Annually, on November 11th, our nation recognizes Veterans Day, when we honor all those men and women who served in the Armed Forces. I was recently asked the difference between various holidays that honor the military, so I thought I’d share a few thoughts.
Mike Parks, Rear Admiral, United States Coast Guard (Retired), Regional CEO, American Red Cross of Northern Ohio
Armed Forces Day: Celebrated on the third Saturday in May and honors all those currently serving in the Armed Forces.
Memorial Day: Celebrated the last Monday in May and honors all those who lost their lives during military service to our nation. Note: Since this holiday is about commemorating those that have died, it’s not appropriate to wish someone a “Happy Memorial Day.”
Veterans Day: Celebrated the 11th of November and honors all those who have served in the Armed Forces.
I’ve seen it explained this way: Armed Forces Day honors everyone in uniform. Veterans Day honors everyone who wore the uniform. Memorial Day honors those who never had the chance to get out of the uniform.
Although these three significant holidays differ in their recognition, the one thing they most definitely have in common is they all honor the concept of sacrifice. Whether a current Service member, or someone who has previously served, or those that paid the ultimate price—they all sacrificed, or are sacrificing, for their fellow man. That’s what so special about their sacrifice—it’s forgoing something of value to them–often their own freedom of choice as they serve, deploy, and put themselves in harm’s way. Their collective sacrifice is why we have the freedoms we enjoy, and regrettably, often take for granted, today.
Veterans Day (yes—there’s no apostrophe because it honors all Veterans and doesn’t “belong” to them) began as Armistice Day on November 11, 1919, to commemorate the end of World War I. Although it became a legal holiday in 1938 to honor WWI veterans, in 1954 the name was changed to Veterans Day to honor all American veterans who served.
Even though we should never wait to do so, let us not miss the opportunity to fly our American flags, say the Pledge of Allegiance, sing our National Anthem, and recognize a veteran next Tuesday on Veterans Day. It’s the least we can do to honor their sacrifice. Thank you Veterans and God Bless the United States of America!
September is National Preparedness Month, and the American Red Cross Northern Ohio Region is urging everyone to protect their loved ones and their homes by getting ready now.
Most people may not realize it, but the nation’s number one disaster is home fires. On average, the Northern Ohio Region responds to 3 home fires every 24 hours. Last fiscal year, the Red Cross responded to over 1,000 home fires in the region, issuing more than $1.1 million in direct financial assistance to impacted residents. Help your family prepare by testing your smoke alarms each month and practicing your escape.
Red Cross volunteers installing a smoke alarm inside a home in Cleveland.
“National Preparedness Month is a great time to ask whether your family would be ready if something unexpected happened tomorrow,” said Mike Parks, Regional CEO, Red Cross of Northern Ohio. “It’s not about being scared; it’s about being smart and looking out for the people you love. Taking a few simple steps now so that you have a plan can make all the difference when it matters most.”
HOW TO GET READY Disasters don’t wait for the “right time” — they can happen in the middle of the night, during your commute or while your kids are at school. Protect your family by making a plan to stay safe, gathering important supplies and knowing how you’ll stay connected by taking these steps:
Depending on the emergency, you may need to stay where you are or go somewhere else to stay safe. If you may need to leave, think about where you’ll go, how you’ll get there, where you’ll stay and what you’ll take with you. Plan well in advance if you’ll need help leaving or use public transportation.
Next, gather and organize critical supplies — like food, water and medicine — into a go-kit and a stay-at-home kit. Make sure to include backup batteries and chargers for your devices (cell phone, CPAP, wheelchair, etc.), a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, and critical personal records.
Your go-kit should include three days of supplies that you can take with you. Your stay-at-home kit should have two weeks of food and water, and a one-month supply of medications, if possible.
Customize your kit to meet your household’s specific needs. If you have young children, don’t forget formula and diapers. If you have pets, include leashes, carriers, food, bowls, litter and a litterbox.
Finally, make a plan to reconnect with loved ones if you are separated or if the phone or internet is down. Write down important phone numbers on a contact card and carry it with you.
