When the North Carolina National Guard asked the Red Cross for help in feeding family members of soldiers at a deployment ceremony, the Red Cross offered a lending hand. 2009.

I applaud the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for taking aggressive steps to ensure that our nation’s veterans continue to have the resources they need. Especially for service members returning home after a second, third and even fourth tour of duty in areas of conflict. Warriors are reintegrating into their communities by the thousands and many can attest to the challenges they are facing at home and work.

For the last ten years, our men and women serving in the U.S. Armed Forces have answered their country’s call to duty and are returning home from parts of the world where the constant threat of combat has become a daily routine. Now for the returning service member transitioning home, their new mission is reconnecting with their families, their communities, and the workplaces they left behind.

They won’t do it alone. It’ll take each and every one of us working together to support the men and women who’ve answered their country’s call. The Red Cross stands ready to do our part.

An integral part of the American Red Cross mission is to serve military members, veterans and their families. One component of our work with the military community is to make available licensed mental health professionals who volunteer and facilitate two programs designed to help strengthen awareness and build skills for positive family reconnection. Our programs are a confidential and no cost option available to the warrior’s entire support system, including family members, partners, significant others, friends, etc. They are one option designed to complement other available programs.

Information about Red Cross programs is closer than you can imagine – with the click of a mouse you can learn about Coping with Deployments or Reconnection Workshops Presented by Walmart.

Lastly, I would like to extend a huge word of thanks to all who currently serve in the military, those who have served, and to the families at home who wait for their loved one’s safe return.

Feel free to share your questions for the team in the comment box!

After you finished training at Fort Sill, Okla. you spent a week on Fort Benning, Ga. to prepare for deployment. Can you describe your travels from there?

James: We left Fort Sill on March 2 and went to Fort Benning for a week. From there we went 6.5 hours to Ireland then another 6+ to Kuwait.

Hope: I believe we flew about 16 hours including a layover plus traveled a few hours by van… From Fort Benning it was about a 6.5 hour flight to Shannon, Ireland. Then we connected to Kuwait International Airport. They bused us from the plane to a holding area and then we were loaded into buses and took a 45 minute ride to Ali a Salem. There were briefed and gathered our duffel bags and gear. Then we took about a 2 hour drive to Camp Arijan.

Jason: Our team left for Bagram on March 9. After about 50 hours of travel door-to-door we arrived in Afghanistan.

Getting to your posts halfway around the world sounds like a feat!  What did you do in your first couple days after arriving?

Jason: The first couple days were a transition period with the previous Bagram Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) team. We basically learned the ropes, toured the base, and learned how things function here on Bagram. Once they left on March 15, we took over full-time and have been handling all of the casework and station duties.

James: We checked in on base and shadowed the departing Red Cross team.

Hope: We also filled out a lot of paperwork and got other housekeeping-type needs out of the way. There is paperwork for accessing the computers, the computer system, getting our orders stamped so we can eat in the dining facilities, etc. As we shadowed the outgoing team we slowly took over their responsibilities.

Has it been hard to adjust to the change?

 Jason: I’ve adjusted well to the time change—we’re 9.5 hours ahead of you—and to life here.

James: My schedule is the night shift, so my schedule isn’t that much of an adjustment. The only timing issue is when I have a meeting in the morning and on Fridays when I have Navy Gear Drop for a few hours after my standard shift.

Hope: I adjusted quite well to the place and didn’t really experience jetlag or anything. Fingers crossed I don’t.  We have had a few major dust storms in the last few days, so that’s something you have to adjust to. It gets in your hair, your nose, down your throat, etc.

Like many service members, you’re far from your families and loved ones. How do you stay in touch?

Hope: I’ve adjusted to being away from my loved ones well. We keep in touch via email and Google chat. You can also purchase email cards for different time amounts and there are many places here that offer free Wi-Fi. I’m still trying to get Skype up and going on my laptop…

Jason: I have traveled and lived abroad so I’m used to being away from family, so I usually email with my family a few times a week.

