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. Read on for a Q&A to learn more about how U.S. Coast Guard veteran Jason Brand is making an impact as Regional Service to the Armed Forces/International Services Director for the American Red Cross Southern California Region.

When you served in the military, did you ever receive Red Cross services or cross paths with the Red Cross?

Jason: Yes, while I was stationed aboard the Coast Guard Cutter MOHAWK, I remember receiving several Red Cross emergency communication messages for members in my department and I always knew the messages contained timely and accurate information that assisted us in verifying the emergency and getting the member home to support their family.

What is the biggest takeaway from your time in the military? What do you remember most? 

Jason: My most memorable time in the military was my retirement ceremony onboard the USS BATTLESHIP MISSOURI in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Most of my family was able to attend and I was able to thank them all for the sacrifices they all made so that I could have the honor and privilege to serve our great country just like both of my grandfathers did. 

How does it feel to know that you are able to serve your country a second time through your work with the American Red Cross? Do you think there are any parallels between your military service and what you do with the Red Cross, or Red Cross services you provide?  

Jason: I couldn’t have dreamed of a better job than being able to transition from serving our country in the military to be able to serve our community and military through our Services to the Armed Forces and International Services mission in the American Red Cross.

What is your favorite thing about the Red Cross? 

Jason: My favorite thing about being a Red Crosser is that every person I have met all have the same genuine compassion to help others and commitment to the Red Cross mission. I truly enjoy being around such amazing people and they inspire me and make me a better person every day.

If there is anything else you’d like to share?

Jason: Lastly, I would like to thank my wife Barbie and my twin daughters Kacey and Blakeley for their support during all my years in the military, you are a true blessing to me! 

The Red Cross Southern California Region is proud to support America’s 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. To learn more about Red Cross programs and services available to military members, veterans and their families, visit redcross.org/military.