Services to the Armed Forces program: National Military Appreciation Month

Sergeant Jacinda with her grandmother: Red Cross helps military families connect during emergencies

From its early days, the American Red Cross has provided full support to the members of the U.S. military, veterans and their families. Jonathan Aguilera attests to these efforts whole-heartedly. Jonathan is the proud father of Jacinda Aguilera who is a Sergeant with the Army National Guard and who also served in Afghanistan before being stationed in El Paso, Texas after she suffered injuries. Recently Jacinda’s grandmother Ursula unexpectedly fell ill, her prognosis was grave and her doctors didn’t feel she had much time left.

After hearing about the Red Cross services from fellow soldiers in similar situations, Jacinda asked her father to reach out to the organization. Jonathan then contacted the Chicago chapter late one night and received a prompt response. He was extremely impressed by the efficiency with which the Red Cross handled the response. Within mere two hours of the call, the paperwork for Jacinda’s emergency leave was processed and sent off to her supervisors in El Paso, Texas. In addition, the Red Cross kept the worried father posted on every step of the process by doing follow-up calls and providing him regular updates. Shortly, Jacinda was on a flight home and could meet her grandmother before she passed away.

“We should be grateful to have such a source to connect us with our loved ones during family emergencies. We really appreciate the services you have provided to bring my daughter home in time to see her grandmother one last time,” said Jonathan.

Through its  Services to the Armed Forces program, the Red Cross supports our service members in the military by connecting them with their families during emergencies,  providing them resilience training to deal with the challenges of deployment, and linking their families with local community resources.  But the service most commonly used connects a deployed service member to their family in times of emergency.

These services have their roots in the beginning of the Vietnam War when 365 Chicago Red Cross volunteers were providing relief at 107 Red Cross stations.  During this time, the American Red Cross implemented a unique program called “Voices from Home” where individuals recorded messages for service men overseas. The programs were met with an astounding number of requests and helped establish the Red Cross as the major military aid institution in Chicago. Like the Aguilera family, Red Cross helps military personnel to communicate with their families far away.

The American Red Cross Emergency Communications Center is available to help 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to relay urgent messages containing accurate, factual, complete and verified descriptions of the emergency to service members stationed anywhere in the world, including on ships at sea and at embassies and remote locations. For more information visit: http://www.redcross.org/find-help/military-families/emergency-communication-services

Tonight when you go home and spend quality time with your family and friends, take a moment to pause  and remember our fellow Americans who are risking their lives and serving the nation, domestically and internationally, so you can enjoy these days of freedom. The American Red Cross salutes the Armed Forces of the United States of America and all members serving in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard as well as all veterans and their families during the National Military Appreciation Month this May.

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Written by: Amisha Sud

National Volunteer Week–Ernest Hemingway

When you read one of Ernest Hemingway’s works it might not strike you that he was once an ambulance driver for the American Red Cross! As we celebrate National Volunteer week, we would like to highlight the contributions of our devoted volunteers to the Red Cross mission particularly, of renowned American author Ernest Hemingway.

During World War I, Chicago-born Ernest Hemingway responded to a Red Cross recruitment effort in Kansas City and signed on to become an ambulance driver in Schio, Italy and then as a canteen worker at the Piave River until he was wounded. While Hemingway was distributing chocolate and cigarettes to Italian soldiers in the trenches near the front lines, an explosion seriously wounded him. But regardless of his injuries, Hemingway carried an Italian soldier on his back to a first-aid station, for which he received the Italian Silver Medal of Military Valour.

The Italian government cited with the award that, “Ernest Miller Hemingway of Illinois Park (Chicago) Lieutenant of the American Red Cross responsible for carrying sundries to the Italian troops engaged in combat, gave proof of courage and self sacrifice. Gravely wounded by numerous pieces of shrapnel from an enemy shell, and with an admirable spirit of brotherhood before taking care of himself, he rendered generous assistance to the Italian soldiers more seriously wounded in the same explosion and did not allow himself to be carried elsewhere until after they had been evacuated”.

He spent five days at a field hospital where he allowed other soldiers who were more seriously wounded by the same explosion to be treated before he was and remained with them until they were all evacuated. He was then transferred for recuperation to the Red Cross hospital in Milan for six months where he also found his first love in Red Cross nurse, Agnes von Kurowsky.

