In celebration of Black History Month, we invited colleagues to share their thoughts and stories as proud Red Crossers that make up our inclusive team in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Please note, the views expressed in this article are of the author and not necessarily those of the American Red Cross. Learn more about our culture of mission, impact and inclusion.

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By Tyrone Knight

At 68 years old, I can honestly say I’ve had a full and meaningful life and the American Red Cross has played a significant role in that journey. Growing up as a poor kid in North Philadelphia, I was searching for my future. After high school, I joined the Army as a private and retired 21 years later as a Major. During my military service, I saw and appreciated the vital emergency communications mission the Red Cross provides to service members and their families.

In January 1997, I began working for the Red Cross in Armed Forces Emergency Services as an Assistant Station Manager at Fort Bragg, NC. Six months later, I deployed to Bosnia as part of Red Cross Operation Joint Guard Team-8 supporting US troops participating in the NATO-led peacekeeping mission (SFOR) in Bosnia and Herzegovina enforcing the Dayton Peace Accords. That assignment taught me the power of partnership and morale—we even hosted a Super Bowl party for the troops at Eagle Base, Bosnia,

A year later, I returned home to the Southeastern Pennsylvania Region to work in Emergency Services as a Disaster Specialist in Logistical Operations. I served as Hurricane Watch Officer during Hurricane Floyd and helped prepare for Y2K—a big deal at the time. In 2001, I left the Red Cross to work for the Department of Defense, where I spent 22 years before retiring as Foreign Military Sales, Branch Chief at Aberdeen Proving Grounds.

I always knew I’d come back to the Red Cross. In 2023, after retiring and moving back to Media, PA, I attended a Juneteenth celebration and saw a Red Cross table staffed by warm, friendly volunteers. That moment brought me full circle. Today, I serve as a Regional Duty Officer, and a member of Volunteer Services, Regional Volunteer Recognition Committee.

As a Duty Officer, I’m often the first point of contact for people who need help. I help people in crisis navigate their emergency with calm, professionalism, and compassion. I joined the Volunteer Recognition Committee because I’m constantly amazed by what this organization accomplishes through the power of volunteers. I want to celebrate that.

I’m proud to be back with the Red Cross. It’s important work, and it’s in my blood.