MIAMI, FLA. AUGUST 17, 2022 — The American Red Cross, South Florida Region, is pleased to announce the appointment of Ivan Sterpin as Service to Armed Forces Director. In this new role, Ivan will be responsible for leading our Services to Armed Forces initiatives which include helping members of the military, veterans and their families prepare for, cope with, and respond to, the challenges of military service.
“We are thrilled to have Ivan joining the South Florida team,” said Josett Valdez, CEO of the South Florida Region. “As a veteran Ivan will be able to provide insight and guidance that will improve the services and connections we make with our military and veteran community. We look forward to the great work he will do for our Armed Forces community under his leadership.”
Ivan is a native of Southern California and entered the Air Force in October of 1998 and graduated from Basic Military Training that following December. Afterward, he began his journey as an Aircraft Structural Maintenance Technician and he graduated from initial technical training in April of 1999. His background includes various leadership positions within the Aircraft Structural Maintenance and Fabrication communities
Ivan recently retired after 24 years of honorable service in the United States Air Force as the First Sergeant for the 20th Operations Group, Shaw Air Force Base (AFB), South Carolina. In this role, he served as the principal advisor to the commander on all enlisted issues, to include health, morale, welfare, career progression, professional development and readiness. He coordinated with local civilian, military police authorities, and the Office of Special Investigation on all investigative matters. He provided guidance and counsel to unit members on financial, family care, deployment and reassignment issues. He also served as the liaison between the units and base/community agencies to ensure timely, high-quality services for all assigned Airmen and families.
“I am so honored and excited to be joining the American Red Cross’ South Florida Region as the Service to the Armed Forces and International Services Program Director,” said Ivan Sterpin, Service to Armed Forces Direction, South Florida Region. “As a veteran, the American Red Cross has been there for my fellow military members, my family, and myself countless times. I am truly grateful for this opportunity to return the favor.”
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/southflorida or visit us on Twitter at @SFLRedCross.