James: My brother is an active duty Marine and my father was a Navy Seal, so deploying is commonplace for us, we’re used to it. We email and have phone calls, but I’m an old hand at being away from my family – all those [Red Cross] disaster deployments!

What has surprised you so far about your experience? Have you had any expectations that you’ve found to be different since starting?

 Hope: My biggest surprise here is how the accommodations are… Our rooms, the dining, everything has been fairly comfortable. I expected things to be more rustic and to have fewer conveniences – but I definitely don’t feel like I’m roughing it.

James: Expectations are not useful, it’s better to arrive with an open mind.

Jason: I sort of came here with an open mind, ready to take whatever was thrown at me… Honestly, what’s been most surprising about my time here is how much service members rely on the American Red Cross for day to day things. Of course our primary work is emergency communications between troops and their families, but we also have a lot of foot traffic in our day room.  We have a big TV, two couches, two chairs, and a massage chair—which is sweet by the way—and it’s a place where servicemen can watch TV, sleep, eat snacks, drink coffee, check out movies and books, etc.

What has been the most rewarding about this experience so far, and how is it different than something you’d experience in everyday life?

Jason: I think most of the service members see the Red Cross office as being a little piece of home they can find each day. It’s nice to see people relax here after a long day’s work, and it’s nice to be a part of the place people come to for that comfort… And all of our food, snacks and everything are provided by donations from back home so everyone likes and appreciates that.

Hope: Just having the opportunity to be here has been super rewarding! [Since our time] at Fort Benning and the start of our time here, I have gotten the chance to see and experience a small part of what service members go through just to get in theater. My already great admiration for our service members has grown tenfold, and I’m looking forward to many opportunities to serve them over here!

To learn more about how the Red Cross serves members of the military, their families and our nation’s veterans, visit redcross.org/military.

- Donate blood three times. I’d love to commit to donating blood every 56 days, but my iron levels just don’t rebound in that amount of time. I also have very little child-free time each week, and while the cheerful, optimistic part of me would love to take my kids with me when I donate blood, the realistic part of me – the part of me that has actually MET my “spirited” children – knows this would be a mistake. There’s no need to subject other blood donors and Red Cross employees to those two rugrats.

- Volunteer for four events. My family’s schedule doesn’t allow me to volunteer on a regular basis (i.e. weekly administrative assistance) or at off times of day (i.e. middle of the night disaster response). Instead, one-time events – like the Bryan Christmas Parade, for which my family and I volunteer a couple of weeks ago – are a good fit, as they generally last for only a few hours and are planned far enough in advance to allow me to clear my calendar.

- Spread the word. We’ve lived in our current city (after a move across the country) for a full year, and I’ve met quite a few people – both friends and acquaintances – over the course of these last 12 months. It’s time for me to start talking about Red Cross blood donation, volunteering, etc. with those who will listen, which means it’s also time for me to brush up on my elevator speech!

- Organize at least one Red Cross-related activity for each of my children’s classes. A few weeks ago I coordinated a Holiday Mail for Heroes event for my son’s preschool class, and it was a huge hit. I’d like to do the same for both kids’ classes next year, and perhaps throw another activity into the mix as well. Ideas?

What are your Red Cross New Year’s Resolutions? How do you make sure you’ll follow through on your plans to accomplish it all?

Happy New Year!

People across the country are ordering holiday cards, printing holiday cards and mailing holiday cards. Cards to friends, cards to colleagues, cards to far-flung family members. So many cards, in fact, that they can feel like a chore rather than an inspiring part of the season. What about including someone special who you may not know on that list this year? There’s no better way to get into the holiday spirit than to extend a word of thanks to someone who has honorably served our country.

In this series of posts, we’ll be sharing new ideas to celebrate the holidays with help from some of our closest partners. First up is an easy way to support the troops, veterans and their families. All that’s needed is paper, something to write with, and an appreciative heart.

Our own Anne Marie Borrego recently interviewed Les Morris, spokesperson from Simon Property Group:

Anne Marie Borrego:
Thanks, Les. The Red Cross has collected and distributed greeting cards for members of the military, veterans and their families for the last five years through its Holiday Mail for Heroes program. These cards—from individuals across the country—thank these honorable men and women for their commitment and sacrifices. This year, Simon Malls is joining us in the effort. How are you making it fun and easy to get involved?

