Shaun Tarkington has always wanted to have purpose in his life. From dreams of becoming a pilot in the U.S. Air Force to fighting fires professionally, then later working on over a dozen Red Cross national disaster relief operations, this Air Force veteran has been driven by his desire to make a difference.
“I spent a lot of time trying to find that purpose,” explained Shaun. “Trying to find a job that would be gratifying in a way that made me feel good every day and not like I was just sitting at a desk and doing things that didn't really make a difference to anyone else.”
Born in Germany to a father in the U.S. Army, Shaun’s early years were shaped by military life overseas. He got his first brush with the American Red Cross when he was just 13 years old, after Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines erupted. Shaun and his family were stationed on a U.S. military base just 90 miles away.
“It looked like a mushroom cloud,” he recalled.
Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) volunteers helped evacuate his and other military families.
“For 13-year-old Shaun, it was an adventure,” he said. “SAF was there, helping us evacuate the Philippines… it was horrible for a lot of people. But for me, it was formative.”
Shaun went on to attend the Air Force Academy with dreams of becoming a pilot until he learned in his third year that he had a disqualifying eye problem.
“I was destroyed,” he shared. “I didn’t know what to do with my life.”
Following the academy, he served as an engineer and acquisitions officer in the U.S. Air Force. As an officer, he was given valuable leadership opportunities, but he never felt the sense of accomplishment he had hoped to have in the job.
“I couldn’t even get deployed and I wanted to be,” he said.
He left the military after his five-year commitment so his wife could continue her career as a news anchor in Kentucky. He found fulfillment as a fire fighter and paramedic and later began volunteering with the Red Cross, where his fascination with disasters and military experience coalesced, making him invaluable on a combined 15 national disaster relief operations and international deployments ─ something he never got to do in uniform.
“One of the most gratifying things you could do is like the jobs where you’re handing out food directly to people or working in the shelter,” he said.
Now, as a member of Team 57 with the Red Cross ─ an expeditionary workforce comprised of more than 20 staff members who deploy on six-month rotations to remote military bases in Eastern Europe, Africa and the Middle East ─ Shaun alerts service members of emergencies at home and also develops morale and respite programs. One project of note is a Respite Center that he’s helping to build.
“We’re building up our centers to give soldiers a place to relax… and we’re giving them purpose,” he explained.
Reflecting on his journey, Shaun said, “I feel like my various roles in life, from military to firefighter to disaster operations…really made me feel confident that I’m valuable here and that my contributions actually matter and I am a perspective that is positive for the mission…[SAF] has been one of the most rewarding jobs I’ve ever had.”
This Veterans Day, Shaun’s story reminds us that service doesn’t end when one takes off their uniform. Through the Red Cross, Shaun continues to serve his own ─ bringing care, connection and purpose to those who need it most.
NATIONAL DONORS JOIN LONG LEGACY OF RED CROSS MILITARY SUPPORT
Generous donations from Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces Giving Program members enable the Red Cross to maintain a global network of thousands of volunteers and employees to support the military 365 days a year through emergency communications, training, community resources and support to ill and injured service members and veterans. Contributions from partners like Lockheed Martin Corporation and Wilf Family Foundations ensure the Red Cross is there 24/7 to provide comfort and care to members of the military, veterans and their families as they prepare for, cope with and respond to the challenges of military service.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
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