Download the free Red Cross Emergency app for weather alerts, safety steps for different emergencies and expert advice in both English and Spanish. Don’t forget to sign up for local government emergency alerts to get critical local information — like evacuation notices — during an emergency.
“Whether it’s a fire in someone’s home or a storm that destroys an entire town, disasters can happen anywhere, at any time,” Parks said. “Taking a few minutes now to get ready will help you protect your loved ones if the worst happens.”
Honoring members of our community, our military, and first responders who stepped up when someone else needed them to.
By Ryan Lang, American Red Cross
Thursday, June 5, the American Red Cross of Northern Ohio celebrated the 2025 Northeast Ohio Hero Awards at the Cleveland Marriot Downtown. It was a wonderful morning spent honoring everyday heroes who stepped up to do extraordinary things and, in some cases, save lives.
This year’s event featured 15 heroes whose stories you can read below:
Christi Paul, Izzy Abdallah, Mike Parks
Izzat “Izzy” Abdallah (Cuyahoga County): Twinsburg Firefighter Izzy Abdallah saved the life of a motorist who had a medical emergency and crashed into his car. Off duty at the time, Abdallah discovered the driver in cardiac arrest and immediately started CPR, directing his neighbor to call 911. Thanks to his quick actions, the patient regained a pulse and was taken to the hospital, later released in stable condition. Watch Izzy’s story here.
Dorian Pace and wife
Dorian Pace (Cuyahoga County): School bus driver Dorian Pace saved students from a burning bus in Cleveland Heights. After hearing loud booms and seeing smoke and flames, Pace swiftly evacuated the students, ensuring their safety moments before the bus was engulfed in flames. His quick thinking and selfless actions earned him recognition from the city and Governor Mike DeWine. Watch Dorian’s story here.
Christi Paul, Ralph Gamber, Megan Dwyer, Meredith Homerick, Mike Parks
Meredith Homerick, Meggan Dwyer, Janel Micsky, Ralph Gamber, Shaun Laubis, Jessica Pressley (Lake County): These everyday heroes saved a man from a burning car on Interstate 90. Witnessing the accident, they quickly dragged the driver away from the fire, provided medical assistance, and ensured his safety until emergency services arrived. Their selfless actions prevented a potentially tragic outcome. Watch this heroic story here.
Christi Paul, Matthew Certain, Mike Parks
Matthew Certain (Lake County): Uber driver Matthew Certain rescued an elderly woman from a house fire in Mentor. Noticing flames coming from a garage, he parked his car and alerted the resident, ensuring her safe escape. His timely intervention likely prevented a tragic outcome, and he stayed with the woman until emergency services arrived. Watch Matthew’s story here.
BM2 Luke A. Finnel, MK3 Hector Salcedo Jr., BM3 T. Dylan W. Thompson, BM1 Adam R. Chinski
BM1 Adam R. Chinski, BM3 T. Dylan W. Thompson, BM2 Luke A. Finnel, MK3 Hector Salcedo Jr. (Lake Erie off Avon Point): Coast Guard members conducted a daring rescue in 8-foot seas on Lake Erie. They safely transported the master of a disabled sailing vessel caught in severe thunderstorms, ensuring his safety and planning to recover the vessel once weather conditions improved. Watch our Coast Guard story here.
Blood Hero Award Winners 2025
Harlan Diamond
Harlan Diamond, of blessed memory | 1934-2025 (Cuyahoga County): Harlan Diamond was a significant supporter of the Red Cross, hosting large annual blood drives at his venue, Landerhaven. His dedication to supporting the Red Cross included providing food and facilities for donors and staff, and his legacy continues to be honored posthumously.
Paul Wadowick
Paul Wadowick (Ashtabula County): Paul Wadowick, a long-time volunteer and blood donor ambassador, continues to champion blood donation while battling cancer. He has been instrumental in running successful blood drives through his Knights of Columbus role in Geneva, encouraging new donors with his story and dedication. Watch Paul’s story here.
