Zahra’s commitment to the Red Cross continued through college and her military career. As an Officer, she served in South Korea, Alaska, and Afghanistan, where she witnessed firsthand how the Red Cross supports military members and their families. In Afghanistan, Zahra served as a Casualty Officer, overseeing emergency communications and the coordination of soldiers being sent home on emergency leave—many of whom were experiencing some of life’s most significant moments, like the birth of a child.

“I saw the Red Cross in action countless times,” Zahra shared. “Wives going into early labor, soldiers receiving emergency leave, and those injured in combat all relied on the Red Cross to communicate with their families and coordinate lifesaving support. It was incredible to witness.”

For Zahra, some of the most heart-wrenching moments came when soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice. As a Casualty Officer in Afghanistan, she was responsible for informing the families of soldiers who had been killed in action. She vividly remembers the loss of a young soldier, just 19 years old, who died tragically in a non-combat accident during his first deployment. “He was just a kid. It’s hard on the family no matter what, but the Red Cross was always there to support them through those unimaginable times.”

Amid the chaos and heartbreak, the Red Cross provided a sense of comfort and connection for the soldiers on base. Zahra remembers spending Christmas in Afghanistan, where the Red Cross organized a celebration for thousands of soldiers. “We were in a combat zone, away from our families, but the Red Cross made it feel like home,” she said. “They brought care packages, candy, and cards from elementary school kids. Those little things meant the world to us.”

For Zahra, the Red Cross isn’t just another nonprofit—it’s a lifeline. “There are a lot of organizations out there, but the Red Cross is truly one of my favorites. Every [Red Cross] volunteer I encountered during my deployments was genuinely happy to be there, helping us in any way they could. It made a difference. It saved lives.”

From childhood blood transfusions to supporting her troops in times of crisis, the Red Cross has been a constant in Zahra’s life. Now, as she leads the next generation of military service members, she’s ensuring that they too understand the lifesaving work of the Red Cross. Through resilience courses, emergency communications and blood drives, she fosters a relationship with the Red Cross that extends far beyond the walls of the MEPS.

Thank you for your service, Major Moutabakkir!

Note: The views expressed in Major Zahra Moutabakkir’s quotations are hers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Defense or the U.S. Army.