By Betsy Robertson  

Jenny Millette (below) is an Air Force Veteran, one of nearly 140 who lives at the Veterans Association (VA) Tiny House Campus in Los Angeles. But when the Mandeville Canyon Fire threatened the safety of their community, Jenny, her daughter Stephanie and service dog Stormy evacuated to safety.  

The entire group found shelter at the Bob Hope Patriotic Civic Hall in Los Angeles, where the American Red Cross partnered with the VA to provide hot meals, showers, personal supplies, cots and blankets. Also, medical and mental health workers are available, along with caseworkers and spiritual care. 

“It is very nice and quiet here,” Jenny said. “The Red Cross workers have been very kind to me, my daughter and Stormy.” 

Among the Red Cross and VA volunteers working here is Aspyn Adams. Aspyn is local to Los Angeles, serving with our Service to the Armed Forces/International Services team as a program specialist. 

Last year she deployed to Iraq for 6 months to support our servicemembers overseas. Now her role includes supporting the Veteran community at the VA and during this response, that includes working to set up and support the shelter at the Civic Hall.  

“I was so grateful that there was a shelter dedicated to our veterans, and that I was able to help,” Aspyn said.

“Veterans are easily overlooked, especially in emergencies. We have a significant number that are already experiencing homelessness. Providing a sense of safety and security for them is crucial,” Aspyn said. 

Since its founding, the Red Cross has supported military members and their families. Today, we continue to serve the military community—from the moment a service member takes the oath to the time they navigate life as veterans. 

That’s where Aspyn and her team come in. On Wednesday, evacuation orders were lifted and those who had homes were able to return, so their work to comfort and care for the Los Angeles Veteran population goes on.   

To access the American Red Cross Hero Care Network, visit redcross.org/saf, download the Hero Care app by texting GETHEROCARE to 90999, or call a Hero Care specialist at 877-272-7337.