Tag Archives: Military

Veterans Day message from CEO Mike Parks

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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!  

Hiring military veterans works for the Red Cross

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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.  

Mike Parks,  Regional CEO, American Red Cross of Northern Ohio
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.

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.

Red Cross needs professionals to aid service members, veterans and their families

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By Eilene E. Guy, American Red Cross volunteer

Everyone knows (or should know!) that the American Red Cross excels at recruiting volunteers for a variety of important activities: giving blood; offering shelter, food and support for disaster victims; teaching swimming and lifesaving; responding with first aid and CPR/AED.

May 2, 2024. Lawton, Oklahoma. The American Red Cross provides comfort kits to all new recruits soon after their arrival at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma. Often, Red Cross volunteers are the first faces new service members see after they take their Oath of Enlistment and the last before they say goodbye to their families prior to deployment. A Red Crosser will be there to share how the Red Cross can support military members and their families through the Hero Care Network and other programs. Photo by Scott Dalton/American Red Cross

Did you know we also recruit licensed behavioral health professionals to help members of our armed forces and their families deal with the challenges of deployment and life on the home front?

The Red Cross Resiliency Program is a suite of free activities, virtual workshops and small-group discussions that focus on skill-building and stress-management techniques. Facilitators get special training from the Red Cross on military life and culture.

Dr. Alaina Foster, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, manages Service to the Armed Forces and International Services for the Northern Ohio Region. She’s impressed with programs that build on the resiliency veterans already have.

“I recently attended a Mind/Body workshop that taught me helpful breathing techniques I can use without anyone noticing. I’m glad I was able to participate!”

The Resiliency Program focuses on three areas:

  • Coping with Deployments: A Psychological First Aid Course – Facilitator-led instruction, role play and group discussion for adult family members of service members facing upcoming deployment, current deployment and/or recent deployment.
  • Adult Reconnection Workshops – Support for service members, veterans and their families to effectively cope with the challenges related to the transitions within military life through hands- on interactive activities. Topics include stress solutions, trauma talk, emotional grit, and tools for the caregivers of wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans.
  • Child Reconnection Workshops – Providing developmentally appropriate evidenced based strategies to help military children navigate the challenges of transitions within military life.

Obviously, the quality of these programs depends on skilled facilitators. Our military members, veterans and their families deserve trained professionals.

Debra Kellar, who specializes in volunteer engagement for the Red Cross in northern Ohio, is eager to recruit more facilitators.

“Volunteers who have careers as licensed behavioral health professionals are an asset to the Red Cross workforce. Their specialized training allows us to connect with active military members and their families through workshops that are tailored to the unique experiences/culture of this audience.”

If you’re a licensed behavioral health professional who feels called to help our men and women in uniform, and their families, build reconnection and resiliency skills, please email NEOvolunteer@redcross.org or call 216-431-3328.

Edited by Glenda Bogar, Red Cross volunteer

Posted by Ryan Lang, Red Cross board member and volunteer

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

Pre-deployment training complete: Nasir is underway

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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.”

Previous article: https://nohredcross.org/2024/07/12/regional-specialist-bagdad-bound/

Posted by Ryan Lang, Red Cross board member and volunteer

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

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

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