Additionally, the Red Cross presented the 2025 Clara Barton Mission Award to Linda Uveges and the inaugural Lorainne Dodero Community Leader Award to Higley Construction. Read their stories below:
Christi Paul, Linda Uveges, Mike Parks
Linda Uveges, Chief Executive Officer of The City Mission has dedicated her life and career to serving Christ by loving and advocating for those who are hurting and underserved. She believes that every person is made in the image of God and is passionate about extending His love to men, women, and children experiencing homelessness in Cleveland. More than just leadership, her work is a calling—to bring hope, restoration, and the truth of the gospel to those in need.
Her journey with The City Mission began in 2003 as a volunteer, simply seeking to serve as Christ calls His people to do. That step of obedience grew into a lifelong mission, and she officially joined the staff in 2005. Over the years, she has had the privilege of serving in multiple roles, including Security Staff Supervisor, Laura’s Home Program Manager, and Chief Operating Officer. In 2021, she became CEO, where she now leads with a commitment to honoring Christ in all aspects of the Mission’s work, stewarding resources well, and ensuring that every person who walks through the doors encounters His love and grace.
Linda holds a Bachelor of Arts in Nonprofit Administration and Master of Arts in Nonprofit Administration and Leadership from Cleveland State University, equipping her with the strategic and organizational expertise to lead with wisdom and purpose.
She is a graduate of Leadership Cleveland, and the recipient of various awards including the 2023 Northeast Ohio Smart 50 Top Executive Award, 2023 Crain’s Smart 50 Awards Class Honoree, 2023 Smart 50 Impact Award, 2022 Smart Women Awards Honoree, and 2021 Medical Mutual Pillar Award for Nonprofit Executive of the Year.
ABOUT THE CITY MISSION
Serving Cleveland since 1910, The City Mission has provided vital resources to those who need it most. The City Mission actively meets the needs of those experiencing homelessness and goes even further by supplying resources, support programs, and mental health services to take a family in crisis to one with hope and a brighter future.
Crossroads Men’s Crisis Center and Laura’s Home Women’s Crisis Center go beyond a place to sleep and three meals a day. When a man, woman or child in crisis enters their doors, each receives an entire support system. With individualized, Christ-centered, compassionate care to heal from trauma, identify the root causes that led them to poverty, and access to supportive and educational resources, men and women who graduate from these programs achieve stable income and housing, thus breaking the cycle of poverty for their families.
By compassionately restoring individuals in crisis, The City Mission strives to be a catalyst for positive change in Cleveland resulting in the radical transformation of individuals and communities for generations to come.
Since its founding 100 years ago by Albert M. Higley, Sr., Higley Construction has built a legacy of excellence. Established in 1925, Higley Construction quickly gained recognition in the industry, completing significant science and research facilities for institutions like the Case School of Applied Science and Hiram College. By the 1930s, the company expanded beyond Ohio, undertaking projects from Buffalo to Indianapolis. During World War II, Higley Construction played a pivotal role in the war effort, constructing key defense projects, including the region’s largest wartime facility for Cleveland Pneumatic Aerol and the U.S. Coast Guard Cleveland Station. Today, Higley Construction operates from offices in Cleveland, OH; Akron, OH; Detroit, MI; Pittsburgh, PA; and Morristown, NJ.
Higley Construction’s legacy extends beyond construction through a deep-rooted commitment to philanthropy. Founder Albert M. Higley, Sr. was an active leader in Cleveland’s civic and business community, serving on various boards such as the Cleveland Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Cleveland Chapter of the American Red Cross. His son, Albert M. Higley, Jr., carried this tradition forward, leading the company from 1967 and alongside his wife Beverly, established the Higley Fund in 1994 to support local organizations. A third generation of Higley leadership, Bruce Higley, was instrumental in shaping the company’s modern era, all while upholding the long standing Higley family commitment to community engagement.
Today, the Higley family’s philanthropic legacy continues through Sharon Higley Watts, a member of the Red Cross Tiffany Circle, and the Higley Fund. The family foundation is a Chairman’s Council member, recognizing their significant contributions of over $1,000,000 in cumulative giving. Separately, Higley Construction remains committed to supporting community initiatives, including the Red Cross Cup and the Hero Awards, with leadership from Executive Vice President Dan Sehlhorst.
