American Red Cross honors Veterans Day, provides a continuum of care to military and veteran communities

This Veterans Day, the American Red Cross is celebrating veterans and the sacrifices they’ve made. Their service to this country inspires over 4,300 Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) employees and volunteers, including 38 from the Northern New England Region, to provide a continuum of care to service members, veterans, their caregivers and their families. 

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to those who have dedicated themselves to serving our country. Our veterans, alongside their families, embody resilience, sacrifice and a steadfast commitment to protecting our freedoms and values,” said Celeste Stimpson, Service to the Armed Forces director, Red Cross Northern New England Region. “We are grateful for our Red Cross volunteers who support our veterans and their families. Their dedication – whether providing critical resources, a comforting presence, or simply a listening ear – uplifts our heroes and their loved ones in profound ways.”

Through every phase of duty, service members and their families face a unique, sometimes daunting set of challenges – like reaching a loved one on a military vessel at sea or supporting a veteran living with depression.

Through the Hero Care Network, the Red Cross connects service members, veterans and their families to free and confidential assistance any day, anytime. This includes facilitating emergency communication messages, facilitating financial assistance, critical community services and more.

By focusing on the whole health of service members, the Red Cross ensures that they receive the care and support they need to thrive both during and after their service. The Red Cross and its volunteers support whole health by providing a range of services that address the physical, mental, and emotional needs of service members, veterans and their families. This includes behavioral health workshops, hospital visits, and caregiver-peer support programs.

Red Cross Hero Care Center

The Hero Care Center assists military families during medical emergencies or significant life events, ensuring service members receive emergency communication messages while deployed. The Hero Care Center facilitated more than 621,500 calls nationwide last year. Specialists verify events and coordinate with military commands to bring service members home. 

“Today, we honor the courage and contributions of our veterans, and we renew our pledge to stand by them and their families. Let us continue to bring hope, healing and strength to those who have given so much in service to all of us,” said Stimpson. 

To access Red Cross services or to get involved as a volunteer, visit redcross.org/saf or download the Red Cross Hero Care app.

THE HEART OF OUR WORKFORCE
More than 20,000 Red Cross volunteers are veterans, including 126 from the Northern New England Region. Veterans hold many positions at the Red Cross, from nurses to logisticians, emergency management experts, project managers and preparedness experts, as well as a number of veterans in leadership roles at local Red Cross chapters across the country. 

GIVE THE GIFT OF TIME
Join the Hero Care Network as a volunteer caseworker and help provide the critical link for military members, veterans and their families during emergency situations. To learn more about how you can give back to your community this Veterans Day, visit redcross.org/HeroCareVolunteer.