May is Mental Health Awareness Month. It's also Military Appreciation Month, and the Red Cross is strongly committed to both supporting mental health and supporting members of the Armed Forces and their families. Combining the two, the Red Cross trains licensed mental health professionals to volunteer and provide support to members of the military, veterans and their families.
How Red Cross Resiliency Training Helps The Region’s Military
The challenges of military life are pretty obvious -- deployment to danger zones, long periods of separation followed by all the issues involved with reconnecting. Add to that the trauma caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the need for resiliency training is pretty clear. No surprise that participation in resiliency workshops is at record levels, according to Jason Matheney, SAF Program Director for the Red Cross Northwest Region.
Saluting the memory of volunteer Carl Robert “Poppy” Johnson
Carl Johnson was recognized as the 2019 Volunteer of the Year by our Service to the Armed Forces team. By Gordon Williams One reason why the Northwest Region of the American Red Cross publishes this blog is to honor the volunteers who serve the organization. More than 90 percent of all Red Cross workers — … Continue reading Saluting the memory of volunteer Carl Robert “Poppy” Johnson
Five Red Cross volunteers win Presidential Service Awards
By Gordon Williams It takes scads of volunteers, working long hours, for the American Red Cross to carry out its Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) mission of aiding members of the military and their families. Recently, the Red Cross saluted those SAF volunteers by presenting more than 200 of them with the President’s Volunteer … Continue reading Five Red Cross volunteers win Presidential Service Awards
A potentially life-saving skill: JBLM-Red Cross partnership provides CPR training to members of the military community
“The whole reason why we wanted to offer these [trainings] to the military community is to give them the convenience of getting or maintaining their certifications,” said Christie Merrill with Red Cross Training Services.
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 … Continue reading Holidays for Heroes in Washington State
How Veteran Eddie Ramos uses his Military skills to serve the Red Cross
After 20 years in the U.S. Air Force, Eddie Ramos is working toward a career in Human Resources while gaining experience as a Red Cross volunteer. By Gordon Williams When Eddie Ramos of DuPont WA volunteered for the American Red Cross in April of 2021, he wove another strand in the ties that bind the … Continue reading How Veteran Eddie Ramos uses his Military skills to serve the Red Cross
Meet Joe Lusignan – a very busy Red Cross Volunteer and Veteran
Joe Lusignan, courtesy NBC Right Now, acting as a spokesperson for the Red Cross. By Gordon Williams Joe Lusignan of Kennewick WA says he found himself “unexpectedly unemployed and with time on my hands” after losing the 2020 election for Benton County commissioner (by all of 47 votes). Wife Evelyn suggested he find some place … Continue reading Meet Joe Lusignan – a very busy Red Cross Volunteer and Veteran
Four paws. Two handlers. One mission. How our furry friends are serving the Red Cross in the Northwest Region
By Abby Lutz When he’s not working, Teddy Jenkins is ‘just a regular dog’ according to his owners. Teddy enjoys belly scratches, swimming and playing with his favorite red ball. But he knows when his work bag comes out and his bandana goes on, it’s time to get to work. Teddy is a five-and-a-half-year-old yellow … Continue reading Four paws. Two handlers. One mission. How our furry friends are serving the Red Cross in the Northwest Region
The wartime tales of Red Cross Donut Dollies
By Gordon Williams 1945. Italy. Looking down on a long line of men getting hot doughnuts from an American Red Cross Clubmobile unit, near the Fifth Army front. Photo by Ollie AtkinsOctober 10, 1945. Maryville, France. American Red Cross club girls Juanita Morrow and Wilhemina Barrow, from New York City, serve troops of the 27th … Continue reading The wartime tales of Red Cross Donut Dollies
American Red Cross NW Region 