Tag Archives: Service to Armed Forces

Mike’s 2025 Memorial Day Message

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By Michael N. Parks, Regional CEO, American Red Cross of Northern Ohio
Rear Admiral, United States Coast Guard (Retired)

Hello friends and family of the American Red Cross of Northern Ohio!!  As we head into Memorial Day weekend, also known as the unofficial start of Summer, I’d like to highlight some of the other significant dates we recognize during the month of May which will hopefully help answer the question, “Why is May ‘Military Appreciation Month?”: 

Military Appreciation Month: Observed throughout the month of May. This month-long celebration, established in 1999, is dedicated to honoring and thanking the men and women who have served in the U.S. military.

Month of the Military Caregiver: Observed throughout the month of May, established in 2017, honors more than five million caregivers in the U.S. who support wounded, ill, and injured service members and veterans.

Victory in Europe (VE) Day: Commemorating the end of WWII in Europe on May 8, 1945.

Military Spouse Appreciation Day: The Friday in May before Mother’s Day, first recognized by President Ronald Reagan in 1984, is set aside for us to pause to recognize the military spouses who have the greatest impact on service members and our military communities.

Children of Fallen Patriots Day: Observed on May 13th (selected because it’s also the day Arlington National Cemetery was established in 1864) to show appreciation for the young people whose lives were forever changed in support of their parents’ service to our country.

Armed Forces Day: Observed annually on the third Saturday of May, designated in 1949 and established by proclamation in 1950 by President Truman, is a day to honor and recognize current active-duty service members of all six branches in the U.S. Armed Forces (the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force). 

Memorial Day: A federal holiday observed in the United States on the last Monday of May to mourn and honor American military personnel who have died in service to our country, both in peace and in war. It’s a solemn day of remembrance, reflection, and public displays of gratitude for their sacrifice. It was originally called Decoration Day established in 1868 by the Grand Army of the Republic (an organization of Union Veterans) to honor fallen soldiers of the Civil War. It was officially declared a national holiday by Congress in 1968. Congress passed the National Moment of Remembrance in 2000 to designate a time (3:00 pm local time) for quiet reflection and prayer. 

As you can see, there are many opportunities to recognize, honor, and/or celebrate members (past and present) of the Armed Forces, and their families, in the month of May. Please remember, Armed Forces Day specifically honors current, active-duty service members, while Veterans Day (November 11th) recognizes all those who have served.  Memorial Day (this coming Monday, the 26th) honors those who died in service to our country (which is why we shouldn’t wish people “Happy” Memorial Day). I’m repeatedly asked how to greet service members and veterans. I’ve found the most meaningful comment is a simple, “Thank you for your service!”  To those who have lost loved ones, “Thank you for your sacrifice,” is always appropriate. I hope we’re all able to take time this weekend to have a memorable Memorial Day.  Best regards…Mike

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

Memorial Day 2022: A message from Michael N. Parks, Regional Executive

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By Mike Parks, Regional CEO, American Red Cross of Northern Ohio, Rear Admiral, USCG (Retired)

Mike Parks, Rear Admiral, USCG (Retired)

Northern Ohio Red Cross Family: 

May is an important month for those men and women, and their families, who have chosen to serve our nation as members of the Armed Forces.   In 1999 Congress designated May as Military Appreciation Month to ensure the nation was given the chance to publicly show their appreciation for troops past and present.  Each year the President makes a proclamation reminding Americans the important role the U.S. Armed Forces have played in the history and development of the United States.  May was chosen because it has many individual days marked to note our military’s achievements including Loyalty Day (observed on May 1st and established in 1921 by Congress as “a special day for the reaffirmation of loyalty to the United States and the recognition of the heritage of American freedom”) and Victory in Europe (VE) Day (observed on May 8th commemorating the end of WWII in Europe in 1945).

We also observe Military Spouse Appreciation Day every May on the Friday before Mother’s Day (this year on May 6th).  President Reagan first recognized Military Spouse Appreciation Day in 1984 when he said, “Throughout the years, as the numbers of married men and women in uniform have grown and as their military missions have become more complex and dispersed, their spouses have made countless personal sacrifices to support the Armed Forces.  In many instances, they subordinated their personal and professional aspirations to the greater benefit of the service family.” 

Gold Star Families Memorial Monument – Cleveland, OH

On the third Saturday in May, we celebrate Armed Forces Day which was created in 1949.  Not to be confused with Veterans Day, which honors those who wore the cloth of our nation at war, or Memorial Day, which honors those who died wearing the cloth of our nation at war, Armed Forces Day honors both the men and women currently serving as well as those who have previously served and sacrificed to defend our nation’s freedom—which we all hopefully know has never been “free.”

