Through its commitment to support America’s military and veteran families, the American Red Cross provides 24/7 global emergency communication services and support in military and veteran health care facilities across the country and around the world. This is accomplished in large part by a network of volunteers serving as caseworkers in the Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) program.
One such volunteer is Airman First Class Anthony Samadh. Stationed in Las Vegas with a military occupational specialty in avionics, he works on remotely piloted aircraft. Even though Mr. Samadh is also completing an MBA at the American Military University, he makes time to serve as a SAF caseworker. His priority is to give back to the community by ensuring veterans and military families know a support system is there in time of need.
When he initially signed on as a Red Cross volunteer last winter, Mr. Samadh hoped to provide direct caseworker support in hospitals. But those plans suddenly changed because of the pandemic. Although Covid-19 interrupted his goal of providing in-person outreach to patients and family members, it hasn’t stopped him from doing what he can to inform veterans, active duty service members, and their families of available Red Cross services. To help bridge the gap between military families and the Red Cross, he works from a database and to date has contacted nearly thirty veterans and family members to ensure they understand the scope of services provided by the Red Cross. He also ensures families know exactly to how to contact a deployed service member in case of an emergency.
Mr. Samadh feels the positive impact of his volunteerism—the recipients of his outreach have been grateful to understand the types of services available and exactly how to access those services.
“The reason I got involved with the American Red Cross is the opportunity to contribute, to make a positive impact on the lives of military family members. Volunteering as a SAF caseworker allows me the opportunity to do just that. At the end of the day, we’re all one community,” said Mr. Samadh.
Anthony Samadh lives in the present by doing what he can today to help his community. But he also has an eye on the future—he aspires to become a commissioned officer to make the greatest possible impact throughout his career in the United States Air Force. And, he’s dedicated to continue serving his surrounding community, wherever stationed, by offering a helping hand to veterans and military families in need.