American Red Cross honors veterans and active-duty service members worldwide
FOX23 News at 9 p.m.
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — This Veterans Day, the American Red Cross is honoring veterans and active-duty service members across the globe, recognizing their sacrifices and ongoing contributions to the nation and their communities.
From the moment individuals join the military and throughout their lives, the Red Cross provides continuous support to service members and their families through its Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) program.
“Veterans help us deliver the Service to the Armed Forces mission,” said Micheal Sullivan, executive director of the Red Cross of Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas. “They volunteer, fill leadership positions, and some even choose to deploy to remote locations in Eastern Europe, Africa, and the Middle East on six-month assignments supporting our troops in an expeditionary capacity.”
Two veterans from the Missouri and Arkansas region, Shaun Tarkington and Troy Sonnier, are currently deployed with Red Cross “Team 57” to forward operating sites in Poland and Estonia, providing humanitarian support to roughly 2,500 unaccompanied service members stationed there.
“It’s really rewarding to work with them,” said Tarkington, an Air Force veteran on his third overseas deployment with the Red Cross. “It has been one of the most rewarding jobs in my life.”
As part of their mission, Tarkington, Sonnier, and their colleagues deliver verified emergency messages between families and deployed troops, ensuring that no service member feels isolated while stationed abroad.
Recognizing the limited comforts available at these remote sites, Tarkington is leading an effort to build a respite center — a dedicated space for soldiers to relax and connect. Many of the service members benefiting from the project are volunteering to help construct it.
“We’re building up our centers to give soldiers a place to relax,” Tarkington said. “A place where they can step away from the barracks and find purpose in helping each other.”
Last year, more than 60 Red Cross staff members served overseas, providing more than 8,570 days of in-person support to troops. Locally, the Red Cross of Missouri and Arkansas continue to serve veterans and active-duty personnel by sending care packages and holiday cards, hosting resiliency workshops, delivering comfort kits, and participating in Veterans Day events across the region.