But Ernest Hemingway’s association with the Red Cross went beyond his voluntary work. Hemingway always admired the work of the organization, and when he returned home from the war he often wore his Red Cross uniform proudly around town. Ernest Hemingway’s Red Cross enlistment was one of the most influential experiences of his life and his development as a writer and a thinker. It also provided much of the source material for his work ‘A Farewell to Arms’ and his writings about Italy and the Great War. His involvement with the Red Cross led to some of the finest American literature on the Great War.

Ernest Hemingway represented all the values of a Red Cross volunteer—bravery, sacrifice, service and compassion for others. The Red Cross always respects the incredible hard work put in by all our volunteers all over the nation. Thousands of volunteers are out there every minute helping the community with emergency disaster response, providing life saving health and safety training and constantly trying to meet the immediate need of blood. The Red Cross celebrates the efforts put in by all supporters everywhere through National Volunteer week. Visit our website http://www.redcross.org/il/chicago to find out ways in which you can volunteer.

Written by: Amisha Sud

National Volunteer Week—AmeriCorps member Brianna Niemi

 

Brianna Niemi: Ameri Corps Member- National Volunteer Week

“Everybody can be great because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love.”–Martin Luther King Jr.

The Red Cross is more than a humanitarian organization; it’s a humanitarian organization supported by YOU! And many of you who contribute their time and energies to help us meet our vision of preparing communities for unanticipated disasters, ensuring access to lifesaving blood, supporting all members of our armed services and so much more. Hence, we fully support any form of event which acknowledges and celebrates all volunteers, including the National Volunteer Week from April 21- April 27 this year.

This week celebrates ordinary people doing extraordinary things to improve communities across the world. Being an organization which carries out its services majorly through the work of selfless volunteers, the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago could not be more excited about this recognition. To highlight the work our strong group of volunteers do, we interviewed Brianna Niemi, one of our devoted AmeriCorps. The AmeriCorps program helps the Red Cross achieve its mission by paying special attention to the neighborhoods and communities that need services the most, yet are least likely to be able to afford them.

Originally from Wisconsin with a Bachelors degree and certification in Social Work, Brianna always wanted to be part of a strong volunteer program like the PeaceCorps and decided to apply for the AmeriCorps program at the Chicago Red Cross. One of her favorite memories was from when she was deployed and was amazed to see the work done by volunteers who came from around the nation. But she was most moved by the family who she helped a day before Thanksgiving whose house was devastated by a terrible fire. That moment, Brianna realized the full impact of the fire felt by the family who were preparing for the Thanksgiving holiday before the fatal incident. But the family was very grateful and thankful of the help provided by the Red Cross and Brianna felt very proud of the work she is able to do along with the rest of the volunteers.

Brianna hopes to continue her passion to help people by enriching her experience with a Master degree in Social Work. To future volunteers, Brianna signs off by saying that the Red Cross is a remarkable organization to work for and contribute to. She is always amazed to see the enthusiasm of the Red Cross volunteers who are also sometimes retirees who come out and help distressed family whose homes have been destroyed. She also cites an example of a student volunteer who also has a full time job, but helps out the Red Cross by responding to fires in the middle of the night! These are the volunteers who carry forward the Red Cross services and touch the lives of countless people.

The Chicago Red Cross salutes these volunteers during the National Volunteer Week and beyond. We are grateful for all that they do. If you would like to make a difference in someone’s life by volunteering, then please visit http://rdcrss.org/14HNAC2 or email chicagovr@redcross.org or call (312) 729-6222.
–Written by Amisha Sud

A Red Cross Volunteer Honors a Chicago Hero

On a chilly November morning, Greg Ewing put on his Red Cross volunteer vest, and prepared to honor a hero. Greg, a Red Cross Disaster Action Team volunteer, had never met the man whose funeral he was attending, but vividly knew his face. “I had seen him so many times on the news, covered in soot and dirt from saving someone’s life,” he said.

Captain Herbert Johnson or better known by his friends and fellow firefighters as ‘Herbie,’ was the first in his engine company to run inside a burning apartment building in Gage Park. The family inside survived, but Captain Herbert perished. This past month, Herbie was honored as a Red Cross Hero for his bravery and dedication to public service. Greg Ewing was blown away by his unforgettable experience at the Captain’s funeral.