By Mike Parks, Rear Admiral (Retired) U.S. Coast Guard Regional CEO American Red Cross of Northern Ohio
Cynthia and Mike Parks
Friends and family of the American Red Cross of Northern Ohio—greetings!!! This week our nation will celebrate Thanksgiving Day. Throughout the years, Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays—family & friends, food & football, feasting & fellowship–what’s not to like (especially if you’re alliterative)??
As I’ve enjoyed more Thanksgivings over the years, I’ve come to truly appreciate the real meaning of this national holiday filled with so many traditions—that is giving thanks and sharing gratitude!! We have so much to for which to be grateful!!
I hope everyone can take some time during this holiday week to reflect on our blessings and share our gratitude. Every day so many people rely on the support and services provided by the American Red Cross. For those who will be continuing to serve our communities over the holiday—thank you for your sacrifice!!
So, wherever this Thanksgiving holiday finds you, please know I’m grateful for you! I wish you and your loved ones a most wonderfully memorable and Happy Thanksgiving!! Please stay safe and well—enjoy this special time!! Best wishes… Mike
Posted by Ryan Lang, Red Cross board member and volunteer
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.
By Mike Parks, Regional CEO, American Red Cross of Northern Ohio
Last Thursday, on the 25th of July, I travelled to Camp Atterbury in Indiana, to participate in the sendoff for Team 55. Team 55 is a group of 21 Red Crossers from around the United States who are deploying to military bases around the globe to help support United States service members who are stationed overseas.
Trevor Riggen, Nasir Ahmad, and Mike Parks
Our own Nasir Ahmad, Northern Ohio’s first Service to Armed Forces Mobile Specialist, is a member of Team 55. The sendoff was the end of a pre-deployment training period that helped prepare the team members for their assignments. Both Trevor Riggen, President of Humanitarian Services, and Michael Jordan, Vice President of SAF/International Services US Field Operations, travelled to Indiana to address the team—thanking them for their sacrifice and willingness to support our deployed service members. They each shared personal stories of their time in the Peace Corps (Trevor) and deployments as a U.S. Marine (Michael) and the vital role the Red Cross played in their lives.
Michael Jordan addresses deploying SAF Specialists
I had the privilege of joining Nasir and his teammates at a barbeque lunch that was supported by volunteers from the Indiana Region. It was great to spend some quality time with Nasir prior to his departure. I was also able to personally express the well- wishes of his Northern Ohio colleagues, many of whom were gathered in Cleveland for an all-staff meeting at the same time as the sendoff.
Deploying SAF Specialists
My personal highlight of the trip to Camp Atterbury was to see how prepared Nasir is for his deployment and how appreciative he is for the support of his colleagues in Northern Ohio. As Nasir heads to Baghdad, Iraq to support our service members, I’m confident he’ll bring them the same degree of joy and comfort he’s been able to bring all of us over the past year. He’ll be in our thoughts and prayers as we look forward to his return in six months!
Nasir Ahmad at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, July 28, 2024
Editor’s note: Early Monday morning, July 29 th , Nasir emailed this photo and quote: “I’m at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. Our fellow Red Crossers here are great and the volunteers are extraordinarily committed. But I’ll be leaving here soon and arriving at my deployment site so, hopefully, my next email to you will be from Baghdad, Iraq.”
CLEVELAND, April 16, 2024 When John Gareis began his career with the American Red Cross, there were elevator operators in the building that housed the offices in Cleveland. Blood collected from donors was stored in glass bottles – not the plastic pouches used today. “And there were no electronics,” John said, pointing to an old typewriter on display in the lobby of the current Red Cross offices in Cleveland.
John Gareis and wife Emily at a Red Cross fundraiser
If the computer systems that exist today were common then, John may not have been hired.
