Since the start of the pandemic, U.S. service members have continued to work around the clock. Their responsibility to travel, train and protect the country has not ceased, and military spouses have continued to move, hunt for jobs and take care of families, all while safeguarding their loved ones from the virus.
Serving as a Behavioral Health Officer with the 328th Combat and Operational Stress Control Unit, Army Major Joel Smith knows firsthand the sacrifice made by military members and their families – as well as the power of volunteerism. Having been on the receiving end of Red Cross assistance during a family emergency while on deployment, Smith now serves on the Service to the Armed Forces advisory committee to give back to his fellow soldiers and their families.
In that time, Smith’s efforts locally have made a global impact, volunteering for everything from running bingo nights for veterans to personally delivering much-needed resources to soldiers on the front lines.
“It’s very rewarding that you can contribute at a local level and have a global impact,” said Smith. “The level of sacrifice when you’re in the military. It’s so noble in our own communities to take care of our veterans or family members who are serving, because they are the ones who really sacrifice.”
This Military Appreciation Month, the American Red Cross is inviting people around the country to turn ‘Thank you for your service’ into action. For those with a military background or just a heart for military and veteran communities, opportunities to volunteer and support are available in the Greater Rochester region.
“Military families experience emergencies, just like other families,” said Alan H. Turner II, Regional CEO, American Red Cross of Western New York, “except oftentimes they go through a crisis separated from a family member who is deployed. Handling an emergency without your support system can be scary, but Red Cross volunteers make a huge difference in the lives of our military families through emergency relief.”
Volunteer opportunities include answering emergency calls with the Hero Care Network, volunteering at a military or veteran hospital in a medical or non-medical capacity, teaching mental wellness workshops, and more. Visit redcross.org/volunteer or contact your local Red Cross chapter about open availabilities to join a dedicated team that supports U.S. service members and their families at home and around the world.
Visit www.redcross.org/saf for complete information about programs that support military communities.
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