If you look at Eddy Blanchard’s family photo album, you might find a picture of him as a three-year-old dressed as a fireman – a fantasy turned into a reality that has ultimately led him to become the new American Red Cross Regional Disaster Officer for the Texas Gulf Coast.

              Blanchard assumes his new role August 2 after more than three years in a similar role in the New Jersey Region, and before that as Deputy Regional Disaster officer for the Northern New England Region which also covers the states of Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. He began his career as a fireman and medic in Providence, Rhode Island, eventually moving up the ranks to become station captain, an EMS coordinator and a fire instructor/coordinator. His Red Cross connection started in 2003 while working on an Eagle Scout project. First as a volunteer and later as Red Cross disaster services staff, Blanchard has been deployed to more than 50 disaster relief operations across the country, including several in Texas before and after Hurricane Harvey. A look at his resume suggests that everything he has done has been building up to his new role with the Texas Gulf Coast Region.

              “I go to where the need is,” Blanchard said. “Not only did I do emergency preparedness with the support of the Red Cross. Before going with the fire department full time, I was a Red Cross lifeguard. So, it has always been a part of my DNA.”

              A Disaster Relief Operation (DRO) at the Red Cross involves providing immediate assistance to individuals and families affected by disasters, such as fires, floods, or other emergencies. DRO teams deliver services like food, shelter, comfort, and financial assistance, helping people begin their recovery process. They also offer emotional support and connect individuals with resources. Blanchard says an important part of his new job is to listen all of the Red Cross stakeholders, including staff, volunteers and community partners.

              “Every community is different,” Blanchard said. “You could have one town directly on the other side of the river that has the same impacts from flooding. But because of their readiness and preparedness, they may need something different from the Red Cross and its partners.

              “Just listening to the team and articulating that is going to make a difference,” he added.

              Blanchard, who is married with three children, knows that New Jersey and Texas are very different places. However, he also knows that the residents of the two locales often face the similar challenges, such as coastal storms, flooding, fires and winter-related emergencies.

              “I’m really looking forward to working with the Texas Gulf Coast team and hitting the ground running,” he said.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information about volunteering or contributing to the Red Cross’s mission, please call 1-800-RED-CROSS, visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on X (formerly known as Twitter) at @RedCross.

Story By: David Guth