By: Destiny Holtzman

Before volunteering for the American Red Cross, Linn Hughes built a life of service. From volunteering at community museums to supporting local programs in Lubbock, Texas, stepping up for others was a consistent choice.  

In 2018, Hughes encountered an opportunity that would shape the next chapter of her volunteer journey. After speaking with a Red Cross representative and learning more about the organization’s work with military members and their families, she felt an immediate pull to get involved.  

Supporting our Nation's Active Military Members 

What began as “one more way to give back” quickly evolved into a vital role supporting service members and their loved ones through some of life’s most difficult and emotional moments. Hughes has volunteered with the Services to the Armed Forces and International Services. Her work has ensured that the Red Cross can meet the humanitarian needs of military members and their families.  

Behind the scenes, Hughes verifies military members' records to prepare families for major changes, like the birth of a child or the death of a loved one.  

“The military doesn’t have to go searching for facts,” Hughes said. “We help make sure they have the correct information so decisions can be made quickly.”  

Her work doesn’t stop with emergency messages. Hughes connects military families with the Red Cross, enabling them to communicate with their loved ones and facilitating their return home through the Hero Care Network.  

Showing up After a Disaster

Over the years, Hughes has supported communities recovering from natural disasters through Red Cross Disaster Cycle Services. She provides emergency relief supplies, emotional support and health services, but above all, she brings steady compassion when people need it most.

“Sometimes people just need someone to be there,” Hughes said.

The spirit of compassion carries Hughes into her work installing smoke alarms through the Red Cross Home Fire campaign. She takes time to talk with families, so they understand how to stay safe and feel prepared should a home fire occur. For her, prevention is compassion. 

Advice for Future Volunteers

For anyone who wants to make a difference but isn’t sure where to begin, Hughes keeps her advice simple: start somewhere. Finding the right role may take time, but as she puts it, “The journey is worth it. You just have to believe you can do it.”

That belief has guided her years of steady service. Hughes’ story is a reminder that meaningful change rarely starts with a grand gesture. More often, it begins with one person deciding to step forward and serve.

This March, you can join volunteers like Hughes in making a difference. Become a volunteer, give blood or make a financial donation when help can’t wait. Visit redcross.org to find your way to help today. 

About American Red Cross Month 

The American Red Cross recognizes March as Red Cross Month, a national tradition that began in 1943 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued the first proclamation — and each U.S. president has followed ever since. 

During this month, the Red Cross celebrates the people and community partners who step up when needed to help their neighbors. Join more than 30,000 supporters for our 12th annual Red Cross Giving Day to help provide shelter, food, relief supplies and emotional support to disaster survivors.