. “They told us about their dogs, how they missed them,” said Mike. “In the midst of that intense training, the dogs gave them much-needed comfort.”

Rosie ready to visit the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center

Mike is always amazed at how a visit from a Red Cross therapy dog can break down barriers with patients. “The dogs take their mind off their pain and what they are going through,” he said. He’s visited individuals who are unable to speak but as soon as they see the dog they smile. Some patients are in the middle of painful medical procedures during a visit, but they perk up and immediately want to pet the dogs when they arrive.

“Macee and I visited a rehabilitation hospital, and a patient was struggling to finish their walk,” said Mike. “The nurse said, ‘If Macee walks with you, can you walk more?’ and the person did. They don’t want to disappoint the dog.”

Rosie visits with a service member as part of the Red Cross Northern Ohio Animal Visitation Program

Mike said being part of an animal visitation program with a national organization like the Red Cross means a lot to his volunteers. There’s a limited number of years for a dog to do therapy work, so any chance volunteers have is exciting for them. “They are eager to participate, they want to share their animals with people,” he said. “The people we meet enjoy it and are so appreciative and that means so much to us.”

The Red Cross is grateful to Mike and his entire team for the important work they are doing to serve military members and their families. You can learn more about Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces here.

Posted by Ryan Lang, Red Cross board member and volunteer

Wreaths Across America – honoring veterans at Toledo Memorial Park Cemetery

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By Ryan Lang, American Red Cross board member and volunteer

Photo credit Kathryn Dean, Red Cross volunteer

This past weekend, the American Red Cross of Northern Ohio assisted with the national program Wreaths Across America at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Seville and Toledo Memorial Park Cemetery and Mausoleum in Sylvania, Ohio.

The annual program remembers and honors our fallen heroes at national cemeteries across the country by placing wreaths on veteran headstones on a certain day in December. The program’s been around since 2007, about 15 years after the first wreaths were donated to honor veterans buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Not long after, others showed interest in expanding the effort throughout the country.

Red Cross volunteer Nasir laying a wreath – Photo Credit Dawn Henderson

Volunteers from the Red Cross were providing material support for the services Saturday afternoon, along with the Boy Scouts of America. The mild weather helped boost the turnout for attendees and for volunteers.

Chad Holeko, Commander with the 180th Fighter Wing of the Ohio Air National Guard was this year’s keynote speaker. He invoked President John F. Kennedy during his speech, noting that it is not the words we choose to honor our military veterans, but the actions.

Red Cross volunteers at Wreaths Across America event in Toledo – Photo Dawn Henderson

After a brief remembrance ceremony, volunteers laid roughly 7,000 wreaths on the graves of fallen servicemen and women.

The Red Cross supports members of the military, veterans and their families in a variety of ways through our Service to the Armed Forces program. Volunteers from the Northern Ohio Region have been providing support for Wreaths Across America for several years. View photos from this year’s event here.

Posted by Ryan Lang, Red Cross board member and volunteer