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American Red Cross Chairman Visits AFES Personnel in Gulf Region
Monday, May 12, 2003 — Although combat is over in Iraq, thousands of American troops will remain in the region – and away from their families -- for many months to come as the reconstruction and stabilization phase continues. Just as their work continues, so does that of American Red Cross Armed Forces Emergency Services (AFES) staff members, who work around the clock to keep the troops connected with their families back home.
Recently David McLaughlin, Chairman of the American Red Cross Board of Governors, toured AFES operations in Kuwait and Bahrain, where he witnessed first-hand the important work the American Red Cross carries out each day for American troops.
In spite of challenging conditions, such as sandstorms like this one, dedicated AFES staff members continue to deliver emergency messages to the troops.
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“I was deeply impressed by the incredible service these dedicated Red Cross workers provide, as were the military personnel I met with. In each case, from the commanding level on down to the troops, everyone absolutely valued the service – it’s unique, it’s needed, and it’s very much appreciated at every level,” McLaughlin said.
The primary mission of the American Red Cross Armed Forces Emergency Services is to relay emergency messages between families and service members in times of celebration and of loss — good news about the arrival of a baby, a serious illness in the family or the death of a loved one. The Red Cross verifies and speeds more than a million messages a year across thousands of miles to U.S. service members separated from their families. Many times, the verified Red Cross message is the determining factor for granting emergency leave.
Of thousands of emergency messages delivered during Operation Iraqi Freedom, AFES workers relayed 6,800 messages about the serious illness or death of a loved one, and also delivered the good news about the birth of a new son or daughter to 1,614 servicemen.
“What struck me the most about the work of the AFES staff members was the look on the faces of those troops who were put in touch with their families -- the look of heartfelt appreciation,” McLaughlin said. “Because of the American Red Cross, the servicemen and women have a conduit for contacting their loved ones. Not many people know how much comfort that provides to our troops stationed so far from home. But beyond providing the emotional comfort of a direct connection to family, the Red Cross also provides physical comfort by distributing items such as toiletries. When troops are moving around in-country, they often don’t have access to simple things like toothpaste or soap.”
According to Kay Walton, Senior Director of Armed Forces Emergency Services at American Red Cross National Headquarters, the AFES staff members in Kuwait and Bahrain were thrilled that the chairman took the time to visit them in the field. “They felt that he learned a lot about AFES,” Walton said. “It was a very positive experience for them to show him where they live and work, and with temperatures reaching 120 degrees, he got a little touch of what it’s like to live without air conditioning in the blistering heat.”
In addition to soaring temperatures, staff members have endured horrendous dust storms and hailstorms and, in the early stages of Operation Iraqi Freedom, they also experienced repeated chemical/biological alerts, requiring them to shelter in bunkers wearing gas masks or full chemical suits.
“The staff is totally dedicated to their mission, even in the worst of conditions, but they never complain,” McLaughlin said. “There aren’t a lot of people who could tolerate these conditions and still perform at the highest levels, always coming away with a smile on their faces.”
The American Red Cross is not a government agency. We rely on the assistance of caring supporters like you to deliver our critical services. You can support U.S. military members and their families through the American Red Cross as we provide assistance and comfort. Your gift will support the nationally coordinated Red Cross services provided to military families across the country and to American service men and women located throughout the world. Please make a financial donation to Service to Armed Forces by calling 1-800-RED CROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions may be sent to the American Red Cross Service to Armed Forces, P.O. Box 91820, Washington, DC 20090. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.
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