“I saw a notice posted on a job board at CSU (Cleveland State University),” John said. He was studying business management at the time and needed a part-time job. “They asked me if I had good handwriting. I said, ‘I guess so,’ and I got the job.”
48 years later, John is retiring from the Red Cross, following a storied career that began in the records department, where he was tasked with writing blood donor information by hand.
Lt. Mike Norman, left, and Chief Anthony Luke of the Cleveland Division of Fire recently presented John with a plaque and a badge as an honorary officer
“It was only supposed to last a couple of weeks,” he said with a wry grin.
“I met John in December 1986,” said Darlene Morris, the current manufacturing director at the blood laboratory in Cleveland. “I had started at Red Cross the month prior, and he was hosting our Christmas party.! He had a great sense of humor and was fun to be around.”
John eventually transferred from Biomedical Services to Humanitarian Services and led the Wayne County chapter headquartered in Wooster. “Whenever there were any disasters or fires, John was always there to help,” said Greg Long, who served as the chapter chairman of the board. “He always had whatever was needed to assist the families and first responders.”
Greg said John worked hard to create and develop the Festival of Trees, a legacy fundraising event. And he worked with John to help build a new chapter headquarters building in downtown Wooster. “John put together a blue-ribbon campaign committee and we raised the money, 1.8 million dollars, and built the new chapter house.” Construction was completed in 2008.
John Gareis providing instructions at a Sound the Alarm event
John has weathered many changes in structure and operation at the Red Cross and is ending his career as the regional preparedness manager. Renee Palagyi, who worked closely with John for several years at regional headquarters in Cleveland, first met John in 2006, when she was a Red Cross volunteer in Ashtabula County. She served on a committee focused on disaster preparedness and response. “I was immediately struck by the wide base of knowledge John had, not just in disaster but in overall chapter function, fundraising, Service to the Armed Forces, and so much more,” she said. “Such an easy-going guy who was willing to share what he knew with the entire group.”
Arguably, John’s most significant contribution to the Red Cross involves the development of Operation Save-a-Life, an initiative to make homes and families safer with free smoke alarms. It began in 1992 in partnership with the Cleveland Division of Fire and served as a model for the national Home Fire Campaign, a highly successful initiative that is credited with saving more than 2,000 lives since being introduced nationwide in 2014.
“The success of the life-saving smoke alarm program is truly a credit to John and his desire to get it done,” said Renee. “For so many years our region was the gold standard in this program and that must be credited to John, who didn’t just lead it; he was out there installing alarms, teaching families how to be safe and pulling together incredible teams across the region for large scale installations.”
John Gareis at WKYC demonstrating the importance of building a preparedness kit
John is quick to note he wasn’t involved with the creation of the smoke alarm program, but he speaks of it with pride. “We started it. It went national because of the work done by our staff, our volunteers and our partners to make it such a success,” he said. “We wear that as a badge of honor, and we continue to be a national leader every day.”
Regional CEO Mike Parks also shared his high praise for John.
“John’s contribution to the American Red Cross over the past five decades cannot be overstated. His knowledge and expertise, especially when it comes to preparing communities and families for potential disasters, has resulted in a more resilient Northern Ohio,” he said. “His inspiring leadership of the Home Fire Campaign has created safer homes, families, and communities. Thanks to his tireless efforts, the Northern Ohio Region continues to set an example for the rest of the country when it comes to smoke alarm installations and homes made safer.”
Regional CEO Mike Parks recognized John’s contributions at the 30th anniversary celebration of the smoke alarm program
His retirement is not the end of John Gareis’ Red Cross career; he plans to continue sharing his expertise as a volunteer.
“I feel honored to have worked alongside John for the past eight years and look forward to continuing to do so as John moves into a volunteer role supporting our training team,” said Emily Probst, regional disaster officer.
Mike Parks shared a similar sentiment. “I wish John the very best in the future and am comforted in knowing he will continue to provide his valuable service to the Red Cross as a volunteer.”
