The military community plays a crucial role in safeguarding our nations and protecting our freedoms. From brave service members to dedicated military spouses, their sacrifices and contributions are immeasurable. However, transitioning from military life to civilian life can be challenging. This is where the "Hire a Hero" initiative comes into play. In this article, we will explore the various aspects of supporting the military community and the importance of hiring heroes. From the experiences of a retired Air Force veteran to the role of the American Red Cross, we will delve into the programs, services, and opportunities that exist to assist service members, veterans, and their families throughout their journey.

Everyone has their own reasons for joining the military. For Joe Kelley, a retired Air Force veteran, it was a desire to fly fighter planes, explore the world, and escape his New York roots. However, his dreams of becoming a pilot were dashed due to his height. Undeterred, Joe embarked on a 25-year-long journey in the US Air Force, serving in various roles and experiencing the world in ways he had never imagined.

Joe's first duty station was at Plattsburg, NY, a fighter base near the Canadian border. From there, he was assigned to Clark Air Base in the Philippines, where he witnessed the country undergo a revolution. Throughout his career, he had the opportunity to work on significant programs, including the Congressional Liaison Committee. Despite facing a reduction in the program in 1992, he couldn't resist the call to serve and joined the Air Force Reserves in 2000. Finally, he achieved his dream of becoming a flight engineer and traveled the world, visiting over 75% of the world.

Joe's story is just one example of the dedication and passion that exists within the military community. Their experiences, skills, and resilience make them valuable assets in the civilian workforce. By hiring heroes, organizations can tap into a pool of talent and contribute to the successful transition of service members into civilian life.

While service members are on the front lines, military spouses play a vital role in supporting their loved ones' careers. They navigate the challenges of frequent relocations, solo parenting, and the uncertainty that comes with military life. Joe had the unique opportunity to experience life as a military spouse when his wife joined the active-duty Air Force.

As his military career began to wind down, Joe returned to his roots as a First Sergeant and eventually retired in 2015 to fully support his wife's career as a military spouse. His firsthand experience highlighted the commitment and sacrifices required to be a military spouse. By recognizing and supporting military spouses, organizations can enhance the well-being of service members and their families as a whole.

The American Red Cross has been at the forefront of providing support and assistance to the military community for decades. Their Service to the Armed Forces program offers a wide range of services, starting from the moment individuals begin their military service and continuing long after they separate or retire.

At the Military Entrance and Processing Stations (MEPS), the American Red Cross provides briefings on their services and reaches out to family members to inform them about the available support. By engaging with military families from the very beginning, the Red Cross ensures that they are aware of the resources and programs designed to assist them throughout their journey.

Deployments can be a challenging time for both service members and their families. The American Red Cross understands this and provides programs such as resiliency training and reconnection workshops to help families cope with the stress of deployments and the process of reintegration. These initiatives aim to strengthen family bonds and provide effective coping and communication skills to support military families during challenging times.

The Military Hospital Outreach Program caters to military members and their families who are assigned to various specialized units and programs. Whether it's the Army Warrior Transition Units, the Navy Safe Harbor Programs, the Marine Corps Wounded Warrior Regiment Program, the Air Force's Wounded Warrior Program, or veterans seeking treatment in Veterans Affairs medical facilities, the American Red Cross is there to provide material support and enhance rehabilitation activities. Volunteers offer transportation, administrative support, canteen services, and even Pet Therapy Visitation to boost morale.

The American Red Cross collaborates with community organizations and private companies to host seasonal and holiday events, such as the upcoming "Holiday for the Heroes" campaign. These initiatives aim to boost morale by sending care packages to deployed service men and women. These small acts of kindness go a long way in reminding the military community that they are appreciated and supported.

The Hero Care Network is a vital resource that operates 24/7/365, providing assistance to military members, veterans, and their families during emergencies. When a family emergency occurs, such as a critical illness or injury of an immediate family member, the Hero Care Network acts as a liaison between the military member and their commander. By sending verified reports of emergencies, the network helps inform the commander's decision regarding emergency leave. Local Red Cross offices also follow up with family members to provide additional support and ensure that they receive the help they need.

In times of critical need, the Hero Care Network, in partnership with military aid societies and other military service organizations, provides access to emergency financial assistance for service members and their families. This support system helps alleviate the burden during challenging times and connects them with local programs and resources that can offer further assistance.

As part of their commitment to maintaining morale, the American Red Cross deploys with the military in times of need. Whether it's to Poland, Kuwait, Romania, Bulgaria, Lithuania, or Latvia, their Service to the Armed Forces Specialists provide on-the-ground support to service members. This direct involvement helps foster a sense of connection and support within the military community.

Throughout his military career, Joe realized that many individuals were unaware of the vast array of programs and services available through the American Red Cross. If he had known about these resources, he would have referred countless people to them. Thus, increasing awareness becomes paramount to ensure that every service member, veteran, and their family knows that the American Red Cross is there for them 24/7/365.

By promoting "Hire a Hero" initiatives and highlighting the various programs and services offered by organizations like the American Red Cross, we can create a supportive environment for the military community. Together, we can ensure that our heroes receive the assistance and opportunities they deserve as they transition into civilian life.

In conclusion, "Hire a Hero" is not just a slogan; it's a call to action. By recognizing the skills, experiences, and resilience of service members and veterans, organizations can tap into a pool of talent that can contribute significantly to their success. The American Red Cross, through its Service to the Armed Forces program and other initiatives, plays a pivotal role in providing support and assistance to the military community. From deployment support to emergency financial assistance, their programs cater to the diverse needs of service members, veterans, and their families. By increasing awareness and fostering a supportive environment, we can ensure that our heroes receive the recognition, opportunities, and support they deserve. So, let's come together and hire a hero today.

To learn more about how the Red Cross serves members of the military, veterans and their families, visit redcross.org/SAF.

Written by Bret Hollander, American Red Cross Public Affairs