Red Cross seeks volunteers to help military families, troops

June 23--The American Red Cross is searching for volunteers to help serve military families in eastern North Carolina.

High demand is driving the search. Volunteers cover 53 counties in North Carolina -- including those near Fort Bragg, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point.

Officials said the volunteers respond to about 500 emergency requests each month, serving about 2,000 military families over the same span.

Brittany Jennings, a spokeswoman for the Red Cross of the Eastern Carolina Region, said the organization is looking for volunteers who can help fulfill emergency communications requests from families and help with critical community cases for service members, their families and veterans.

The Red Cross has long served as a bridge between deployed troops and their families, facilitating emergency leave after the death of a family member, a severe illness or major accident. The organization also can provide financial assistance to help with emergency travel or to meet other unmet needs.

"There are times when the call is a financial need," Jennings said. "Service members, veterans and/or family members may call and request for financial assistance in rent, utilities, car repair, funeral expenses, or other financial needs. The Red Cross volunteer caseworkers connect with community partners to make referrals."

The organization also helps homeless veterans find support, including housing, schooling, employment and substance abuse support.

"Our service to the Armed Forces volunteers are critical in making sure we meet the needs of our military members in eastern North Carolina," said Robin Callahan, regional director of the Service to the Armed Forces program for the Red Cross in eastern North Carolina. "As a caseworker, you have the opportunity to provide care and comfort to our service members and their families in times of great stress."

Volunteers will receive free training and mentoring prior to working with service members. Previous experience with the military is not necessary, and volunteers can live in any part of eastern North Carolina.

Those interested should contact Callahan at Robin.Callahan@redcross.org or 910-384-8111.

Military editor Drew Brooks can be reached at dbrooks@fayobserver.com or 486-3567.

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