By Paige Zulandt

During Veterans Day weekend, Community Adaptation Program (CAP) Manager for the American Red Cross of Tennessee, Curtis Morman, attended a Veterans Appreciation Breakfast hosted by the Jackson Madison County NAACP branch. Veterans shared their stories, discussing their personal recollections from their time in service that ranged from recruitment experiences to tours around the world and more.

Veterans Day is a holiday to honor and commemorate veterans who served their country honorably during war or peacetime. When Curtis attended this appreciation event, he had a chance to show his gratitude through an act of service: providing coffee. The coffee maker at the breakfast had suddenly stopped working. Once Curtis was alerted of the issue, he provided fresh coffee for everyone.

“The morning was more than a breakfast – it was a reminder that gratitude is best expressed through action, compassion and continued service to those who have served us all,” Curtis shares.

The Red Cross has supported military members and their families for well over a century through our Service to the Armed Forces. In times of emergency, we help military families communicate with their loved ones and help facilitate their return home through our Hero Care Network. The Red Cross continues to care for the humanitarian needs of the U.S. military community from the time a service member takes the oath to navigating life as a veteran. Curtis highlighted how the Red Cross supports the military community.

“As [I] spoke, many veterans nodded in recognition—realizing perhaps for the first time how deeply the Red Cross has been woven into their own stories of service and sacrifice,” Curtis says.

Curtis manages the Red Cross Community Adaptation Program (CAP) in Tennessee. The CAP team focuses on strengthening local partner networks in targeted areas that face a high risk of extreme weather and existing societal inequities. This hands-on partnership is all about the collaboration between organizations to do what they do best—provide vital support like health care, food and shelter – before and after disaster strikes.

The Jackson Madison County NAACP branch, who hosted the Veterans Appreciation Breakfast, has served as strategic community gateway partner for the CAP team. The local NAACP has connected the CAP team with other local nonprofits organizations and influencers in the Madison County area.

“The NAACP has allowed us to participate in virtual community townhall meetings, discussion sessions on poverty, and discussion panels on poverty associated with disaster,” Curtis says.

The ability for the Red Cross to respond and care for those in need depends on strong partnerships and the unwavering support of compassionate individuals and organizations. Together, we can ensure that help is always there when it's needed most.

For more information on the mission of the American Red Cross, visit redcross.org.