By: Marcelo Salazar

Disaster Responder Training Requirements

Last summer I spent over 100 volunteer hours at an Alzheimer’s home because I have a passion for helping the elderly. I played board games with the residents, told them stories, and provided them company when they were alone. There was one gentleman in particular that I grew very close to: Floyd Carl. Mr. Carl was an Air Force pilot during World War II who survived his plane being shot down by a Nazi fighter. Although Mr. Carl is not with us anymore, his stories, service, and kindness inspired me to devote myself to veterans and our active-duty American military. 

This year, because of Coronavirus, I was not able to volunteer where I truly wanted to: the VA hospital. In May, a friend suggested I consider the Red Cross instead. I was not sure what the Red Cross was all about. After carefully researching, I discovered they specialize in helping veterans and military families through the Services to the Armed Forces (SAF) branch. At first, I was hesitant to sign up because I thought I was just going to participate in meetings or pass out flyers across my city raising awareness about veterans, but in the end I decided to give it a try.

Shortly after registering, SAF assigned me to be a writer. I was elated that my articles would be posted on Twitter or on the Red Cross blog site! This exceeded the expectations I had of volunteering. Indeed, I am able to influence others through my own words about why and how the Red Cross helps veterans and the troops.

During my first three months, I have interviewed one veteran, three Red Cross volunteers, and have written three articles. The experience of being part of the Red Cross is incredible. I have learned so much about military-related affairs and written about things I am very passionate about such as the Hero Care network which reunites military families with their deployed loved one during emergencies, and the Resiliency programs which help military families cope with various stressors caused by the deployment and reintegration cycle. I am so proud and happy that the Red Cross gave me the opportunity to fulfill my mission in helping service members and veterans. I know Mr. Carl would be proud of me for acting on my inspiration from him via the Red Cross.