Written by Pete Suarez, American Red Cross Public Affairs

What comes to mind when you think of sun and sand? Miami Beach? Copacabana in Rio? Not quite.

Last October, Retired Air Force MSgt Joe Kelley returned from a nine-month deployment to the Middle East, where his mission was to provide emergency communications to military personnel. This vital service is just one of many ways the American Red Cross supports the armed forces, even in the sun and sand-filled corners of the Arabian desert.

Joe’s fascination with flying led him to enlist in the United States Air Force, where he actively served for 26 years. His military career ran the gamut, eventually becoming an aircraft mechanic and flight engineer aboard the C-5, the largest plane in the Air Force’s inventory.

A few years ago, Joe and his wife, an active member of the Air Force, moved to Miami. New to South Florida, Joe looked up the American Red Cross. Luckily, he found us.

With a background in information systems, he saw an open position in SAF/IS and thought, “Hmmm… Secretary of the Air Force Information Systems, I can do that.” Imagine his surprise when he found out it meant Service to the Armed Forces and International Services.

The Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces and International Services (SAF/IS) department provides critical support to active-duty military members, their families and veterans.

It turned out to be a perfect fit. After joining the Red Cross, Joe was deployed as part of a specialized team of Red Crossers serving military members stationed at military installations around the world.

The Red Cross, guided by a Congressional Charter, has served as the primary communications link between service members and their families during emergencies for more than 140 years. From urgent messages relating to the health and wellness of family members to morale and welfare activities, the Red Cross has supported every major U.S. military deployment since its founding.

Joe’s responsibilities consisted of two parts: “First and foremost, handling emergency communications between service members and their families, when things happen. Second, creating program awareness, that is promoting our program through education, events, and information so that when needs pop up, those affected know the Red Cross is there to help.”

Joe is a problem solver. In any situation, he would identify the problem, find a solution that benefits the service member and follow it up to a successful conclusion. Once engaged on a case, he makes sure to complete his mission.

Talking about his concern with the morale of the quiet and loner types, there is one case that stays in his mind – a service member struggling with personal challenges who confided in him during a difficult time.

In this particular instance, after the case was successfully resolved, the individual expressed gratitude to Joe, saying, “You know, you guys gave me a purpose. I will be forever grateful.”

In addition to emergency communications, Joe and his team of deployed Red Crossers organized morale, welfare and recreational activities such as language, crafts, music and CPR classes. They cooked for holiday events like the Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve, handed out water and snacks at 5K runs, and offered professional development and financial literacy classes.

These programs help boost the morale of deployed service members who are far from home and often miss holidays, birthdays and major family milestones. The Red Cross plays a crucial role in making them feel supported during these moments.

Joe’s work overseas is just one example of how the Red Cross stands beside the military community, not only in times of crisis but in everyday moments that matter. To learn more about how the Red Cross supports active-duty military members, their families and veterans year-round, visit redcross.org/SAF.