By Brianna Kelly, American Red Cross

The American Red Cross Southern California Region is proud to honor local veterans making a difference every day. In communities across SoCal, many veterans are serving their country a second time through their work with the American Red Cross. 

We asked some of our local veterans how it feels to know they are serving a second time through their work with the American Red Cross. We also asked our hometown heroes if there are any parallels between their military service and what they do at the Red Cross. Read on to see their moving responses, and join us as we salute our local heroes!

Sean Mahoney, Regional CEO, American Red Cross Southern California Region | U.S. Coast Guard (1987-2014)

“The Red Cross has a terrific reputation in the armed services and across our country, and it is a privilege to be a part of such an effective humanitarian organization. There are many similarities between the Red Cross and the service. Both are meaningful careers that rely on teamwork, flexibility and responsiveness. Like the armed forces, the Red Cross is also a family, and our employees and volunteers share a strong connection through our experiences and service. It’s an honor to work alongside so many selfless people who are inspired by our mission. I’m proud to be a veteran and a member of the American Red Cross!”

Dave Maloney, Senior Community Disaster Program Manager, American Red Cross Southern California Region | Naval Aviator, U.S. Navy (1982-2009)

“There are thousands of memories, all of them good ones. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to be in the Navy for so long and enjoyed every minute of it.

There are lots of parallels between the Navy and Red Cross. My opinion the biggest is: In the Navy, leaders #1 responsibility is to take care of Sailors – get them promoted to make more money, make sure they have everything that they need to do their job, try to remove the barriers and filter the bureaucracy, get them due recognition, keep them motivated, and keep them out of trouble. In the Red Cross a Disaster Program Manager’s job is the same, just substitute Volunteer for Sailor, except maybe the part about keeping them out of trouble because thankfully that doesn’t happen here. Other parallels – deployments. Luckily, they are not 6-8 months like the Navy; and disaster mission planning and organizing are quite similar to the military planning and organizing for combat operations.”

Patricia Perez, Regional Service to the Armed Forces Program Manager, American Red Cross of San Diego and Imperial Counties | U.S. Navy (1998-2006)

“There are so many parallels between the military and the American Red Cross. Both organizations are mission focused, and they are both very committed to serving the military, veterans, their families and humanity.

The ability to still service the same group of people [military members] – and more – is my favorite thing about being a Red Crosser. From the provision of free preparedness services such as smoke alarms, to providing blood that can save lives, to delivering Hug-a-Hero dolls for military children, offering resiliency workshops to learn stress coping tools, to the courtesy – and comforting–  phone call a family member receives about their newly enlisted service member… just knowing that no matter how small the service is, our efforts are making a difference, makes being a Red Crosser rewarding.”

Raul Diaz, Regional Service to the Armed Forces Program Manager, American Red Cross Southern California Region | U.S. Army (2010-2014); U.S. Army Reserves (current)

“The first that comes to mind and perhaps the biggest, at least to me, is our 'Mission First' approach, which to me means that both organizations understand that the task at hand, whatever it may be, is bigger than any one person. Each organization does a spectacular job at impressing upon each member of their respective organizations to take a step back, recognize and acknowledge the work that each of us contributes for the greater good.

As a Soldier Medic, I get to be an integral part of sustaining the fighting force through the medical care that I and my brothers and sisters in arms provide. As a Red Crosser, I get to be the support that members of the military and their families seek when they are faced with an emergency. To constantly be in a position in which I can be of service to our nation is a true privilege. I am one blessed man!”

The Red Cross Southern California Region is proud to support the military community. Are you looking for ways to give back to our nation’s heroes and their families? You can honor those who have served by giving your time as a Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces volunteer. Sign up to volunteer with the Red Cross and start helping military families today. Visit redcross.org/volunteer to learn more.

For information about Red Cross programs and resources available to service members, veterans and their families, visit redcross.org/military.