SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, November 5, 2026 — This Veterans Day, the American Red Cross Southern California Region honors those who have served and recognizes the experiences, sacrifices and continued contributions of veterans and military families in communities across the country.

Whether someone is serving today, transitioned out of military service decades ago, lives near a military installation or simply knows a veteran, military service is part of the fabric of communities across the United States. More than 15 million veterans live in communities across the United States alongside millions of current service members. Veterans are our neighbors, coworkers, family members and community leaders, making support for the military community important for all Americans.

“Veterans Day is an opportunity to honor those who have served while also recognizing the importance of supporting our Armed Forces and Military Families throughout every stage of their journey,” said Dan Beighley, Senior Team Lead Service to the Armed Forces, American Red Cross Southern California Region. “The Red Cross is proud to stand alongside the military community by providing connection, care and resources that support their health and well-being.”

The Red Cross has proudly supported service members and veterans for decades, and that commitment continues through programs designed to meet the evolving needs of the military community. One of the newest resources is the Military 2 Veteran Network (M2VN), a peer support network available to current and former service members and veterans. Designed by veterans, for veterans, M2VN takes an evidence-based, holistic approach to building an online community centered on peer-to-peer support and led by trained volunteers who understand the military journey.

For many service members, transitioning from military to civilian life can mean losing the sense of connection and community that came with service. Through a secure online community, participants can take part in regularly scheduled peer support groups and chats, self-care practices and education, whole health and wellness workshops and opportunities to connect with others who share similar experiences.

The Red Cross also supports the whole health needs of the military community through wellness workshops, hospital and clinic programs, peer support and more. Over the past year, Red Cross teams reached more than 1.5 million people through whole health programming and services.

This Veterans Day, everyone can play a role in helping connect the veterans, service members and military families in their lives with resources and support. Learn more about Red Cross services for the military and veteran community at redcross.org/veterans.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.

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