Tag Archives: Armed Forces

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.

Four generations dedicated to serving our country and community

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Sons follow in mom’s footsteps

By Samantha Pudelski, American Red Cross volunteer

Did you know that May is National Military Appreciation Month and that the American Red Cross has been serving the military for more than 140 years? The Red Cross works with military and veteran families through its Service to the Armed Forces program, including supporting military families during deployments and emergencies, providing home comforts and critical services on military bases and assisting veterans after their service ends.

Alaina Foster, US Air Force

At the head of the Northern Ohio Region’s Service to the Armed Forces and International Services is Regional Program Director Dr. Alaina Foster. An Air Force veteran who is part of a four-generation family of U.S. service members, she understands the importance of serving those who serve our country. Her grandfather, father and husband all served in the Army, and two of her sons followed in her footsteps to serve in the Air Force. She decided to join the Air Force after high school, serving one tour as an air traffic controller and a munitions maintenance scheduler.

Richard West, US Army Veteran and Alaina’s father

Following her service, she returned back to her home in Northeast Ohio and studied to be a state-tested nursing assistant (STNA). It was during her studies as an STNA when she had her first interaction with the Red Cross, which held some of the trainings as part of the program. After completing her STNA program she went on to earn multiple degrees, the most recent being a doctorate in education from Kansas State University.

Through her schooling, she discovered a love for higher education and paired that with her military experience to serve veterans who were using higher education to transition back to civilian life. She remembers the feeling of being unsure of where her career would take her when she completed her duty and transitioned back to civilian life, and said it was an honor for her to be able to give back to her community and fellow veterans. Last year, Alaina, was presented the opportunity to join the Red Cross of Northern Ohio as the Regional Program Director for the Service to the Armed Forces and International Services.

Jacob Blade, center, with siblings Jade and Jaz

Alaina said one of her favorite aspects is working with the volunteers who are passionate about helping service members.

“They work for hours on end…the reward for them is to assist the client,” she said. “They aren’t getting any financial award or benefits other than to help another human being. That’s what the Red Cross mission is all about.”

Joshua Blade, US Air Force

There are a lot of exciting initiatives coming up that Alaina also shared. One that is near
and dear to her is the development of a workshop where she is combining her experience in higher education and what the Red Cross has to offer to support our veterans. The Service to the Armed Forces Virtual Resiliency Workshops are live, interactive virtual sessions that seek to bring together veterans to connect and learn the tools to build upon their natural resilience. Additionally, she is working with the Tiffany Circle, a community of women leaders who advance the American Red Cross mission, to host a baby shower for women veterans.

Alaina’s joy and passion for the Red Cross and serving those in the Armed Forces
shines brightly. She encourages everyone to connect with the Red Cross. “The
American Red Cross is a phenomenal organization and is here to serve anyone who
needs us.”

Posted by Ryan Lang, Red Cross board member and volunteer

Edited by Glenda Bogar, Red Cross volunteer

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

Mike’s 2023 Veterans Day message

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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 10th, we will honor the United States Marine Corps’ 248th 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 11th of November, although this year the federal holiday is observed on Friday the 10th 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

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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.”

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.”    Best regards…Mike 

With the U.S. Air Force and Red Cross, Cynthia Skidmore knows the power of being part of a team

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By Tim Poe, American Red Cross volunteer

Cynthia Skidmore climbed on a tank and felt at home. A U.S. Air Force veteran and military family member, Cynthia had recently volunteered with the American Red Cross as a member of the Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) team. While assisting at a military family picnic, she climbed the tank, saw the families, remembered the times she and her husband served when their children were young, and thought, “This is awesome!” She wanted to keep helping, to reach as many as possible, and knew the effectiveness of the Red Cross’ SAF team in assisting military service members, veterans and their families.

Cynthia Skidmore, Red Cross volunteer

After an exceptional Air Force career, Cynthia left in 2007 to focus on raising their five children while her husband, who was deployed in Saudi Arabia during 9/11, continued to serve. He retired from the Air Force in 2018 after 25 years, and her son Josh joined about the same time. Following the pandemic and her children becoming young adults, Cynthia, who has always been driven and full of purpose —“Going 90 MPH with [her] hair on fire”— found the house empty, felt lost and wanted to help others.

The Red Cross came to mind. Cynthia knew the tremendous feats a dedicated team can accomplish and the feeling of doing something bigger than oneself. She began volunteering with the Greater Akron and the Mahoning Valley chapter in 2022 and quickly made an impact.

Cynthia brings extraordinary skills and experience to the Red Cross. Having taught chemical warfare classes and focusing on disaster management while in the Air Force, she is skilled in public speaking and understands many elements of being in an armed forces family, as a veteran, spouse, mother, daughter and granddaughter.

Cynthia’s father, who recently passed away, helped inspire her sense of purpose and drive. A U.S. Navy veteran who served during Vietnam, Cynthia’s father was giving and deeply caring, often helping others, and loved Cynthia’s work with the Red Cross, both as a volunteer and blood donor. Her grandfather was also a Navy veteran. Thus, Cynthia continues her family’s tradition of giving.

In our conversation, Cynthia spoke highly of her Red Cross team and how much can be accomplished when people work together to help others. She enjoys being part of such a team and getting things done.

When asked about her favorite volunteer experiences, she said she has many. One that stood out was assisting at a deployment briefing when several volunteers brought in dogs. Cynthia, whose family has four dogs, said the service members’ children lit up upon seeing them. The dogs helped dispel fear, brought peace, normalcy and joy.

Cynthia Skidmore at a Summit County Veterans Stand Down event

Another favorite event is the Summit County Veterans Stand Down, where homeless and displaced veterans interview for jobs, receive haircuts, medical assistance, food, clothing and additional assistance. It is a tremendous help to those who have served and currently need assistance, and Cynthia is looking forward to the next one.

