By Jerrica Williams 

For more than 140 years, the American Red Cross has supported members of the U.S. military, veterans and their families. Many volunteers and staff bring their skills and commitment to service from the military into communities across the country, helping people prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters.

Joshua Lawson spent 13 years in the U.S. Air Force, building a career in Security Forces and serving as both a Military Working Dog Handler and Kennel Master. Today, as a Community Disaster Program Manager (CDPM) with the American Red Cross, he applies similar skills in leadership, teamwork, and preparedness to support communities across Northeast Tennessee.

Fueled by a desire to serve his country, Joshua shares that his decision to join the military was his opportunity to “challenge himself and be part of something larger than himself”.

"Service means putting others before yourself and making a positive difference," he shared. "I've learned that serving doesn't end when you take off the uniform."

The American Red Cross responds to more than 65,000 disasters nationwide each year. As a CDPM, Joshua serves on the front lines of that mission locally, helping provide shelter, meals, relief supplies and compassionate support to families and individuals facing some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

On November 11, the American Red Cross honors those who have served and recognizes the experiences, sacrifices and continued contributions of veterans and military families in communities across the country.

As the nation recognizes Veterans Day, Joshua hopes fellow veterans remember that their ability to create positive change extends far beyond their military careers.

"To my fellow veterans, thank you for your service and sacrifices," Joshua said. "Remember that your ability to make a difference doesn't end when your military career does. There are always opportunities to continue serving."

More than 15 million veterans live in communities across the U.S. alongside millions of current service members. Veterans are our neighbors, coworkers, family members and community leaders — making support for the military community essential for all Americans, not just for those who have worn the uniform themselves.

This November, the Red Cross continues our commitment to military communities with the launch of the Military 2 Veteran Network (M2VN), a new peer-support network available to all current and former service members and veterans. Learn more: redcross.org/veterans.