Les Morris:
There are two ways to get involved. First, we have holiday cards available to sign at the guest services counter in our mall locations. Also, we’ve got a club called the Simon Kidgets Club. Its a program offered to children ages 3-8 and their parents. At this time of the year, there are several different types of family and holiday activities. One of the activities being offered is creating holiday cards for the troops using markers, glue and construction paper. The children love this heart warming activity and it is in support of the American Red Cross’s Holiday Mail for Heroes program.

Anne Marie Borrego:
It’s got to mean so much to our troops and their families when they get those handmade cards. What do people do if they can’t get to the mall for a card-making event?

Les Morris:
You can drop off a card up until Dec 11 at a guest services booth in any Simon Mall.

Anne Marie Borrego:
Great. And I believe that you also have a great gift idea that helps out the Red Cross.

Les Morris:
Simon Property Group is pleased to offer customers the chance to donate to the American Red Cross by purchasing a Simon Amex Candy Cane gift card. $1 of $3 will go to American Red Cross. You can also buy the cards online .

Anne Marie Borrego:
That discount is only being offered to Red Cross supporters on the Red Cross Website and blog, right?

Les Morris:
Absolutely!

Anne Marie Borrego:
That’s excellent. Thanks, Les, for all you do for the Red Cross and for our troops this holiday season.

Red Cross volunteers will be at many of the Simon Malls card-making events. If you see them, say hello, and if you make a card, be sure to share photos of your handiwork on our Facebook wall.

Col. Gregory S. Zehner, Gail McGovern, and Justin Constantine sign cards at the Holiday Mail for Heroes kick off event in

Washington DC on November 3rd.

Our culture is constantly debating what public figures, celebrities and athletes are adequate role models for our children. This past month I had the wonderful opportunity to meet and reflect on some of my heroes—people who have shown extraordinary courage and selflessness on behalf of our country and others around the world.

Justin Constantine (seen above) was shot in the head by a sniper six weeks into his deployment as a Marine Reservist in Iraq in 2006. The bullet missed his brain, coming in under his left ear and exiting his mouth. He said if it wasn’t for a fellow corpsman who performed rescue breathing and an emergency tracheotomy, he would have died right there on the spot.

Justin, now an associate general counsel for the Department of Justice, spoke at our kick-off event in Washington, D.C., for the Holiday Mail for Heroes campaign on November 3^rd. This is the Red Cross’ annual drive asking the public to send holiday cards with messages of cheer and appreciation for our service members serving away from home this holiday. Together with our incredible partner, Pitney Bowes, we collect cards, screen them for hazardous materials, and deliver them to military bases and hospitals, veteran’s hospitals and other locations during the holidays. 

After Justin bravely spoke about his surgeries, his time spent in the hospital and how much it meant to receive cards of encouragement from men and women around the country that he didn’t even know, there was not a dry eye in the room. Not only did Justin give his time to serve our country, but he suffered a devastating injury that has only moved him to continue to serve others in need. He now volunteers his time with the Wounded Warrior Project, which helps our wounded heroes successfully adjust to life after being injured.

Justin has an incredible heart for service, a deep appreciation for all the support he received during his recovery and a strong spirit that no bullet can take away. He is truly one of my heroes, and I’m grateful for how willing he is to share his story and advocate for our service men and women.

As if that experience weren’t moving enough, the next week I had the honor of attending the Pentagon premiere of George Lucas’ documentary “Double Victory.” The film chronicles the battle African-American airmen fought during WWII, not just against the Axis powers but against racial discrimination. Their courage, determination and belief in true freedom led them to fight for the training they needed and the opportunity to fly and protect our country.

These brave men are also my heroes. Their unyielding desire to serve and to be granted equal rights represent the best of America.