That brings us to the last Monday in May—Memorial Day—which is next Monday, the 30th—when we honor members of the Armed Forces who have died in military service to our nation.  Much like our beloved American Red Cross, Memorial Day has roots dating back to the post-Civil War era when citizens would decorate the graves of fallen soldiers.  Memorial Day is one of the six recognized holidays we all celebrate in the Red Cross (an official day off)—appropriately so I might add.  That said, many Red Cross staff and volunteers will be participating in Memorial Day events around the country–in Northern Ohio, we’ve got folks supporting the ceremonies at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Seville and Woodlawn Cemetery in Toledo.  As well, Red Crossers around our Region and the country will be responding to those in need throughout the holiday weekend.  Thank you to those serving!

Today, when many people hear “Memorial Day” they think of the unofficial beginning of Summer, backyard barbeques, sales, and maybe even parades.  The word “memorial” means “intended to commemorate someone or something.”  I’m concerned that many are losing focus on what this special holiday is all about—are we truly commemorating those who paid the ultimate sacrifice?  I recently attended some events where our National Anthem was played and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.  I must admit I was saddened to see so many people failing to show the proper respect by placing their hands over their hearts in tribute to our flag and our nation, and by extension, those who have sacrificed for both. 

I think we all, especially as members of the premier humanitarian organization in the world—the American Red Cross–with its roots in the blood and mud of the battlefields of the Civil War, are well-suited and have an obligation to set the right example—year round.  Please join me in committing to stand tall, remove our caps, and place our hands over our hearts when the National Anthem is played or we recite our Pledge of Allegiance.  We should also do the same when the American flag is “paraded” by us, both indoors or outside.  These small gestures will go a long way to acknowledge those who have fallen as well as those who remain to deal with their loss—we owe them that much—not just on Memorial Day but throughout the year! 

Thank you for all you do to support this wonderful organization—I’m proud to serve alongside each of you.  I hope you get to enjoy this special holiday with your family and friends while remembering those who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom.  God bless America!! 

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

During Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, Red Cross reminds public of available mental health resources

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By: Chris Chmura, Red Cross volunteer

As with mental health, our society has been improving with the taboo subject of suicide, but we still have a long way to go to help more people. The American Red Cross wants to remind everyone that there are resources available to assist those struggling with mental health concerns.

A sweeping new examination of suicide in Ohio in the past decade finds that 37 of the 88 counties now surpass the national rate, and the coronavirus pandemic likely is triggering a “staggering” increase in such deaths. Our Ohio neighbors of all ages from children to aging veterans are affected by suicide.

https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2020/07/06/suicide-ohio-death-gender-sex-race-county-ohio-university-mental-health/5364576002/

The Red Cross is committed to assisting the physical needs of those affected by disaster but we also understand these events can take an emotional toll.  The Red Cross has licensed Disaster Mental Health professionals who volunteer to assist people after disasters and connect them with resources to help in their long-term recovery. We currently have an urgent need for mental health disaster volunteers. If you are an RN, LPN, LVN, APRN, NP, EMT, paramedic, MD/DO or PA with a current and unencumbered license, please consider volunteering. Learn more and sign up today.

Aiding our men and women in uniform has always been integral to the Red Cross mission. One way we assist with the emotional issues military members face is through Reconnection Workshops. This free, confidential Red Cross program offers effective ways to work through challenges, improve wellbeing and build skills through small-group discussion and hands-on activities. Workshops help improve connections at home, at work and within communities. Members of the military, veterans and their families can also download the Hero Care App which can connect you to important resources that can help you through both emergency and nonemergency situations.

For emergency mental health care, you can also go directly to your local VA medical center 24/7, regardless of your discharge status or enrollment in other VA health care. The VA also has local Vet Centers in your community to help discuss how you feel with other veterans in these community-based counseling centers — some 70% of Vet Center staff are veterans. Call 1-877-927-8387 or find one near you.

