By Brianna Kelly, American Red Cross

For Dan Beighley, the decision to join the United States Marine Corps was deeply rooted in family legacy and pride. “My Pop Pop served with the Fifth Amphibious Corps and fought on Iwo Jima, while my Grandpa served with the 1st Amphibious Reconnaissance Company during the island-hopping campaign in World War II,” says Dan. “As Marines, their service, courage, and commitment left a lasting impression on me. When my time came to serve, the Marine Corps was the obvious choice. I enlisted in 1997 and dedicated 26 years to the Corps, retiring in 2024 as a Sergeant Major,” he says.

When he reflects on his time in the Corps, Dan’s strongest memories are of camaraderie and teamwork. “In combat and in training, success depended on trust and unity. I remember moments where everything was on the line, and the only certainty was the Marine to my left and right. That bond—knowing we would do anything for each other—created a brotherhood that lasts a lifetime. Teamwork wasn’t just a concept; it was survival, and it shaped who I am today,” he says.

It's no secret that the Marine Corps leaves a lifelong impact in the hearts and minds of those who serve, instilling values and lessons that can only be learned from serving alongside fellow Marines on the battlefield, and beyond. For Dan, two concepts – among many others – stay with him: integrity and mission accomplishment. “Integrity was the foundation of trust—every decision had to reflect honesty and accountability,” he says. “Mission accomplishment taught me to adapt, improvise, and overcome obstacles to achieve objectives no matter the conditions. These principles guide me every day and translate directly to my work now.”

When it came time to retire and step into the next chapter of his life, Dan knew one thing: he wasn’t done serving those who serve. He found the American Red Cross and joined the organization as Service to the Armed Forces/International Services Director for the Southern California Region. Home to one of the largest military populations in the country, Southern California offered the perfect environment for Dan to continue serving his country a second time.

“My mission was to take care of Marines and their families, ensuring they had the support they needed in the toughest moments. Joining the Red Cross allowed me to continue that commitment—just in a different capacity. The Red Cross plays a critical role in supporting service members, veterans, and their families during emergencies and deployments,” says Dan. The Red Cross offered a way for Dan to continue this vital work of supporting our nation’s heroes and their families. “That mission resonated deeply with me because I understand firsthand the challenges they face. For me, this wasn’t just a career move—it was a way to keep serving the armed forces community and make a meaningful impact where it matters most.”

For Dan, the Red Cross offers many similarities and parallels to his time in service. “In the Corps, we cared for Marines and families, worked as a team, upheld integrity, stayed committed to the mission, and adapted under pressure. Those same principles guide my work with the Red Cross, making this service feel like a natural extension of my military career,” he says.

As Service to the Armed Forces Director, Dan’s mission continues with the Red Cross. “It’s deeply fulfilling,” he says. “Serving in the Marine Corps gave me a sense of purpose I never wanted to lose, and the Red Cross allows me to continue that mission in a different way. Supporting service members, veterans, and their families during critical moments feels like an extension of my oath to serve. Service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off.”

Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces offers a wide array of support for service members, veterans and military families. From preparing families for deployment, to providing morale and welfare programs at military bases at home and abroad, to facilitating 24/7 emergency communications between service members and their families, and much more,

Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces is there to provide the around-the-world and around-the-clock programs that help service members, and their families, feel supported in their mission.

“The most rewarding aspect is being able to share my military experience to bridge the gap between the nonprofit sector and the unique needs of service members and their families” says Dan. “It allows me to create understanding, build trust, and ensure that the support we provide truly reflects the realities of military life. For me, using my background to connect these groups and strengthen our impact is incredibly fulfilling.”

Drawing from his own experience, Dan knows first-hand the unique perspectives and skill sets that veterans can bring to humanitarian work. “Veterans bring leadership, adaptability, and a mission-first mindset—skills that translate directly to humanitarian work,” he says. “They know how to operate under pressure, build strong teams, and solve problems in challenging environments. Combined with their deep sense of service and integrity, veterans can inspire trust and drive meaningful impact in organizations like the Red Cross.”

Dan encourages other veterans to consider how they can continue the mission of service in new ways. “My advice is simple: there is no greater purpose in life than to serve others. When the uniform comes off, your ability to make a difference doesn’t end. Find ways to give back—volunteer your time, share your experience, and support your community. Even small acts, like donating blood, can save lives. Service isn’t limited to the battlefield; it’s a lifelong commitment to helping others whenever and wherever you can.”

For more information about Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces and how you can support its vital mission, visit redcross.org/military.