Military personnel are always seen as tough… and we are tough while we are in the service. But when we leave the service and become veterans, so much of that toughness dies within us. We are so used to serving and giving to our country that we do not think about ourselves. But in the civilian world, we don't have the military to take care of us… — Jaime Cruz, Service to the Armed Forces Specialist for the South Florida Region.

Jaime went on to say, “That is when the American Red Cross comes in with kindness and support.” 

For Heidi O’Sheehan, Service to the Armed Forces & International Services Director for the South Florida Region, that kindness began while serving as a Company Commander in the Middle East. She and her company received care packages from the American Red Cross. 

Both Jaime and Heidi began their military service at a young age. Heidi was only seventeen when she enlisted in the Army, and Jaime was eighteen when he joined the Navy. Although their service took them in different directions, Heidi from Ohio, Florida, Iraq, and Jaime to Italy, Afghanistan, and Kosovo, they were impacted by the American Red Cross. 

When Heidi retired after her twenty-one years of military service, she went back to her roots. Her mom had been the Executive Director of the American Red Cross in Middle Ohio. And, after experiencing the care she received overseas by the American Red Cross, she knew this was how she wanted to give back. Heidi said, “I wanted to work for an organization that was helping people. That’s when the American Red Cross came to mind.”

On the other hand, Jaime’s first connection with the Red Cross was while he was doing humanitarian work in a refugee camp in Kosovo. He worked hand in hand with the Red Cross to offer care, shelter, support, and hope to individuals in dire need.

This planted a seed right then and there for Jaime. It wouldn’t be until several years and a few jobs later that Jaime would begin volunteering. Then, only a few months later, he was brought on as staff. Jaime said, “Their mission was in tune with my beliefs, [to] alleviate human suffering.”

Together, Heidi and Jaime are a force to be reckoned with in South Florida. They actively serve our Armed Forces by providing comfort, care, and support to troops, their families, and veterans. Additionally, they utilize volunteers for events and as caseworkers. 

Being a caseworker for the American Red Cross means following up with military members, their families, and veterans to meet their needs, whether physical or financial. Other times, it is helping a veteran obtain their DD214 Form (discharge papers) to get the benefits they need and are entitled to. 

“Caseworkers are the backbone of the American Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces (SAF). And the best part is volunteers can do this from home.” Jaime says. In addition to this, Heidi said, “We are only able to serve through the help of our volunteers.”

As veterans, Heidi and Jaime know how essential support is for our military and our veterans. They would not be the people they are today had it not been for their service. They know the importance of a helping hand which is why they make an incredible team. 

In honor of Military Appreciation Month, consider signing up to help as a volunteer. You can volunteer to help at an event, become a caseworker, or volunteer in other areas as well. Military men and women have sacrificed their time and energy and their overall wellbeing so that we can remain free. To learn more about how the American Red Cross serves our armed forces, you can download the Hero Care app on the Apple Store or Google play. If you already know you want to become a volunteer who serves our armed forces, please visit redcross.org/SAF.

Written by Christi Perry