By Dan Dowling – Regional Communications Manger
“The American Red Cross could not exist without teamwork, and I think that’s why you’ll come across many veterans in the Red Cross.”
Ellen Brady is a Red Cross blood donor ambassador and Service to the Armed Forces volunteer from Bangor, Maine. She served in the United States Air Force from 1981 until 1991. She was trained initially as a Radiology Technologist and later transitioned into Nuclear Medicine.
Her first introduction to the Red Cross was at Keesler Air Force Base in Mississippi. Looking for opportunities in her field, she found herself volunteering for the Red Cross at a local hospital.
“The Red Cross had a huge presence in the hospital, transporting patients, helping with the nursing units. I was grateful to the Red Cross for allowing that experience for me.”
When Ellen retired and moved back to Maine after 40 years, she said returning to the Red Cross was a natural fit.
“The Red Cross was the logical choice and it’s been rewarding. I wish I was younger and could do more,” she says.
Ellen also serves as a Service to the Armed Forces volunteer, where she uses her experience in the military to help other service members and their families. More than 240,000 military and veteran families are supported each year by dedicated Red Cross volunteers and staff.
“The Red Cross, like the Armed Forces, is here to support them and let them know what resources are available and support them in any way possible,” says Ellen.
In the Red Cross, she witnesses daily how volunteers, much like military units, come together to tackle challenges. Whether it is organizing a blood drive, supporting a homeless veteran outreach event, or coordinating efforts at a community gathering, Ellen says she is amazed at all each volunteer contributes.
“We all do multiple things to get the job done, then we start all over again with the next challenge.”
Ellen is confident that veterans are uniquely positioned to bolster the mission of the Red Cross.
“We find the comradery that we had in the military, a sense we are contributing to a common goal,” Ellen remarks.
At an early age, Stephanie Carter knew she wanted to be part of the Armed Forces. At 18, she joined the United States Air Force and served as a personnel specialist from 1984 to 1988, ultimately attaining the rank of Sergeant before being honorably discharged.
“It took me 30 years to transition from the military through family caregiving and a successful administrative career. I've volunteered with different agencies for different causes, including the Red Cross response to Katrina,” she recalls.
Stephanie is now a staff specialist volunteer for the Red Cross of Northern New England. She was recently recognized for volunteering for 1,032 hours last year. She says her time with the Red Cross has been a good fit for her experience in the Air Force.
“The military helped me become a more responsible, disciplined young adult. It helped me build my administrative skills and prepared me to be a leader as well. It taught me about respect, the chain of command, following orders, especially during an emergency response,” she says.
Stephanie says that she finds similarities between the military and the Red Cross in the way they handle large-scale operations. Her experience is helpful when volunteering with the Red Cross as part of a large team responding to a disaster.
“In the United States Air Force, we would play wargames, cut orders, ship people out, in process, house, feed and get to work. The Red Cross deployment process is the same process. We are an army of volunteers. We have a specific job to do, and you work with a team to ensure the whole job is completed,” she says.
With the experience of having faced the realities of rapid deployments, long periods away from loved ones, and constant adjustment amidst challenges, Stephanie feels that veterans are disciplined, resilient and a great fit as Red Cross volunteers.
“Veterans and their families are uniquely experienced in responding, deploying, spending time apart. They accept the chaos and adjust. You build comradery and support that feels like family,” Stephanie comments.
Veterans, like Ellen and Stephanie, bring valuable skills and experience as Red Cross volunteers. As we celebrate Women Veterans Day, their stories remind us that compassionate service does not end when their military service does. Their work and dedication, like so many other Red Cross volunteers, enriches and uplifts communities every day.
If you would like to learn more about how to become a Red Cross volunteer, visit redcross.org.
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