From Louisiana to Poland: How Chandler Morgan Supports U.S. Troops Abroad

Whether he’s leading morale-boosting activities, expanding access to lifesaving skills courses, or helping launch the Red Cross Free Store, Chandler Morgan brings the mission to life for troops far from home.

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From CPR training to morale nights like this one, Chandler Morgan helps bring the Red Cross mission to life for service members stationed far from home.

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Chandler Morgan encourages volunteerism among service members and has witnessed firsthand how volunteer service can impact military careers.

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Chandler Morgan, an expeditionary mobile staffer deployed with the American Red Cross sets up a doughnut social at the USAG- Poland command headquarters building. He says, “I usually just send a photo of the doughnuts and soldiers start to appear." Photo by Brad Zerivitz/American Red Cross

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Chandler Morgan, an expeditionary mobile staffer deployed with the American Red Cross sets up a doughnut social at the USAG- Poland command headquarters building. He says, “I usually just send a photo of the doughnuts and soldiers start to appear." Photo by Brad Zerivitz/American Red Cross

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Chandler Morgan is part of a team of expeditionary mobile staffers who deploy with the American Red Cross to military bases overseas, providing support and comfort to service members while they’re away from home. Delivering emergency communication messages to military commands received from the Hero Care Network is a large portion of their duty.

“You can feel how important what we do is and how integral we are in the lives of people we’re serving,” says Chandler. “No other organization is involved so intimately with the soldiers’ private lives.”
Photo by Brad Zerivitz/American Red Cross

When Chandler Morgan first joined the American Red Cross as a Disaster Program Specialist in Louisiana, he never imagined that one day his work would take him across the world to the frontlines of international service. Today, Chandler is doing just that. He now serves deployed U.S. troops across Eastern Europe while leading programs that reflect the very heart of the Red Cross mission.

Chandler’s journey of service began in 2018, after Hurricane Michael struck Florida, through the AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) Pacific Region. He helped muck and gut homes and tarp roofs. It was muddy, difficult and deeply meaningful work that left a lasting impression. While in Florida, Chandler and his AmeriCorps team volunteered at a Red Cross shelter.

“That was my first encounter with the Red Cross,” he said. “You could tell the shelter residents really appreciated us being there.”

That experience lit a spark that has only grown brighter with each assignment.

Chandler moved to Louisiana in 2021, stepping into a new role just before Hurricane Ida struck. He quickly found himself managing government operations during one of the largest disasters the state had seen in decades. He helped coordinate mega-shelters in New Orleans and worked closely with Fort Johnson to assist military families during the crisis.

Those intense days became a turning point. In 2023, Chandler became the Service to the Armed Forces Program Manager. Just two months later, he deployed overseas to support U.S. military personnel in Poland, Romania, and the Baltic nations.

While deployed, Chandler noticed a need and helped launch a project that would make a lasting impact: the Red Cross Free Store.

U.S. troops browse the Red Cross Free Store in Poland, where donated goods and care items offer comfort and convenience far from home.

Chandler Morgan guides participants through Mindful Movement facilitator training at Camp K in Poland, teaching techniques to promote relaxation and resilience among service members.

The Red Cross Free Store started as a place where troops could donate unused goods from care packages before heading home. Over time, it evolved into something greater. Soldiers now rely on the store to find items like toiletries, warm clothing, and even bikes to get around base. Volunteers keep the shelves stocked and organized.

“I like to think it isn’t just about getting items,” Chandler said. “It’s a gesture that someone cares. The Red Cross is here for you, even thousands of miles from home.”

Today, Chandler is based in Poznan, Poland. His daily work includes supporting training services, providing CPR, AED, and Basic Life Support courses to deployed troops. These classes are free, and thanks to his efforts, even remote installations without regular access to training can now receive Red Cross certifications.

“Many medics used to have to travel back to Germany to get certified,” he explained. “Now, they can complete it where they’re stationed. That’s a big deal.”

U.S. service members complete Red Cross CPR training in Poland, earning lifesaving certifications without having to leave their deployment site.

Chandler Morgan helps ensure U.S. troops deployed overseas have access to Red Cross CPR and lifesaving training.

The training is important, but so is the emotional support. Many of the troops Chandler serves are on unaccompanied tours. They’ve left behind their spouses, children, and communities. Some are stationed in isolated areas with limited resources.

“The Red Cross becomes their slice of home,” Chandler said. “We provide comfort, connection, and a space to decompress."

Even from overseas, Chandler remains close to his Red Cross roots in Louisiana. He keeps in touch with former colleagues and friends, many of whom became like family through shared service.

“The Red Cross brings people together who care deeply,” he said. “I will always be grateful for the Louisiana team.”

To those considering a future in humanitarian or international service, Chandler offers simple advice.

“Start local. You don’t need to go across the world to make an impact. Volunteering at home is one of the most powerful things you can do for yourself and for others.”

From sheltering families during Hurricane Ida to creating programs for soldiers in Poland, Chandler’s journey is a testament to the reach and resilience of the Red Cross mission, and the compassionate individuals who carry the mission forward.