“Faces of America’s Volunteers”

Blue Star Families’ Operation Honor Corps recognizes those who go above and beyond for their community. Currently, over 22 million hours of community service have been completed in honor of those who serve. And as a result, OHC will be putting some ‘faces’ to those hours by featuring volunteers who have made a difference.  Our goal is to honor those who deserve it and encourage other Americans to follow the example set by these great volunteers.

“Faces of America’s Volunteers” recognizes Julie Myers – an outstanding Red Cross volunteer from Northern Virginia. She is a military spouse and mother of two.

When it comes to volunteering, few can compare to Julie Myers. For twenty three years, Julie has been dedicated to the Red Cross and has made a positive impact in communities throughout the U.S.

When her family sought refuge in a local Red Cross shelter during Hurricane Hugo in 1989, Julie was prompted to help others in similar situations. She immediately went to her local St. Louis’ Red Cross chapter and began volunteering by giving earthquake preparedness talks. From there, Julie began helping victims of house fires by devoting every Friday night to the Red Cross – that is, every Friday except the weekend she married her Red Cross Disaster Action Team partner, Ron Myers.  Julie and Ron then moved to Fairbanks, Alaska – where Julie continued her dedication to the Red Cross by volunteering with the Tanana Valley Red Cross Chapter. For three years, Julie helped fire victims and served as both the Health and Safety specialist and as the Disaster Coordinator. In 1996, the Myers family relocated to the Washington D.C. area and Julie began volunteering with the American Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces – where she continues to volunteer.

Currently, Julie Myers is the Chairman for Holiday Mail for Heroes – a program that delivers holiday cards to military service members, families, and veterans. For five years, she has watched the program grow immensely; last year they delivered 1.4 million holiday cards to hospitals and military installations around the world. To get involved with the Holiday Mail for Heroes program, visit the Red Cross’ website. 

Julie would like to encourage the American public get involved. “There are so many ways to get involved and so many little things that people can do if they don’t have a lot of time. No matter where you are, there are things that need to be done,” said Myers.  For those looking to get involved in their communities, try contacting your local Red Cross office or your local schools, fire departments, hospitals, VA medical centers, and animal shelters to see if they could use some extra hands.

The American Red Cross is proud to have Julie on their team. Her dedication, passion, and commitment make her an extraordinary volunteer. Operation Honor Corps applauds her great work and encourages the public to follow her example by getting involved in their communities. To pledge community service hours in honor of those who serve, visit the OHC’s website.

BY MIchelle Vaughn. Michelle Vaughn is an Americorps VISTA member and Program Coordinator for Operation Honor Corps. She is a recent graduate from the University of California, Santa Barbara and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish Literature and Language. Aside from the time she spent learning Spanish in Spain and interning in Panama, she has lived in California her entire life. She recently relocated to Washington D.C. to serve as a VISTA member and is thrilled to have the opportunity to support Blue Star Families and its dedication to supporting military families.