Volunteers are critical to the work by the American Red Cross, especially when serving our military men and women who serve our country.

The American Red Cross has become synonymous with helping people in times of need by providing shelter, food and clothing to those affected by natural disasters, displaced by fire or other unexpected accidents. However, looking further into Red Cross humanitarian services is the Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) network.

“SAF volunteers are trained to mobilize when a crisis hits home,” according to Jess Hernandez, Regional SAF Director for the American Red Cross of the Tennessee Region. “This can include a death of a family member, severe illness or major accident.”

“We are asking you to help support America’s service members, veterans and military families this Fourth of July,” Hernandez added. “As a volunteer with the Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces, you’ll help us give back to those who have given so much.”

Currently, the Tennessee Region is looking for two key volunteer positions to be filled:

• Emergency Communication Caseworker: This volunteer will follow-up with local families who have received military emergency communication services from the American Red Cross to ensure that their needs were met.
• SAF Briefing Volunteer: This hands-on volunteer opportunity will help ensure that military members are aware of Red Cross services available to them by speaking to groups and at meetings.
   

Volunteers receive free training and mentoring prior to working with service members. Previous experience with the military is not necessary. Volunteers can live in any part of Tennessee and remote volunteer position may be available.

The Red Cross of the Tennessee Region serves all 95 counties in Tennessee along with Crittenden County in Arkansas and Desoto and Tunica counties in Mississippi. This organization is seeking volunteers to help meet the high demand of emergency communication and critical care requests. The Tennessee Region – part of a nationwide network of locally supported chapters - is comprised of the following eight Red Cross chapters: East Tennessee, Heart of Tennessee, Mid-South, Mid-West Tennessee, Nashville Area, Southeast Tennessee, Northeast Tennessee and Tennessee River.

Those interested in volunteering to serve our military men, women and families with the Red Cross can find out more at RedCross.org/Tennessee/volunteer.