By Red Cross volunteer Josh Davis

When Jada Lassiter was awarded the Purple Heart in early 2024, it marked the beginning of a long and difficult recovery. But instead of letting that moment define her solely by trauma, she used it as a turning point – and a chance to help others.

“I knew I’d be in recovery for a while, maybe one or two years,” Lassiter said. “So I started thinking about how I could still be useful and how I could still give back.”

Now serving on active orders with the National Guard, Lassiter began volunteering with the American Red Cross in early 2025 through its Service to the Armed Forces program at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, where she had also spent time as a patient in the Soldier Recovery Unit.

“I knew I would have a lot of free time on my hands. So the first thing that came to my mind was, I would love to be helpful somewhere in the hospital region. And then with the Red Cross, it was just kind of an instinct to go through the process of becoming a volunteer,” she said.

Since then, she’s become a passionate part of the Red Cross team, particularly around outreach events in the National Capital Region. One recent highlight was participating in the Pentagon’s “Take Your Child to Work Day,” where Lassiter helped engage young visitors through interactive games and activities at the Red Cross table.

“The kids were amazing,” she said. “They learned about the Red Cross, and just had a great time. The energy was so positive. It reminded me why I love doing this.”

For Lassiter, volunteering is about more than showing up – it’s about showing care.

“Even prior to my Purple Heart moment, giving back in this way was always on my mind,” she said. “I always told myself if I could contribute to any part of society, I would like to contribute to health and wellness. And it’s ironic that I ended up in an environment where I had no choice but to get involved, because I had to take care of myself, and also the other people around me who are in recovery.

“We just all lean on each other,” she continued. “And that’s where my heart stems from.”

Lassiter says what stands out most to her about the Red Cross is the sense of purpose and professionalism across every event.

“I honestly didn’t know that most of the people running things [at the American Red Cross] are volunteers,” she said. “It’s so well-organized. I love that each event has a plan, a supply closet, everything you need. It’s clear the Red Cross puts real thought and effort into making these events meaningful.”

Lassiter said she’s eager to get more involved, particularly in hospital settings or anywhere she can be hands-on with people in recovery.

“I have a feeling something’s going to come along that really connects with me,” she said. “That’s one of the things I love about volunteering – you never know where it might take you, or who you might meet.”

Asked what she’d say to someone thinking about volunteering, Lassiter paused, then spoke with the kind of quiet clarity that comes from experience.

“I would say, take time to evaluate what you’re doing with your free time. What are you applying your energy toward? And if you realize you have enough energy and strength to contribute to a greater cause, I would consider volunteering,” she said. “It’s great to help other people – and it’s very enlightening.

“You never know where you might end up and you never know who you might meet,” she continued. “I’ve met some great people I wouldn’t have met if I was just laid up in my room.”

Above all, Lassiter said she’s thankful for the Red Cross for showing up when others might not see the need.

“I just really appreciate the Red Cross for coming through for the military,” she said. “Behind closed doors, we actually do go through a lot. We’re very resilient, but it’s nice that someone can stop and look at us and say, ‘Hey, I know you need help, and here I am.’ That’s something I really appreciate.”

As she continues her own journey of healing, Lassiter is turning pain into purpose – and offering hope to others who need it most.

Interested in joining Jada and thousands of others making a difference? Visit redcross.org/volunteer to get started.