If you are in crisis, get immediate help. Call 911. For additional help and resources, below are a variety of organizations trained to help.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major effect on our lives. Many of us are facing challenges that can be stressful, overwhelming and cause strong emotions. It’s important to learn how you and your loved ones can cope with stress. The information below has been adapted from resources published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Healthy Ways to Cope with Stress

  • Take breaks from watching, reading or listening to news stories, including those on social media. Consider limiting news to just a couple times a day and disconnecting from phone, television and computer screens for a while.
  • Take care of your body.
    • Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate.
    • Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals.
    • Exercise regularly.
    • Get plenty of sleep.
    • Avoid excessive alcohol, tobacco and substance use.
    • Continue with routine preventive measures (such as vaccinations, cancer screenings, etc.) as recommended by your healthcare provider.
  • Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
  • Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
  • Connect with your community or faith-based organizations. While social distancing measures are in place, try connecting online, through social media, or by phone or mail.

Tiffany Circle members in Northern Ohio help support female military serving in Africa

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By: Donna Gracon, American Red Cross Philanthropy Officer

The Northern Ohio Region of the American Red Cross recently gathered on Zoom to hear regional leaders, including CEO Mike Parks and Tiffany Circle member Patty Flowers, describe their deployment experiences as they helped communities by responding during the unprecedented wildfire and hurricane season in 2020.

During the virtual session, the region launched its Holiday Mission Project to help female members of the U.S. military serving in Djibouti, a country in East Africa. Learning of the difficulties these military heroes face in securing personal care and hygiene products due to inaccessibility caused by COVID-19, Tiffany Circle members stepped up by purchasing items from a locally created Amazon Wish List.

Donna Gracon, Red Cross Philanthropy Officer, stands among the packages of items purchased for female members of the military serving in East Africa.

“How special it is to be a part of a group of women who so willingly volunteer their resources and join together to support others during the holidays and also during all seasons,” said Northern Ohio Tiffany Circle Chair Laurie Laidlaw Deacon.

In attendance was Julia Bianchi, who immediately engaged help from Tiffany Circle sisters in South Florida and the National Capital & Greater Chesapeake Region of the Red Cross who also contributed to the effort. In total, 450 items were shipped to the Red Cross office at Camp Lemmonier, the primary base of operations for the U.S. Africa Command in the Horn of Africa.

“It sometimes becomes apparent that women in the military feel overlooked or forgotten,” said Kelsey Smith, senior regional program specialist/site lead for the American Red Cross at Camp Lemonnier. “Generous donations that specifically target the needs of women are uniquely impactful, as they remind our female service members that their sacrifices and dedication do not go unnoticed. Females that serve deserve to be heard, supported and celebrated equally. By ensuring their health and wellness are maintained, we create a stronger and more resilient military community as a whole.”

Lt. Andrea Wright, Capt. Ellen Bramblee and Lt. Col. Abigail Lee at the Red Cross office at Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti, East Africa.

To learn more about the Tiffany Circle and how the philanthropic power of its women leaders advance the mission of the Red Cross, click here.

Edited by Glenda Bogar, American Red Cross Volunteer

Former active duty social worker helps military families combat stress

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A volunteer profile will post here each day during National Volunteer Week

By Glenda Bogar, American Red Cross Volunteer

April 9, 2019- Military life can be stressful for those in the service as well as for their families. Former Air Force social worker Sally Falasca strives to help military personnel and their loved ones by teaching them stress-relieving strategies.

Sally is a Service to the Armed Forces volunteer with the American Red Cross Lake to River Chapter. She has been volunteering as a mind-body workshop facilitator for the past year. She is one of eight mental health volunteers who are trained to deliver Red Cross resilience programs, according to Jessica Tischler, Regional Service to the Armed Forces Manager.

Sally Falasca

“Having volunteers like Sally allows us to meet the requests we receive from local units to support their service members and their families,” Jessica said.

A licensed independent social worker who lives in Youngstown, Sally currently works in a private practice setting. However, for more than nine years, Sally served in the United States Air Force as an active duty social worker.

“There were many times during my active duty career that I reached out to the Red Cross to assist service members and they were always there for our armed services personnel,” she explained. “Once I left active duty, I knew I had to continue to serve the armed forces population any way I could. The Red Cross is providing me with amazing opportunities to do just that!”

Through the Red Cross’ Mind-Body Workshops, Sally teaches service members, veterans and their families easy-to-use skills to manage the stresses of military life, helping them cope with stress and trauma. Workshops are free and offered in small groups.

“Sally has a unique combination of personal and professional experience working with the military, veterans and families,” said Jessica. “It is heartwarming to hear service members say how valuable they find Red Cross resilience programming, and that is especially true when Sally facilitates.”

Sally encourages others to volunteer their time and talents with the Red Cross.

