By: Anabella Ramirez

Service has been woven through every chapter of Eric Laurhammer’s life, from the U.S Air Force to the American Red Cross. His journey is one of courage, connection, and unwavering commitment to helping others, even through profound personal challenges.

A Life Shaped by Service: Born in New Hampshire and raised across West Texas, Eric spent 21 years in the Air Force, serving as a photographer, cameraman and eventually a federal investigator. His time in Iraq left an unforgettable impression. He witnessed a Red Cross response to a motorcycle accident, a moment that planted the seed for what would become his next great chapter of service. Throughout his military career, Eric saw firsthand how essential the Red Cross was to service members.

“It all starts with the Red Cross", he recalls.

A Return to Purpose After Major Health Challenges: In 2019, Eric underwent a lifesaving kidney transplant and later became a double amputee. While many would’ve stepped back, Eric felt the opposite pull: a need to serve again. Only four days after being medically cleared, he made the decision to volunteer with the Red Cross. For the past six years, Eric has been a dedicated volunteer with the West Texas Chapter, contributing from home during COVID and beyond.

Supporting Military Families When It Matters Most: Eric found his calling in Services to the Armed Forces Emergency Communications. When a spouse, parent, or commander needs critical information, such as illness, and emergencies, Eric is one of the first voices they hear.

“All calls go in for military contacts, and we follow up and report it and make the process better,” he explains.

His military background allows him to communicate with families with empathy and authority.

“I dealt with a lot of human resources in the military, and I know how to talk in a military manner.”

 Those calls are often emotional with frightened spouses, sick children, and overwhelmed families needing help. Some of Eric’s most meaningful memories with the Red Cross come from comforting people during their hardest moments.

 “That’s what I did for six years. When someone trusts and confides in you, it means everything.”

A Storyteller at Heart: Beyond emergency communications, Eric became an integral part of the Red Cross storytelling community. He has written over 114 volunteer spotlight stories, capturing the voices and contributions of others across the region. Many of his stories have been shared with Red Cross leadership, including Michael Brown. Storytelling became not just a service but a legacy. A Family Tradition of Service: Eric’s dedication inspired his son to join the Red Cross as well, adding another branch into their family’s service legacy. Just as service helped shape Eric’s life, it continues to flow through the next generation, proving that one volunteer can influence an entire family and community. What Eric Wants Other to Know: His message to anyone considering volunteering:

“No matter what you do with the Red Cross, it’s fulfilling because you’re helping people and expecting nothing in return. Even if you volunteer an hour a week it’s appreciated.”

 He speaks with admiration for deployed volunteers, sheltered teams, disaster responders, and every behind-the-scenes helper:

“I have a lot of respect for the people that are deployed. The Red Cross makes real differences in people’s lives. Whether it’s blood drives, installing smoke alarms, just helping in any way they can. They are great at responding and go overseas all the time and enjoy it. The Red Cross is there until the last person has been helped.”

For Eric, volunteering isn’t just a service, its connection, community, and purpose. Despite medical challenges and life changes, he says the Red Cross mission has been a lifeline, giving him something meaningful to look forward to everyday.

Thank you, Eric, for your resilience, compassion, and unwavering dedication. Your story reminds us that service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off; it evolves, deepens, and continues to inspire.