Tag Archives: SAF

Challenges, Rewards and Deep Connections: Aerial Chen’s Deployment Experience in Poland.

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Aerial and teammates during trivia nights
Photo courtesy of Aerial Chen – American Red Cross

Stationed in a remote location in Poland with little access to supplies like hygiene items -much less supplies for hosting special events – American Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces staff member, Aerial Chen, was tasked with boosting morale, securing emergency communications and providing essential humanitarian aid to U.S. soldiers.

Her six-month deployment through January 2025 on a U.S. military base in Europe was a unique blend of challenges and rewards. The remoteness brought difficulties but also an opportunity to connect with the service members in a very particular way. “I’m sharing the same lifestyle, staying in the same containerized housing, eating the same food at the dining facilities and using the same amenities. That gives me numerous opportunities for bonding,” she explained.

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Blood, Service and Sacrifice: A Major’s Lifelong Red Cross Connection

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Zahra (left) with her older sister, Crystal, enjoying the holidays circa 1993. – Photo courtesy of Zahra Moutabakkir

At just two years old, Zahra Moutabakkir was fighting for her life. Diagnosed with a mysterious autoimmune disease, she spent 12 weeks in the hospital, undergoing numerous blood transfusions as doctors struggled to save her. “My mom prayed for a miracle,” Zahra recalls, “and after weeks of uncertainty, my white blood cell count miraculously started to recover.” Those transfusions saved her life, leaving an impactful mark that would shape her future and create a lifelong bond with the American Red Cross while donning the honorable military uniform

“My connection to the Red Cross began as a child, and it’s been a constant in my life ever since,” Zahra says. “Without those blood transfusions, I wouldn’t be here. I’ve been donating blood ever since I could, knowing how important it is.”

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Goodies, Good Company and Guidance: Red Cross Supports Veterans at Stand Down Event

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By Alex Keilty

From left – Red Crossers Colin Clover, Ziya Dikhan, Mary Lee and Penny Mount greeted veterans at the Santa Clara County Stand Down. Photo: Alex Keilty – American Red Cross

Colin Clover comes from a military family. When asked how many of his family members are in the Armed Forces he said, “Too many to mention!” Although he didn’t go into the service himself, he wondered how to support people like his grandfather, cousins, aunts and uncles who had served in the Armed Forces.

Then he found out about the Service to the Armed Forces work of American Red Cross and he had found a way to help. First, he was a volunteer and now he is an employee working as a program specialist for Service to the Armed Forces and International Services.

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Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces Support Wings Over Solano Air Show

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Photo: Larry Dietz – American Red Cross

On the weekend of March 16, Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) volunteers supported the Wings Over Solano Air Show at Travis Air Force Base. This exciting event is held every two years to welcome the public to the Air Base and show off a wide range of military aircrafts, both past and present.

SAF volunteer Liz Dietz led the Red Cross effort which included more than 20 SAF volunteers from the Northern California Coastal Region.  Volunteers taught Hands-Only CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) to over 200 visitors throughout the weekend.

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No Matter the Stage of Life, The Red Cross is There

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By Jina Amstutz

Photo courtesy of Crystal Sims

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.

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To Japan and Back

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Volunteer Spotlight on Renee Grossman by Kat Slusser – American Red Cross

Photo courtesy of Renee Grossman

Imagine leaving your comfortable, predictable life to offer your time as a Red Cross volunteer halfway around the world. That’s exactly what California resident and Services to the Armed Forces Red Cross volunteer, Renee Grossman, did when her spouse, an active-duty service member, was deployed to Japan.

Renee spent two and a half years on Yokota Air Base in Tokyo, Japan. She was looking for a way to give back and make friends in the community, so she volunteered with the American Red Cross through an office located in the air base. She met local Japanese residents who also volunteered and was afforded the opportunity to learn from others in the community.

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