When James Porterfield entered civilian life after a distinguished career in the U.S. Marine Corps, he discovered that joining the American Red Cross “checked all of the boxes” in his desire to continuing serving people.

              Porterfield, 54, assumed his new role as the Texas Gulf Coast regional director for Service to the Armed Forces on September 2. In that role, he will help members of the military, their families, veterans and their caregivers cope with the challenges of service. Porterfield recently retired from the United States Marine Corps with the rank of Sergeant Major after 36 years of service. His military honors include the Bronze Star, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit with two Gold Stars and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device with three Gold Stars. As he moved into civilian life, Porterfield said he saw the Red Cross as logical landing spot.

              “I really just wanted to continue to serve,” Porterfield said. “That’s what I had been doing for 36 years in uniform, and I just wanted to give back and help people. When this opportunity came, I was like, ‘man, that checks all of your boxes,’” he added. “For me, it was winning the lottery.”             

              Through Service to the Armed Forces, the Red Cross assists more than 220,000 members of the military community on over 380 military installations and deployment sites worldwide. For nearly 140 years, the Red Cross has supported every major forward deployment and mobilization of the U.S. military through its Hero Care Network, providing communication between service members and their families during times of emergency.

              “It’s about educating those communities about our resources, what we do, our history and our legacy of supporting the military and their families,” Portfield said. “I think my calling and what really ignites my passion is helping people. Being a director to lead those programs, for me, is a priceless opportunity.”

              Porterfield and his wife Caren live in Houston and have two sons and two grandchildren. He said that his transition from the military to civilian life has been aided through his association with others who have experienced that process. During the short time he has been with the Red Cross, he said he has been “pleasantly surprised” with the staff’s and volunteers’ “infectious nature of wanting to serve.”

              “It’s the same way I felt when I joined this organization and how I felt I won the lottery,” he said. “There are a lot of lottery winners around here.”

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