Your Red Cross Update

By Jina Amstutz

Crystal Sims loved serving in the military. For 14 years she served as a Physical Therapist on active duty in the Army, a role that took her on a journey across the country and around the world. She would still be commissioned as an officer in the Army today if not for an unexpected breast cancer diagnosis, and its subsequent treatment and recovery.

Despite going through such a difficult situation, Crystal did not stop pursuing what she loved most: when her husband was recently stationed in Monterey, CA, she found her way to serve the active-duty military population at the Presidio Clinic as a Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces volunteer.

Crystal’s training and experience in physical therapy provided expanded treatment options for the clinic’s patients. She served in the morning sick call clinic and treated patients with musculoskeletal concerns. Working alongside military and civilian staff, Crystal had the opportunity to provide guidance and mentorship, drawing from own her personal experience.

The military clinic environment was “super supportive.” The insightful staff assisted her in the onboarding process and credentialing challenges and together they initiated more efficient methods to make the process easier for future volunteers. The flexible schedule at the clinic enabled Crystal to be available for her family and the active schedules of her two young boys, and still feel productive in her professional space. She is so grateful for the opportunity to volunteer with the Red Cross in this capacity.

Crystal’s volunteer experience was not her first encounter with the Red Cross.  During her college years, she was a regular blood donor. And when she was stationed in Grafenwoehr, Germany during active duty, she was instrumental in encouraging and assisting military spouses to join the Red Cross volunteer program to enhance the experience of clinic patients and staff. This partnership was a triple win — patients received needed services, military spouses kept their skills fresh when full-time employment was not an option, and volunteering provided professional development and connection.

Today, Crystal and her family are on the East Coast as her husband continues his tour of duty there. Crystal is currently pursuing extensive training to become a yoga teacher and hopes to share these skills as an adjunct therapy to breast cancer survivors undergoing treatment at military bases.

With every fork in the road, or twist and turn, Crystal finds a way to utilize her experiences, talents, and skills to serve others. She is certain that the Red Cross will always be a part of her volunteer journey, as there are so many opportunities to continue helping the military community.

No matter what stage of life you are in, there is an opportunity to get involved and volunteer with the Red Cross.

The Red Cross services for active military members, veterans and their families date back to World War I and remain strong today. Not only does the Red Cross assist veterans with referrals to community resources, but the organization also provides volunteer opportunities in military hospitals and clinics around the world. For more information on opportunities to serve as a Service to the Armed Forces Red Cross volunteer, visit:  redcross.org/volunteer/become-a-volunteer/service-to-the-armed-forces.html