“I just couldn’t believe how many people were there,” said Greg about the service. The streets of 75th and Western were almost unrecognizable, filled with a sea of firefighters, cadets, and Chicagoans paying their respect to a man described as ‘larger than life.’ Hundreds of people attended the funeral to honor the fallen firefighter and hero. “Everyone there admired and praised him for being an amazing person and fireman.” The outpouring of support for Captain Herbie and his family came as no surprise for Greg, but a show of unexpected gratitude towards him at that moment touched him.

The Red Cross volunteer vest that he was proudly wearing caught the attention of several funeral attendees and firefighters. “I was approached by so many people thanking me for everything the Red Cross does for people whose lives are altered in devastating fires,” Greg explained. Even a Fire Captain, paused to shake his hand and thank him for the impressive work the Red Cross does in the city. “Right after a fire occurs, it’s normally the fire station that calls us to help; we are the first point of reference they give the families,” he said. In the Greater Chicago Region, the American Red Cross Disaster Action Teams help assist victims of home fires every day. That November morning, a Red Cross volunteer was able to honor a Chicago hero and receive a heartfelt reminder of the impact the Red Cross has on the city. Greg Ewing left the funeral of Captain Herbert Johnson knowing that the city of Chicago is truly appreciative of firefighters like Herbie and other Red Cross volunteers like himself.

Written by: Alyssa Barford

Volunteer Week: Walt Disney

      

As the always insightful Mr. Rogers once said, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” To this day, especially in times of “disaster,” I remember my mother’s words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers – so many caring people in this world.” The American Red Cross could not agree more, and recognizes the vital importance of volunteers to their organization.

It is National Volunteer week at the American Red Cross, a time when every Red Cross helper should be appreciated for all they do. Dedicated and passionate volunteers have made the efforts of the Red Cross possible for over 132 years. Currently, volunteers constitute 94% of the total workforce to carry out our humanitarian work. In celebration of volunteer week, we decided to give a little background on one of our favorite former Red Cross volunteer. This talented artist and visionary helped children around the world to discover their imagination. He is remembered as a creator, filmmaker, entertainer, and most importantly an American Red Cross volunteer.

In the fall of 1918, Walt Disney attempted to enlist in the military in the wake of WWI. After being rejected because he was a minor, he joined the Red Cross and was sent overseas to France where he volunteered as an ambulance driver. True to Disney form, Walt covered his ambulance with his creative drawing and cartoons, as seen in the picture above. His duties for the Red Cross included being a driver for mechanic supply trucks and an ambulance. Even though Disney stayed busy with his Red Cross duties, he found time to develop his passion for art. He created war related cartoons that were submitted to Life magazine and illustrated posters for the Red Cross. Disney instilled a lasting relationship with the Red Cross and today The Walt Disney Company still donates millions to Red Cross relief efforts.

Disney is just one of many volunteers that have assisted the Red Cross and helped millions of people. Even though this week is dedicated to our volunteers, the Red Cross strives to thank their helpers, who make the organization possible, every day. So next time you drive by a fire, or watch a disaster on the news, take Mr. Rogers advice and look for the helpers, because I guarantee you will spot a Red Cross volunteer. To find ways you can help the Red Cross, visit http://www.redcross.org/support/volunteer.

Written by: Alyssa Barford

Heidi Klum: Supermodel, Supermom, and Superhero

Heidi Klum is a supermodel turned superhero. During a recent vacation to Hawaii, The American Red Cross Celebrity Cabinet member helped rescue her son, Henry, and two nannies from a dangerous riptide off the beach on the island of Oahu. The courageous supermom quickly ran into action, and luckily no one was hurt. Heidi is part of the Red Cross Celebrity Cabinet, which is a collection of celebrities that are “on-call” to assist the Red Cross by a giving their time and skills for a one-year term.

Heidi’s heroic efforts show why she is such an important Red Cross contributor. She released a statement to the media saying, “We got pulled into the ocean by a big wave. Of course, as a mother, I was very scared for my child and everyone else in the water. Henry is a strong swimmer and was able to swim back to land. We were able to get everyone out safely.” Her past Sunday rescue adds to the reasons why she is a great Cabinet member. Heidi has previously teamed up with the Red Cross in Hurricane Sandy relief efforts this past December.