Cynthia also enjoys her regular volunteer work and being able to help, whether in person or being a compassionate voice on a telephone line.

For any veterans considering joining the Red Cross, Cynthia says volunteering is exceptionally rewarding and presents the opportunity to serve others in ways you never imagined. “It’s the next best thing to wearing a uniform,” she said.

For more information on the Red Cross’ Service to the Armed Forces or to volunteer, please visit this link.

Edited by Glenda Bogar, Red Cross volunteer

Posted by Ryan Lang, Red Cross board member and volunteer

Mike’s 2022 Veterans Day message

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

November 9, 2022 – Family and Friends of the Red Cross of Northern Ohio – greetings as we prepare this week to honor our nation’s Veterans on Friday, November 11th.  We do so in commemoration of World War I’s Armistice which was signed on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918.   Today there are approximately 18.5 million living Veterans in the United States.  Of the 16 plus million people who served in World War II—“America’s Greatest Generation”—only 167,284 (just over 1%) are alive today and we’re losing 180 WWII Veterans every single day.  The origins of the American Red Cross are rooted in the wartime experiences of our beloved founder Clara Barton during our nation’s horrific Civil War.  The history of the American Red Cross is replete with heart-warming stories of the American Red Cross serving those Veterans who have served our grateful nation ever since.    

It is customary on Veterans Day (there is no apostrophe) to express our thanks and appreciation to Veterans we know or that we come across on that day.  A simple “Thank you for your service.” is wholly appropriate.  Although there is some debate on this (many Veterans don’t like to be thanked because they feel they were just doing their duty), it is my personal opinion that we should not limit our expression of gratitude for Veterans to one day a year.  Veterans past and present served and continue to serve 365 days a year (and 366 every fourth year!) so it’s fitting to thank them each and every day for their selfless service and sacrifice.  If you’re a Veteran reading this—THANK YOU for your selfless service and sacrifice!!!

Speaking of sacrifice—we also celebrate Military Family Appreciation Month in November.  Frequent moves, missed holidays, birthdays and anniversaries, and periods of long separation are all par-for-the-course for military families.  I feel I can state with a high degree of certainty that the love, encouragement, sacrifice, support and prayers provided by military families has been, and continues to be, critical to the success and welfare of our entire Veteran community. 

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

It’s appropriate we recognize our Veterans and their families in the month of November—the same month we celebrate Thanksgiving—a holiday focused on counting our blessings and expressing our genuine gratitude for our rich bounty.  Coming full circle, one of our greatest blessings is the freedom we each experience here in America.  This freedom would in no way be possible without the sacrifice of all those Veterans we honor this Friday! 

Thanks again to each and every one of you for your support of Veterans and the American Red Cross of Northern Ohio!  Best regards…Mike

Volunteers share their pets to help members of the military and veterans

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By Eilene E. Guy, American Red Cross volunteer

Pet visitation has long been offered by the American Red Cross as a service to the armed forces. In the Northern Ohio Region, the pet visitation program was recently expanded.

Pre-deployment event at Youngstown Air Reserve Station

Bree, a Goldendoodle, and Shane, a Rough Collie, are trained members of the Red Cross Animal Visitation Program (AVP) here in northern Ohio. They – along with their owners, Paul and Katie Svasta of Canfield – bring comfort to members of all branches of the military who deploy from or return to the Youngstown Air Reserve Station. The dogs are also welcome at family days at the air base.

Paul and Katie Svasta with Bree and Shasta

“Bree is spot on,” Paul said. “She can identify somebody who needs her. She’ll pull me over to the person, and if that person gives me the go-ahead, she’ll lean right up next to them, for
them to pet her or hug her.

“It breaks the tension, the anxiety. That unconditional connection,” he said. “It’s rewarding, that something so simple can give so much comfort.”

Paul and Katie began acclimating Bree to therapy work five years ago, when she was a puppy, so she’s the pro of the pair. Shane got a slow start because pandemic protocols interrupted the conditioning all therapy dogs go through. “But he’s coming along,” Paul said affectionately.

The animal visitation program has been operating at the Youngstown base, which hosts the 910th Airlift Wing, for a number of years. The Svastas are part of a team of more than three dozen handlers and their dogs who attend events there.

Red Cross volunteer Kate Mazzolini and Sully

Recently, Jessica Tischler, manager of Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces in northern Ohio expanded the visitation program to send canine therapy teams into the northeast Ohio VA healthcare system, to lift the spirits of hospitalized veterans.

“We’re so grateful that our volunteers are willing to share the love these animals offer during their visits,” Jessica said. Now she’s looking to make contact with more dog owners who already have therapy experience, as the Svastas did.

The Red Cross has been training and dispatching therapy dogs into military hospitals to comfort wounded warriors and veterans undergoing treatment since shortly after World War II.

Red Cross volunteer Michael Falatach and Macee

At Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Jen O’Keefe and her Leonberger (“They were bred to look like lions.”) Digory carry on the tradition. Digory is a three-legged cancer survivor, so he’s a uniquely positive presence, especially for amputees.

“We (Digory and I) can’t fix people, but we can help lift the anxiety, the stress, for patients, their families – and for the staff,” she said. “The staff is a huge part of our job.

“For me, this is the highlight of my week,” she said. “This is how I de-stress from my job as an emergency veterinarian. I don’t often get to bring good news, but with Digory, I know we’re welcome.”

If you’d like more information about the animal visitation program or any of the other volunteer opportunities with the Red Cross, go to redcross.org/volunteer.

Posted by Ryan Lang, Red Cross volunteer

Honoring our commitment during Military Appreciation Month

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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