“The Red Cross gives so much to communities,” she said. “Even if you only have a little bit of time to donate, the Red Cross can benefit from your time. There are so many different things you can do . . . they truly have a volunteer opportunity for any interest.”

To learn more about Red Cross Mind-Body Workshops or to register for one of the group workshops, visit our website at https://www.redcross.org.

Hero Care App Launched

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For Active Military Members, Veterans and Their Families

The American Red Cross has unveiled the new Hero Care mobile application. This free app is designed to help members of the military, veterans and their families identify and access both emergency and non-emergency Red Cross services from anywhere in the world.

herocare-app2

“When an emergency happens, accurate information, easy access to services and time are of the essence, especially for military families” said Jessica Tischler, Director of Service to the Armed Forces in the Northeast Ohio Region. “That’s why the Red Cross has designed the new Hero Care App – whether you’re the parent of a child joining the military, a military member, a military spouse or  veteran, the Hero Care App will connect you vital services and guide you to valuable resources that will help alleviate stress during emergencies and provide important information right at your fingertips.”

Some the important features of the app include:

  • Request Red Cross emergency services including an emergency message or assistance with emergency travel or emergency financial aid.
  • Securely and easily access information about their service member in the case of an emergency, including updated information as they move or change duty assignments.
  • Access non-emergency Red Cross behavioral health assistance including financial assistance and free local workshops for military kids and spouses.
  • Find local resources and information provided by trusted community partners like Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), Blue Star Families, Military Child Education Coalition, United Way, Goodwill, Easter Seals, and others.
  • Locate information on key government resources such as MilitaryOneSource, VA Benefits and Services, Department of Labor VETS, the VA Caregiver Support Program, and SAMSHA Community Health Support Services.

Content in the Hero Care App is available in both English and Spanish, and the call center is staffed 24/7 with multi-lingual translation services.

The Hero Care App is available to download for free in app stores, by texting ‘GETHEROCARE’ to 90999 or by clicking this link from a mobile device:  http://3cu.be/sharehc .

Volunteers help the Red Cross provide Service to the Armed Forces.  If you are interested in giving back to our nation’s heroes by volunteering with Red Cross SAF, click here, or call 216-431-3328.

Regional CEO’s Memorial Day Message

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By Mike Parks, CEO, American Red Cross Northeast Ohio Region
RADM  USCG (Ret.)

Members of the Northeast Ohio Region of the American Red Cross Family:  Although I know many of you have been busy this weekend continuing the lifesaving work of our American Red Cross, I wanted to be sure to encourage each of us to take time to reflect and remember why we even recognize the holiday known as Memorial Day.

Memorial Day is mostly known as the party-packed kickoff weekend to summer, and it includes a day off from work.  While, yes, that makes it an amazing annual celebration, the history of Memorial Day is extremely important to keep in mind.  It is about honoring all the brave individuals who have lost their lives while serving in the military.  This holiday is centuries old, and in the midst of hitting the open road with friends and backyard barbeques, we should at least take a moment to acknowledge all the service members who have died fighting for our freedom.  After all, that’s why Memorial Day exists in the first place—and our freedom isn’t “free.”

To all of you, thank you for your tremendous service to the American Red Cross and what you do every day to help our communities.   If you’d like to learn more about Memorial Day and the American Red Cross—I’ve included some information below.  Have a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend.

Best regards…Mike

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Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery

MEMORIAL DAY AND THE AMERICAN RED CROSS

Memorial Day (then known as Decoration Day) originally honored those who died in the Civil War.  Because the Civil War occurred on American soil, it had the highest number of American casualties.  About 620,000 American soldiers died in the Civil War, whereas 700,000 Americans have died in all other conflicts and wars combined.  So following the Civil War, a tradition of decorating soldiers’ graves on a day in spring was born.  It’s fitting that the origins of the American Red Cross were found during that same deadly conflict.

When the Civil War began in 1861, Clara Barton was just another clerk at the Patent Office in Washington, D.C.  Barton’s great crusade, which helped define modern humanitarianism, began when she saw soldiers crowding into the city without food or shelter prepared for them.  More importantly, there was not enough medical care for wounded soldiers returning from the front.

She began distributing food and supplies to sick and wounded soldiers in the area but soon realized there was an even greater need for her services closer to the battlefield.  After receiving permission to travel to the front lines, she started delivering medical supplies and tending to wounded soldiers right on the fields of battle, often risking her life to do so.  Eventually, army commanders recognized the good work she was doing and gave her responsibility for all the Union’s hospitals along the James River.

