American Red Cross Welcomes Home Its Own

American Red Cross
Monday, 4 August 2003

"Operation Welcome Home" celebrates colleagues-civilians-whose work took them to war National Headquarters

The hugs, tears, pride and joy of their colleagues will greet 25 American Red Cross workers as they return to the organization's national headquarters from deployments in support of "Operation Iraqi Freedom." Deemed "Operation Welcome Home," this special event will bring together hundreds of American Red Cross national headquarters staff who will take a break from meetings and step back from computer screens to cheer the return of colleagues whose work took them to the heart of war. All totaled, the 25 served up to eight months each in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Iraqi.

American Red Cross Armed Forces Emergency Service (AFES) staff mobilize and deploy overseas with members of the military. They live and work along side the service members, ensuring that urgent news of death/illness and births from back home is received 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. But while they're accustomed to bringing a "touch of home" right to the frontlines, the dangers and harsh conditions of "Iraqi Freedom" made the tour an emotional and challenging one. "Operation Welcome Home" celebrates this commitment to the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross.

The first team supporting "Iraqi Freedom" arrived in Kuwait on January 25, 2003 and as the conflict continues, 18 American Red Cross workers remain.

As part of its Congressional charter, the American Red Cross is "a medium of communication between the people of the United States and the Armed Forces of the United States." In addition to responding to disasters, overseeing more than half of the nation's blood supply and providing first aid and CPR training, keeping the American people connected with their loved ones serving in the U.S. military is a fundamental mission of the American Red Cross.

WHO:
American Red Cross national headquarters staff and leadership, including President and CEO Marsha "Marty" Evans.

WHAT:
"Operation Welcome Home", a celebration rally by American Red Cross workers in honor of 25 colleagues whose work took them to the heart of war. One of the teams' reports from the frontlines can be found at http://www.redcross.org/news/af/iraq/030321frontlines.html

WHERE:
American Red Cross National Headquarters
2025 E Street NW
Washington, DC

WHEN:
Tuesday, August 12
9:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. ET (rally begins @ 9; recognition ceremony begins @ 9:30)

For more information, or to contact American Red Cross, see their website at: www.redcross.org