Holidays for Heroes in Washington State

By Jennifer Astion

*CSEW Board member Brian Opitz showing 100 holiday cards and cookie packages that will be delivered to local veterans in the Tri-Cities and Walla Walla.*

Holidays for Heroes is a year-round program the American Red Cross offers in many regions across the country to recognize the courage and sacrifice made by members of the military, veterans, and their families.

“Last year, the American Red Cross provided cards and cookies to 5,640 service members, veterans, and military family members across the state of Washington, and we look forward to continuing the support again this holiday season,” said Lauren Snow, Regional Program Manager, Service to the Armed Forces, American Red Cross Northwest Region.

*CSEW Board members, Rich Breshears and Joe Lusignan signing cards for veterans and other members of the military for use throughout the Northwest region and overseas.*

The Central and Southeastern Washington (CSEW) Chapter of the Red Cross held a card signing event on December 1 this year. Volunteers wrote notes and signed cards and packaged them with cookies. The holiday packages for the CSEW area will be delivered to veterans at the Columbia Basin Veterans Court and to veterans at Walla Walla VA facilities throughout the month.

“The Service to the Armed Forces team is grateful to provide a small token of our appreciation to those who serve by distributing cookies and hand-written cards each holiday season. The cards and cookies provided through the program truly bring much joy to service members and veterans alike!” said Snow.

*From Left to Right: Derrick Green, Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) Volunteer Partner, Steph Carpenter, Red Cross Volunteer, Jo Breneman, CSEW CVL, Rich Breshears, Joe Lusignan, and Michele Roth.*

One of the active-duty military members who participated in card writing this year beautifully expressed the spirit of the program in this note to a veteran in the state Home.

“Your service and sacrifice has not gone unnoticed, and has played a big part in why we are able to experience the joy of the Holidays.”
Lexi Hataway, Active Duty USAF, Red Cross Volunteer

*Thank you packages for volunteers at the Holidays for Heroes event.*

Each local Holidays for Heroes program reflects the unique military population and the support of the community. As with all programs and services provided by the American Red Cross, the success of the program depends on community engagement.

Please contact your local Red Cross office to find out how you can support our nation’s heroes.