After the war, Barton continued her humanitarian work by helping relatives find the remains of 22,000 soldiers who’d been reported missing.  She also helped identify — and bury — 13,000 casualties of the Andersonville Prison Camp in Georgia.

After four years of this work, Barton took a break and visited Europe.  But any chance for a restful vacation ended when she learned of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which had been founded in Geneva in 1864.  She was drawn to its mission of providing international aid to protect the sick and wounded on all sides in war.

Barton stayed to help civilians caught up in the Franco-Prussian War, and when she returned to the States, she urged the U.S. government to sign the Geneva Treaty that created the ICRC.  U.S. approval to join the international organization came in 1881, and the American Red Cross was incorporated on May 21 of that year.

Now, 135 years later, the American Red Cross is still going strong, providing shelter, food, and healthcare services at roughly 70,000 disasters every year, from single-home fires to earthquakes that affect millions.  Its blood program collects, tests, and types over 40 percent of the country’s blood supply.  It delivers needed services to 150,000 military families each year, including training and support for wounded veterans. The Red Cross also provides training in first aid, CPR, and lifeguarding.  As part of an international organization, it joins the Red Cross in 187 countries to help over 100 million people worldwide every year.

 

2016 Memorial Day Ceremony, Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery: Photo Credit/Jessica Tischler, American Red Cross
2016 Memorial Day Ceremony, Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery : Photo Credit/Jessica Tischler, American Red Cross
2016 Memorial Day Ceremony, Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery: Photo Credit/Jessica Tischler, American Red Cross
2016 Memorial Day Ceremony, Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery: Photo Credit/Jessica Tischler, American Red Cross
2016 Memorial Day Ceremony, Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery: Photo Credit/Jessica Tischler, American Red Cross
2016 Memorial Day Ceremony, Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery: Photo Credit/Jessica Tischler, American Red Cross
2016 Memorial Day Ceremony, Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery: Photo Credit/Jessica Tischler, American Red Cross
2016 Memorial Day Ceremony, Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery: Photo Credit/Jessica Tischler, American Red Cross
2016 Memorial Day Ceremony, Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery: Photo Credit/Jessica Tischler, American Red Cross
Scouts decorate the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery with U. S. flags for the 2016 Memorial Day Ceremony: Photo credit
Red Cross volunteers supply water to scouts decorating the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery: Photo credit/Cal Pusateri, American Red Cross Volunteer
Scouts decorate the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery with U. S. flags for the 2016 Memorial Day Ceremony: Photo credit/Cal Pusateri, American Red Cross Volunteer
Scouts decorate the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery with U. S. flags for the 2016 Memorial Day Ceremony: Photo credit/Cal Pusateri, American Red Cross Volunteer
Red Cross volunteers supply water to scouts decorating the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery: Photo credit/Cal Pusateri, American Red Cross Volunteer

 

The Red Cross Remembers Our Nation’s Fallen Heroes

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Memorial Day weekend is a busy one for volunteers of the American Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces (SAF,) as we honor those who lost their lives defending our freedom.

Knowing in advance that military families will be able to reach their loved ones, and have access to financial and other types of assistance provides piece of mind to families who are separated. SAF volunteers help the Red Cross provide follow-up to emergency communications for military members and their families; outreach through SAF programs like “Get to Know Us Before You Need Us” or resiliency training; or work with nearby Veterans Affairs medical facilities through the Veterans Affairs Voluntary Services (VAVS) program.

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The Louis Stokes VA Medical Center in Cleveland

The Red Cross K9 Action Team will take part in the day-long Operation: Flags of Freedom event at Perry High School in Massillon on Saturday, May 28. The Volunteer K9 Action Team provides “comfort therapy” to disaster victims and to members of the military and their families.

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The K9 Action Team

Also on Saturday, Red Cross SAF Volunteers will be providing cups of water to approximately 1,700 Boy Scouts as they place flags throughout the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman.  They will be preparing the cemetery for the Memorial Day ceremony to take place at noon on Sunday, May 29. Red Cross volunteers will distribute cups of water to an anticipated crowd of 4,000 visitors.

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Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, Veterans Day Program 2015

Volunteers will also honor our nation’s fallen heroes by taking part in the North Canton Memorial Day parade, beginning at 9:00 AM on Monday, May 30.

Memorial Day weekend is considered by many as the unofficial start of the summer season.  And we memorialize those who made the ultimate sacrifice, to afford us the freedom to fire-up our grills and fly our flags as we enjoy our families in the United States of America.

Happy Memorial Day.