Story told by: Acacia Cameron, Red Cross Volunteer

James Thompson understands service as more than a profession—it’s a lifelong commitment. Now serving as a Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) Regional Program Specialist with the American Red Cross of South Carolina, James is stationed at Fort Jackson, where he supports service members, veterans, and their families during some of life’s most challenging moments. Though he has been with the Red Cross for only a few months, his impact is already being felt across the SAF team.

James’s journey to the Red Cross began unexpectedly. “The American Red Cross came to me early one morning,” he said. “I woke up, and the job description was on my phone. I applied, and that was that.” What followed was a seamless continuation of a career rooted in public service.

Before joining the Red Cross, James spent approximately 15 years working in law enforcement, corrections, and security. His background includes service in corrections, policing in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and working as a deputy with the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department. He later joined the Department of Mental Health, an experience that helped bring him full circle to the humanitarian mission of the Red Cross.

Equally significant is James’s extensive military background. He began his service in the Army National Guard before transitioning to the Army Reserves, where he completed nine years of active-duty service in administrative roles. Over time, he served in officer positions, command settings, and on the noncommissioned officer's side, focusing on logistics. One of his most notable assignments was serving as an executive assistant to a two-star general at Fort Bragg. In total, James dedicated 37 years to military service before ever beginning his civilian law enforcement career.

Today, James brings that combined experience to his role supporting the Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces mission, which helps members of the military, veterans, their families, and caregivers cope with the unique challenges of service. “It’s a very challenging job because the scope is very wide,” he explained. “My responsibility is to navigate a volunteer network to pursue those goals within the American Red Cross.”

The Red Cross has supported military members and their families for well over a century and maintains a global presence on more than 380 military installations and deployment sites worldwide. Through every phase of duty—from enlistment to life as a veteran—the organization provides a continuum of care, including emergency communications, health and wellness programs, and peer support.

A central part of that support is the Red Cross Hero Care Network, which offers free, confidential assistance to service members, veterans, and their families 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Through Hero Care, the Red Cross helps families communicate during emergencies, verifies situations for military commanders when emergency leave may be needed, and connects eligible families to financial assistance in partnership with military aid societies.

“If any soldier is on the fence about using Red Cross services, it’s my job to inform them of everything the American Red Cross can bring to them,” James said. His goal is to engage with command leadership at Fort Jackson to ensure soldiers are educated about available resources and feel confident reaching out when they need support.

With a lifetime dedicated to service and leadership, James Arthur Thompson Jr. is uniquely positioned to serve those who serve our nation—continuing the Red Cross mission of compassion, connection, and care when it matters most.

To learn more or access support through the Red Cross Hero Care Network, service members, veterans and their families can visit redcross.org/SAF, download the Hero Care app by texting GETHEROCARE to 90999, or call 877-272-7337 to connect with a Hero Care specialist. Free, confidential assistance is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.