One of the American Red Cross’s essential lines of service is Service to the Armed Forces (SAF). The overall mission of SAF is to provide care and comfort to the members of the United States Armed Forces and their families. The American Red Cross works with members of the armed forces and their families from the moment they enlist until well after they have completed their service. They do this through 24/7 emergency communications, behavioral health support, case management, and much more.  

Texas Gulf Coast CEO Shawn Shulze explained, “Our Service to the Armed Forces program supports veterans, active duty, and family members everyday with resiliency training, health and wellness items, and by ensuring that when a need arises, we find a way to get to yes.  If we are unable to support directly, we find a solution while working with hundreds of partners and donors across the region.”   

Recently, the Texas Gulf Coast SAF team was able to support a veteran in need. The team received a request from Jerry Nichols, a veteran of the US army. Mr. Nichols served for 6 years in Korea and Germany as well as at home in the US during the 1970’s. Recently he had to change his place of residence and after incurring the costs of moving, he was left without money for food. He looked to a number of charities, which unfortunately were not able to help him. As a last resort, he contacted the American Red Cross.   

When Stephanie Orozco, the regional Service to the Armed Forces program specialist, reached out to him, he informed her that he only had a day of food left in his fridge. Stephanie knew she had to do something. She worked together with our leadership team to make sure his needs were met. After Jerry provided a shopping list of the food items he required, the team was able to send him groceries.  

Mr. Nichols told us, “The American red cross came through. It was pretty much my last hope, and they came through.”  

In cases like these, the Red Cross is able to assist this nation’s heroes. Thanks to the hard work of volunteers and the financial support of donors, the American Red Cross can support the members of the armed forces and their families who make such great sacrifices for their country. Our CEO, Shawn Schulze, highlighted the importance of SAF’s endeavors: “I am a veteran and served more than 23 years.  I have seen the work the Red Cross does for our veterans on both foreign and domestic bases and posts.  I am proud to be a part of the support we provide.” 

To learn more about Service to the Armed Forces and how you can help, visit: Support Military Families | American Red Cross 

Story By: Albert Connolly