Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680

SALT LAKE CITY (Nov. 8, 2025) — Behind every service member is a family that serves alongside them, providing strength, resilience and unwavering support. This November, during National Veterans and Military Families Month, the American Red Cross of Utah is honoring the sacrifices of military families while continuing its 140-year tradition of providing critical resources to service members, veterans and their loved ones.

“Military families are the unsung heroes of our nation,” said Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region and U.S. Navy veteran. “They endure long separations, frequent relocations and the uncertainty of military life—all while supporting their loved ones in uniform. This month, we celebrate their strength and reaffirm our commitment to standing by their side.”

A Lifeline for Military Families
The Red Cross Hero Care Network serves as a lifeline for military families, offering 24/7 emergency communication services, financial assistance and mental health resources. Whether it’s reuniting a deployed service member with their family during a crisis or providing financial aid for emergency travel, the Hero Care Network ensures that no military family faces challenges alone.

In 2025 alone, the Red Cross of Utah has supported hundreds of military families through:

• Emergency Communications: Delivering urgent messages to service members during family emergencies.
• Financial Assistance: Partnering with Military Relief Societies to provide aid for food, shelter and medical needs.
• Mental Health Support: Offering workshops and resources to help families navigate the emotional challenges of military life.

Building Resilience and Preparedness
The Red Cross also empowers military families with resilience training and preparedness workshops. These programs are designed to help families cope with the unique challenges of military life, from deployments to reintegration.

“Military life is full of uncertainties, but the Red Cross is here to provide stability and support,” Ruster added. “Our programs help families build the skills and confidence they need to face whatever comes their way.”

How You Can Make a Difference
The Red Cross of Utah invites the community to honor military families this month by taking action:

• Volunteer: Join the Red Cross to support military families in your community. Learn more at redcross.org/military-families.
• Donate: Your contributions help fund critical programs for service members, veterans and their families. For more information, visit redcross.org/ways-to-give/saf.
• Say Thank You: A simple gesture of gratitude can mean the world to a military family.

About National Veterans and Military Families Month
National Veterans and Military Families Month was established in 1996 by the Armed Services YMCA and is recognized annually by the U.S. government. Each November, the President issues a proclamation honoring the sacrifices of military families and encouraging Americans to support them.

With more than 170,000 U.S. service members stationed overseas, the contributions of military families are vital to the strength of our nation. The Red Cross is proud to stand alongside these families, providing resources and support to help them thrive.

For more information about Red Cross services for military families, visit redcross.org/military-families.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.