After these experiences, I couldn’t help but relate to the story I read last week about Justin Timberlake attending the Marine Corp Ball with a marine who asked him to be her date via YouTube. Justin wrote a moving blog about his experience saying he’d met many of his heroes in life, like Michael Jordan and Michael Jackson, but no one made him feel more honored than meeting the heroes he spent time with at the Marine Corp Ball.

He urged Americans to be active in thanking our military members for their sacrifice—thanking them in person, sending them an email, buying them a beer. I couldn’t agree more. Our Holiday Mail for Heroes mailbox is open through December 9^th. Your card will warm the heart of a service member serving in Iraq, Afghanistan or even San Diego, who is away from friends and family this holiday season.

As the stepmom of an Air Force member who spent two holiday seasons in Iraq, I know how deeply touched he was when received these cards. In his words, they helped him get through the holidays knowing others cared.  In fact, this Thanksgiving I will be hosting my own Holiday Mail for Heroes event – right around my kitchen table.  My dinner guests will be making holiday cards for our troops – I would encourage you to consider doing the same at your Thanksgiving feast.

As we begin preparations to celebrate Thanksgiving this week, I’m so very thankful for the heroes in our U.S. military and their families. Their sacrifice ensures our safety and freedom. They truly embody the heart of the Red Cross Mission of service.

An important holiday worldwide, Veterans Day is especially significant throughout the Red Cross because of the organization’s ties, through the Services to Armed Forces (SAF) program, to the United States Military.

- The Red Cross provides pre-deployment briefings on the support systems and resources available to service members and their families while service members are away.

- The Red Cross provides – 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year – a lifeline between service members and their families by verifying and transmitting emergency messages.

- Additionally, the Red Cross provides military families with access to financial assistance in partnership with military aid organizations as well as referral information and assistance to veterans.

So this Friday, take a few moments to thank those who have bravely and generously served our country through membership in the Armed Forces.

- Post a thank you message on Facebook or tweet a thank you message on Twitter.

- Participate in the Holiday Mail for Heroes program by making a holiday card for a service member, veteran, or military family. (Click here for more information about the Holiday Mail for Heroes program.)

- Donate blood at one of the hundreds of Veterans Day blood drives going on throughout the country. (Click here to find a Veterans Day blood drive in your area.)

- Donate a monetary gift, in honor a service member, veteran, or military family, through the Red Cross Holiday Giving catalog. Even a small amount ($50 = 1 military comfort kit, $20 = 1 military phone card, and $30 = hygiene kids for 3 homeless veterans) can make a tremendous different in the life of an active duty service member or veteran. (Click here to shop the Red Cross Holiday Giving catalog.)

My sincerest thanks to all of our veterans, and happy Veterans Day.

Yesterday, we added some new tools to our arsenal that will help us serve the patients at these – 275 Chromebooks, donated by Google! These laptops will make it easy for recovering men and women to surf the web and stay in contact with friends and family.

Recovering warriors and their families stationed at Walter Reed receive training from Google staff on the new Google Chrome Notebooks.

Here at the Red Cross, we’ve talked a lot about how people are turning more and more to social networks to communicate with their loved ones during disasters. We’re excited by this opportunity to enhance our existing services for military families by strengthening connectivity and helping patients build a network of support right from their hospital beds.

Have you ever been in a situation where you were injured and recovering, but unable to see close family members and friends? How did you stay in touch? Let us know in a comment!

This dog must’ve taken Red Cross swimming lessons – look at his form! [I Has a Hot Dog]

Training for a plane crash [Wall St. Journal]

Maybe make this as a treat while building your preparedness kit? [instructables]

The ICRC is hosting a TED event November 27th [TEDxRC2]

For our Zombie / fitness / preparedness friends [Gadling]

Looking After the Soldier, Back Home and Damaged [NYTimes]*

One Who Cared [YouTube CapeCodcatfarm]

What’s in our Go Bags? [The Onion]**

Prepare-aphernalia: Video Game Armor [Oregon Trail chapter blog]

Infographic: Disasters in the age of social media [Geary Interactive]

Infographic: Predicting the next big earthquake [InfDPV]

* Are you impacted by a military deployment? Our Coming Home Series can help.
** We hope you’re doing better than this. Get a Kit tips.