Klum’s experience is an important lesson in the necessary precautions for water safety. The Red Cross offers classes in lifeguard training that can prepare you for a great summer job and help save someone’s life. The tailored courses will give you the skills you need to become a professional lifeguard. Visit redcross.org for more information. With the summer season upon us and the much anticipated Lake Michigan beach season, it is important to stay informed and practice water safety. Take a cue from Heidi Klum; the knowledge of water risks and safety can help save a life.

Written By: Alyssa Barford

Former “Biggest Loser” contestant runs Chicago Marathon for Red Cross

Cassandra Sturos is a big dreamer. Prior to competing on NBC’s “The Biggest Loser,” some of the Michigan native’s dreams included moving to New York, becoming a writer and running a marathon. After leaving the show, she has completed the first two. Now she plans to complete the third through the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago’s Run Red team, a charity marathon team that offers participants a free spot in the Chicago Marathon if they raise funds for the Red Cross mission.

“The marathon is a bucket-list thing for me that I’ve always wanted to do, but wasn’t sure I could work up to,” Sturos said.

Before her stay on “The Biggest Loser,” Sturos enjoyed the sense of pride that accompanies running races, but a 5k was the longest distance she had ever run. While on the show, she challenged herself with her running goals and passed significant running milestones (pun intended). Now she can run a half-marathon without thinking.

Running for charity isn’t new for Sturos. Every race she has run has been for a good cause. So when she began looking for a place to complete a marathon, running the Chicago Marathon through the Red Cross made sense to her.

“I love the idea of running for a charity,” Sturos said. “Running for an incredible cause makes it mean much more. It really sealed the deal for the Chicago Marathon for me, running the marathon for the Red Cross.”

The October 7 date for the Marathon may seem a ways off, but Sturos has been hard at work preparing for race day.  She alternates days between long-distance runs and full-body strength training. Sometimes it isn’t easy (Sturos described one run where she was so hot and thirsty she considered jumping in the Hudson River), but she’s found that the combination of strength workouts and distance conditioning have improved her endurance.

With her training in full swing, Sturos is well on her way to crossing a marathon off her bucket list. But it isn’t just about completing the marathon for her.

“Not only is it a huge personal goal for me, I also do feel really passionate about the Red Cross,” Sturos said. “It’s an amazing organization and running for it will be an amazing accomplishment.”

A marathon can be a mind-bogging, seemingly unattainable running distance to some people. Sturos joked that even her mother, who she said “would support [Sturos] buying an elephant and riding it cross-country,” can’t wrap her mind around her daughter running the 26-mile distance.

But, clichéd as it may seem, Sturos thinks anything can be accomplished with hard work and determination. Sturos, who has completely transformed her life and followed her dreams to New York, is a living testament to the power of determination.

“Half the battle is telling yourself you can do it and being kind to yourself. I don’t think there’s anyone who couldn’t run a marathon,” Sturos said.

If you want to help Sturos realize a dream through the Red Cross, you can donate to Sturos’ Run Red fund. Or you can join the team if you want to realize a dream of your own. Also, if you have a chance, take a look at Sturos’ blog to see what this adventurous dreamer is up to at http://adventuredame.blogspot.com/.

Written by Patrick Cavanaugh

Marathoner shares Run Red experience

Leah Cato had never been to Chicago when she joined the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago’s Run Red team, a charity marathon team that offers participants a free spot in the Chicago Marathon if they raise funds for the Red Cross mission. She had been running in the Washington D.C. area for a couple of years, but wanted to do a marathon for charity.  Cato joined the team in 2010, following a desire to give back to society.

“I was searching for a way to make a difference, and running to raise money and awareness for charity has become just that,” Cato said.  

With Run Red, Cato found exactly what she was looking for.  Joining the Run Red team gave her the chance to run for a charity organization that’s internationally renowned for service.

“I’ve always been aware of the Red Cross’ emergency response to large disasters such as hurricanes, or through seeing it in my work abroad,” said Cato. “I’ve seen the impact the Red Cross has on a daily basis with emergency response.”

Giving back is a large part of the Run Red experience, but it’s not all it has to offer.  For Cato, human connection was the cherry on the Run Red sundae.  Cato cherished the opportunity to meet and bond with new people through Run Red.  From the moment she entered Chicago, she knew she was surrounded by a good group of people.