Edited by Glenda Bogar, American Red Cross volunteer
Posted by Ryan Lang, American Red Cross board member and volunteer
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
Bring hope to the holidays by donating on Giving Tuesday or giving blood to help overcome the nation’s emergency blood shortage
In 2021, people in Northern Ohio and across the country faced great emergency needs as the ongoing pandemic exacerbated the challenges related to severe disasters, blood shortages and global conflict.
“Our most vulnerable neighbors are facing unique and pressing struggles when crisis strikes on top of COVID-19,” Mike Parks, Regional CEO said. “This holiday season, join us to provide help and hope in these difficult moments by making a financial donation or by giving blood or platelets.”
Visit redcross.org to make a financial donation or an appointment to give blood or platelets. Individuals can also learn about volunteer opportunities in their area and give back in honor of American Red Cross founder Clara Barton, whose 200th birthday will be commemorated on December 25.
RELENTLESS DISASTERS COMPOUND COVID-19 STRUGGLES 2021 marked one of the country’s most active years for severe weather — which battered many communities still reeling from last year’s disasters. For thousands of people in need, the Red Cross launched a new major relief effort every 11 days to provide refuge, food and care.
August 10, 2021. Chicago Park, California.
Red Cross volunteer Dave Wagner surveys damage from the River Fire on Meyer Drive in Chicago Park, California.
Photo by Scott Dalton/American Red Cross
This year, a family displaced by a disaster in the U.S. spent an average of nearly 30 days in a Red Cross-supported emergency shelter. These extended stays were largely due to a lack of savings and community housing shortages — signs that climate-driven disasters are compounding the financial hardships of the pandemic.
Tom Revolinsky and Tracy Endress travelled to the hurricane-ravaged gulf coast
65 disaster workers from Northern Ohio, most of them volunteers, helped people across the country who were impacted by disasters, including western wildfires, Hurricane Ida, Tropical Storms Fred and Henri, flooding in middle Tennessee, and the repatriation of refugees from Afghanistan in Maryland, Virginia and Wisconsin.
In Northern Ohio, Red Cross workers responded to nearly 1,200 disasters – the vast majority of them home fires. More than 1,800 families received assistance in the immediate hours and days after experiencing their darkest hours.
GLOBAL CONFLICT CREATES MASS NEEDS FOR DISPLACED FAMILIES Around the world, massive humanitarian needs emerged in 2021 for a growing number of families displaced by the overlapping challenges of conflict, COVID-19 and climate change. This year, at the request of federal government partners, Red Cross workers from Northern Ohio and across the country distributed more than 2.1 million essential items — like blankets, diapers, medicine and toys — for Afghan evacuees arriving on U.S. military bases and unaccompanied children seeking asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border.
September 1, 2021. Ramstein Air Base, Ramstein-Miesenbach, Germany. The American Red Cross is welcoming evacuees from Afghanistan at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, at the request of the Department of Defense. Red Cross team members are offering hygiene supplies, baby items, and other necessities. Photo by Emily Osment / American Red Cross
COVID-19 STRAINS BLOOD SUPPLY FOR PATIENTS To meet the increasing needs of hospital patients, the Red Cross distributed 250,000 more blood products in 2021 than last year, until the delta variant began to spread in August. The pandemic also resulted in fewer blood drives at schools and colleges, contributing to a 34% drop in new blood donors from last year — one of the largest year-to-year decreases and one that could threaten essential medical care for patients. Locally, the Northern Ohio Red Cross Region has experienced a 32% decrease in new blood donors this year.
Blood donor Ed Lewis gives at the WNCX Rock and Roll blood drive in April, 2021
As a result of low blood donor turnout in recent months, the Red Cross is heading into the holidays with its lowest blood supply in more than a decade at this time of year. Blood donations are desperately needed now to meet the needs of accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease.
