Magella Oriental, a proud veteran, has been a passionate Red Cross volunteer with the West Texas Chapter for the past two years. Her unwavering dedication to helping others is truly inspiring.

Her drive to serve her community did not start with the American Red Cross. In 2017, she served in the Army for two and a half years and was inspired to give back to her community through honoring her aunt, uncle, and grandmother—role models who always gave without asking for anything in return.

One of the important messages that Magella has learned through both her military service and her time as an American Red Cross volunteer is that,

“You should never judge a book by its cover, because everyone has their own problems. If there is a disaster, everyone always comes together no matter their differences,” Magella says.

Reflecting on her experience, Magella shared that the most rewarding part of serving her community is bringing hope to those facing difficult times. She adds that being a part of the Red Cross has given her a sense of belonging and purpose. “I love being part of the Red Cross because the West Texas Chapter feels like my second family.

Magella has participated in multiple deployments within the Red Cross, including San Antonio, Temple, Fort Myers, and Austin. During these deployments, she assisted with critical tasks such as sourcing supplies and managing logistics. Through her experiences, Magella has come to realize that helping others is a key part of her life.

Thank you, Magella, for your service and for inspiring others to support those in need!