By Jim McIntyre, American Red Cross volunteer
“A shared commitment to a greater purpose may just be the most significant advantage veterans bring to the American Red Cross…” – Mike Parks, RADM, USCG (Retired), Regional CEO, American Red Cross of Northern Ohio.
There were nearly 16 million veterans of the armed forces living in the U.S. in 2023, according to usafacts.org. Nearly 3% were unemployed, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. To raise awareness of veterans in need of job placement and to show the challenges of transitioning from the military to civilian workforce, July 25th has been named National Hire a Veteran Day.
“Veterans bring unmatched dedication, discipline, and leadership to the workplace – skills forged through service and mission-focused training,” according to Dr. Alaina Foster, Regional Program Director for Service to the Armed Forces and International Services at the Red Cross of Northern Ohio. “Hiring a veteran means gaining a teammate who thrives under pressure, adapts quickly, and leads with integrity.”
Foster is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, and comes from a military family. On her team is Nasir Ahmad, also a retired Air Force veteran who recently completed an assignment for the Red Cross that took him to Iraq, where he provided Red Cross services for members of the U.S. military on a base in Baghdad. He said being a veteran gave him a shared connection with members of the military in need of Red Cross services.
“When people say, ‘thank you for your service,’ it’s appreciated and great to hear, but organizations like the Red Cross put those words into action by making a deliberate effort to hire veterans,” Nasir said, adding, “These organizations welcome people who know how to work on a team and put their own vision and ambitions second to the overall success of the company. Firms that are willing to hire veterans gain people that are able to thrive in structured settings as well as adapt to free-flowing projects and events.”
CEO Mike Parks, who calls the Red Cross “the world’s premier humanitarian organization,” said hiring veterans fits in well with the Red Cross ethos.
Rear Admiral, United States Coast Guard (Retired)
“I’m fond of saying ‘The Red Cross is all about caring.’ Most successful veterans largely became successful by caring. Sacrificial giving and servant leadership are both hallmarks of veterans who have found a home in the Red Cross after they’ve served their country in uniform.”
Mike found a home at the Red Cross, leading the Northern Ohio Region since 2015, following a lengthy career with the U.S. Coast Guard. Nasir has called the Red Cross home since 2023.
“I was unsure what to expect from the Red Cross, but the Northern Ohio team showed me that there’s still a place where I could serve. And I’m grateful for it. Maybe that’s all any of us veterans want — a place to still be of service.”
Veterans excel in every sector of the employment market, but there are numerous job opportunities at the Red Cross, where the experience of having served in the armed forces can add extra value. See current job opportunities here. And tap here to learn more about how the Red Cross supports military members, veterans and their families.
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