All those who come to give Nov. 29-Dec.16 will automatically be entered for the chance to win a private screening for the winner and 50 of their guests of the epic new film The Matrix Resurrections. Plus, those who come to give Nov. 29-Dec. 16 will also get a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by email, thanks to Amazon.*
By Chiane Martin, American Red Cross Volunteer, Serviceto the Armed Forces
Veterans Day is a day, when as a country, we can sit back and reflect on the sacrifices made by the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces. It is a day of remembrance, gratitude and honor. As a veteran, I reflect on the personal sacrifices all veterans have made and we honor our brothers and sisters that we have lost along the way. Veterans Day is about showing homage to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. The sacrifice of leaving everything they know and love behind to fight for their country. There is an immense sense of pride that a service member feels when they put on that uniform. That pride comes from knowing that they are fighting for something bigger than themselves.
Red Cross volunteer and US Army veteran Chiane Martin
The work that I do with the American Red Cross makes me feel that sense of pride again. I am honored to provide my fellow service members and their families with the support they need during some of the most difficult and trying times in their lives. Having someone understand the challenges you’ve faced or are facing can make all the difference and I’m grateful to be given the opportunity to do just that.
There is an immense sense of pride that a service member feels when they put on that uniform. That pride comes from knowing that they are fighting for something bigger than themselves.
Chiane Martin
The Red Cross is a phenomenal organization and were helpful when I was in the military. I respect the work and dedication that I see put in by the Red Cross and couldn’t be more happy to be a part of it. Thank you to all the men and women past and present, who have made that ultimate sacrifice. Those that understood and upheld the mission of service before self. Those that took that oath and those who understand that the world is more important than themselves.
Happy Veterans Day,
Mike Parks’ Veterans Day message
By Mike Parks, Rear Admiral, US Coast Guard (retired) Regional CEO, American Red Cross of Northern Ohio
This Thursday, November 11th, we will remember Veterans Day, which evolved from Armistice Day and was first proclaimed in 1919 by President Woodrow Wilson. The term “armistice” refers to when warring parties agree to stop fighting. President Wilson’s Armistice Day recognized the end of World War One when hostilities ceased at 11 a.m. on November 11, 1918 (the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month). The United States Congress changed Armistice Day to Veterans Day in 1954 to recognize Veterans of all U.S. wars.
“In this poster, a Tomb Guard carries out his responsibilities with unwavering dedication, alone on the quiet plaza at dawn. There have been Tomb Guards of all races, genders, religion and creeds, so I wanted to keep the identity of this Tomb Guard ambiguous. By placing the Tomb Guard off to the side I hoped to remind the viewer to look past the sentinel and focus on the tomb itself and the unknown soldiers who died in service to our nation.” (Artist Matt Tavares)
This past year has been yet another year of remarkable events in our nation’s history—not the least of which was the conclusion of our military’s 20-year engagement in the war in Afghanistan—a war that saw thousands of American Veterans serve our country—many making the ultimate sacrifice or suffering debilitating injuries they will live with for the rest of their lives. We should not only remember and thank those Veterans who served in that two-decade long war, we should also recognize and thank their families and loved ones.
I’d like to highlight this last point just a bit more on this Veterans Day. Veterans past and present put themselves in harm’s way to protect our way of life; many endure severe hardships while serving our country; they sacrifice significant time with their families and loved ones during long deployments-often in far-away lands and on the high seas; and they frequently uproot themselves and their families to undertake moves of entire households—many times cross-country. All of these facets of a Veteran’s everyday life, also take a huge toll on their families and loved ones as they support their Veterans. I speak from personal experience, and feel confident I speak for other Veterans, when I state I would not have been successful without the love, support, and prayers of my family—they were, and always will be, a true blessing. Let us all make a special point this year to also remember to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to the families and loved ones of our Veterans.
In closing—I challenge all of us to not just remember our Veterans and their families on November 11th, but remember and thank them whenever the opportunity presents itself. None of our Veterans only protected our freedoms one day a year—I hope we can express our gratitude on more than one day a year as well. To all those Veterans that are reading this—“Thank you for your service!” Please also thank your families and loved ones for their support of you and their sacrifice as well! Let us never forget.
Best regards…Mike
P.S. Please also take a moment to view our Virtual Resiliency Workshops website to learn how to access these resources, which are open to anyone with a military veteran affiliation (including partners, donors, service members, spouses, friends and staff members, those 18 years and up).
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