The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.
Jordon's Journey: Connecting Troops with Essential Support By Dave Wagner, Communications Volunteer When Jordon Barney received his deployment assignment to go overseas, he felt a mix of excitement and anticipation. As a Regional Program Specialist deployed with the American Red Cross’ Service to the Armed Forces team, he knew the work ahead would be meaningful, … Continue reading Living the Mission: Supporting Service Members from the Heart of Poland and Romania
By Steve Medina, American Red Cross Volunteer, Public Affairs On August 1, 2025, the Ventura Veterans Stand Down took place at the Ventura Veterans Center, organized in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs. This vital outreach event brought together community agencies and volunteers to serve Veterans in need—particularly those experiencing homelessness or navigating life … Continue reading A Day of Service: Ventura Veterans Stand Down 2025
“There’s always a lot of great people out here and it’s for a great cause,” said Marine veteran Jose Rojas, standing beneath a pop-up shelter near the starting line of this year’s Ride for the Red. “We’ve done this ride a couple of times before,” said his ride partner and fellow Marine veteran Raul … Continue reading 2025 Ride for the Red Benefits Local Military and Veterans
By Anna Kumor, Red Cross Volunteer Jo Barsenas makes a life of serving the armed forces alongside her enlisted family members. “My dad was a veteran. He was a three-time purple heart award. My son is an army veteran. My husband's a Navy veteran. And I have 9 nieces and nephews currently serving. I've come from a military home! My … Continue reading The SAF Lifestyle of Jo Barsenas
Women have played an important role in fulfilling the lifesaving American Red Cross mission since Clara Barton founded the organization more than 140 years ago. Known as the “Angel of the Battlefield,” Clara had cared for wounded soldiers during the Civil War before establishing the Red Cross in the U.S., where she was a visionary leader in … Continue reading Meet Some of the Women Who Lead Like Clara Barton
By Andrew De La Rosa, Communications Volunteer During Military Family Appreciation Month and National Native American Heritage Month, the American Red Cross is recognizing Red Crossers who continue their service in local communities across the country. Since our founding more than 140 years ago, veterans have stepped up to support their communities after their active-duty … Continue reading Service and Commitment: John Navarro is a Catalyst for Change and Community
By Mason Anthony, Communications Volunteer More than 20,000 veterans serve as American Red Cross volunteers. One of those volunteers is Ray Quintana, a long-term American Red Cross volunteer and Vietnam Veteran, who recently was a passenger on a Central Valley Honor Flight. He joined 67 other veterans who traveled to Washington D.C. to see the … Continue reading Celebrating Military Appreciation Month: Ray Quintana
By Tony Briggs, Regional CEO and Pacific Coast Chapter Executive Director In what has become a year-end tradition, it’s time to take a look back together at 2022. We thank our volunteers, financial and blood donors, staff and supporters who carry out our mission each and every day. In the past year, our teams delivered food, … Continue reading 2022 in Review: Red Cross Mission in Action
By Lucca Lorenzi, Communications Volunteer Three long-term volunteers from the American Red Cross Central Valley Chapter were recognized for their dedication of their time and talents to their community’s veterans and current members of the armed forces in 2022. Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces volunteers are there 24/7 to provide comfort and care … Continue reading Year in Review: Three Volunteers Receive Prestigious Recognition for Their Service to Armed Forces
Red Cross Central California Blog 