“Coming to Chicago for the first time and getting such a warm welcome from the Run Red team made my first visit to the city a great experience,” Cato said.

To Cato, being with a great team made the experience more valuable.  The Run Red team’s welcome gave her the sense that she was part of something special, that she was part of a community.  As Cato finished the marathon, it became clear that the camaraderie among the team had easily endured the 26-mile distance.

“Being one of the slower runners I was really excited that they [my teammates] were still there at the end of the race cheering me on,” said Cato. “The entire experience was really a positive one.”

Run Red also taught Cato about the many different services the American Red Cross provides.  She knew about the Red Cross’ work during large disasters and armed conflict, but hadn’t heard of the lesser known day-to-day activities, such as Disaster Action Team fire response and blood collection.  Joining the Run Red Team increased her awareness of the Red Cross’ work.

For people who are considering participating, Cato recommends going for it.  She also advises newcomers to reach out to family and friends early in order to make the fundraising process run smoothly.  Cato acknowledges that running a marathon and raising funds isn’t always easy, but she finds it immensely rewarding.  To Cato, it’s much more than just a marathon.

“Run Red is an opportunity to meet new people and give back to your community. It’s not a race.  It’s an experience. It’s an opportunity to expand on your horizon,” said Cato. “Have fun.  Happy running.”

Written by Patrick Cavanaugh

Make a Wish

Nate’s sixth birthday was definitely a memorable one for his friends, their families and especially me. When I was planning my son’s birthday party, I asked Nate if he wanted to fundraise with his friends for a local non-profit. After talking to Nate about various causes, I was pleasantly surprised that he picked the Red Cross on his own. To support his enthusiasm, I told him that our family would match whatever he raised. Boy, were we impressed! Over the past couple of years, I think Nate paid closer attention to disaster relief, tornadoes and hurricanes, and other tragedies in the news than I did. Nate was completely committed to the idea and did not leave any stone unturned. Nate made sure that all of his friends knew that he was collecting donations for the Red Cross. When Nate’s friends asked him what he wanted for his birthday, he responded, “donations for the Red Cross.” His friends and their families were extremely generous!

Last week, our family took Nathan to the Red Cross to donate the money that he raised with the help of his friends and their families. Nate raised an impressive $187.02, which our family matched, making Nate’s total gift to the Red Cross an amazing $374.04. Nate couldn’t stop smiling after he made his donation to the Red Cross. Our family is very proud of Nate’s efforts and excited to see what other organizations he wants to help when he turns seven.

Written By Kristin Miller

“I was just thinking, the Red Cross is real”

After enjoying a late breakfast and curling up in front of the TV, the Taylor family thought they were in for a normal Monday, but as the beginning credits began to roll on their favorite TV show, a fire was starting in their upstairs closet.

Deidra Taylor, mother of three, heard the smoke alarm go off upstairs and her 17-year-old son went to go check it out. To his surprise, one of the bedrooms’ closets was engulfed in flames. Luckily the family had talked about fire safety and had an escape plan ready.

“Even though we were prepared, it all goes out the window when there is panic, because we were bumping into one another,” said Deidra. Deidra, her son, 8-year-old daughter and 8-month-old baby, all made it out safely.

It was suspected that the fire was started from the first floor ceiling fan, which was located right below the bedroom closet. The fan’s light bulb kept blowing out a couple weeks before and sadly caused a huge electric fire.

Most of the family’s home was destroyed by the fire and water damage, but Red Cross was able to lend a hand with food, infant supplies, shelter, clothing and three teddy bears for the kids. Deidra told us that the first night after the fire was the hardest but knowing that someone cared really helped.
  
“Ashley, your Red Cross responder, was really caring and touched my sons arm and said things that made him feel better,” said Deidra. ”I was just thinking, the Red Cross is real they really do help and train their staff members.”

With great gratitude, Deidra described her experience with the Red Cross as wonderful, kind and extremely caring. Deidra said the Red Cross has always been her charity of choice and will be for many years to come.

“They affected us so much that my son turned to me and said, ‘mom can I volunteer here,’ and I looked at him and said, ‘yes, we are going to volunteer together’,” said Deidra.

Become a part of the Red Cross and take part in helping families just like the Taylor family. Visit redcross.org to donate or to find out how to become a volunteer and always prepare yourself with fire safety tips.

Written by Dana Morones