By Communications and Marketing Intern, Jaylen Moulton
For the past nine weeks, I have been interning with the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region, and working out of the Regional Headquarters located on the Veterans Administration Campus, in West L.A. I was surprised to learn, during my stay here, that the Red Cross, along with many other amazing services, provides assistance to military members and their families through their Service to the Armed Forces and Veterans program. Many people are unaware that the Red Cross “helps members of the military, veterans, and their families prepare for, cope with, and respond to, the challenges of military service.” I was also surprised that such an amazing part of the Red Cross is often unknown to the general public.
Through the Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces and Veterans program, volunteers have been able to provide comfort and care on bases and in military hospitals worldwide. Additionally, from day one of enlistment, members of the military, along with their families, are able to receive assistance from the Red Cross.
The Red Cross works with different organizations to provide assistance and resources, like clothing, shelter, and therapy to those who are serving, have served, and their families. The Red Cross also helps families cope with the emotions that come with deployment and reintegration through various workshops, information distribution, and support. Additionally, the Red Cross works to deliver emergency messages to service members on behalf of their families. For Veterans specifically, the Red Cross assists them and their families in preparing and developing extensive evidence towards claims for Veterans’ benefits.
The best thing about the Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces and Veterans program is that their commitment to supporting the military, and boosting morale makes everyone involved feel more comfortable! Plus, they help a lot! Since September 11, 2001, Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces and Veterans has served more than 1 million military families!
Learning things like this about the Red Cross as a Summer Intern makes me proud to be a Red Crosser.
Jaylen Moulton will be a senior at Hawthorne Math and Science Academy. She enjoys drawing, singing and of course, writing! Her college plans include majoring in Psychology and Film Studies. This is Jaylen’s first year interning with the American Red Cross.
