By: Militia Wilder/American Red Cross

When Typhoon Champi was bound for Guam, members of the Guam Army National Guard Champi Recovery Team stepped up to help their community prepare, respond, and begin the recovery process. From pre-storm preparations to directing traffic at intersections without functioning signals after the storms impact, their work helped keep residents safe. They continued supporting the island through ongoing green waste collection and processing post-impact.

“It is an honor to work alongside Guam Army National Guard as a partner,” said Letitia Borja, SAF Regional Program Manager, Guam Station, for the American Red Cross. “Together, we serve our community to support a rapid and resilient recovery.”

Following the storm, the American Red Cross met with the unit to express its appreciation and provide an update on recovery efforts. The briefing also offered an opportunity to share information about the ongoing dedication of the American Red Cross to service members and their families.

That commitment extends beyond disaster response. Through its Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) program, the American Red Cross provides care and support to military members, veterans, and their families around the world. Services include deployment support, emergency communications, assistance in military hospitals, and programs that respond to the changing needs of military families.

One of the program’s essential services is emergency messaging. When a family experiences a crisis, such as the death of a loved one, a household emergency, or a financial hardship, the Red Cross Hero Care Network can help relay verified information to a deployed service member through the appropriate military channels. This connection helps service members receive critical news and respond when their families need them.

On Guam, Frankieann Benavente leads outreach to connect service members with these resources. She is also one of 12 certified Mindful Movement Coaches, offering another way for military members and their families to access wellness support.

Ambrosio Constantino, a veteran and American Red Cross member, brings personal experience to this work. He has seen firsthand how emergency assistance can make a difference. In one case, the Red Cross located an active-duty Army colonel, notified him of a death in his family, and helped facilitate his return home to be with his loved ones.

For the American Red Cross, supporting the military community means being there in times of crisis and throughout the challenges that follow. During National Veterans and Military Families Month we are reminded of our commitment to every service member, past and present.

As Guam continues its recovery from Typhoon Champi, the organization extends its gratitude to the Guam National Guard for its service and partnership.

The message to service members and their families remains simple: We are here for you.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/hawaii or follow us on social media.