Red Cross Pledges Service Hours

Blue Star Families’ Operation Honor Corps – a program that promotes volunteerism in honor of those who serve – is proud to announce the renewed support of the American Red Cross and their pledge of 900,000 service hours for the 2012-2013 year. The American Red Cross increased their 2011-2012 pledge by 80,000 hours – giving them the seventh spot on OHC’s Top Pledges List.

The American Red Cross has provided humanitarian support to the United States military, veterans and their families under a trusted symbol for almost 130 years. The Red Cross provides emergency communications, supports military and veteran hospitals and health care facilities as well as providing social services to military family members.

Blue Star Families and Operation Honor Corps are proud to partner with the American Red Cross to honor our military service members, families, and veterans. Through our partnership, both organizations are able to work together to extend their reach and increase volunteerism.

“Through partnerships, the American Red Cross is able to accomplish many of its missions," said Sherri Brown, senior vice president, Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces. "We are most effective when we work together with our partners."  

Both organizations encourage the public to get involved and promote the value and importance of volunteering. Volunteers play vital roles in communities and offer invaluable support to many organizations.

“Volunteerism is very important to the Red Cross because we rely on the support of the American people. Everywhere we have a Red Cross, we ask community members to serve in a volunteer capacity. We also offer youth programs that allow our youth to engage and volunteer with their local Red Cross,” said Brown. Many volunteers will be involved in their pledge of 900,000 service hours – and as a result, our military communities will be positively impacted.

Completing community service in honor of those who serve, is a great way to thank our troops and encourage the American public to do the same. If anyone would like to get involved with the Red Cross or Blue Star Families’ Operation Honor Corps, we encourage that you visit our websites (www.redcross.org and www.bluestarfam.org). 

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.