Welcome to the "Militarily Speaking" podcast with Tom McLean and Jodi Vickery.

In this episode of “Militarily Speaking,” Tom and Jodi are joined by Jason Ramlow, Regional Program Manager for the American Red Cross of Missouri and Arkansas. Together they dive deep into the pivotal work of the American Red Cross, particularly focusing on its services to the armed forces.

“Militarily Speaking” is a podcast produced by Armed Forces Bank that is dedicated to the military lifestyle and all the things that makes the military community who they are.

Ep. 60 – Uncovering the Hidden Gems of the Red Cross with Jason Ramlow

Tom and Jodi kick off the episode with a milestone celebration: Jodi Vickery's birthday, adding a personal touch before transitioning into the conversation about the American Red Cross. Jason Ramlow, the star guest of the episode, is introduced with an impressive resume detailing his 24 years of service with the Red Cross, along with his extensive military background.

Jason Ramlow leads the service to armed forces and international services for the American Red Cross in the Missouri-Arkansas region. He works closely with volunteer leaders to provide crucial services to military veterans and their family members. His experience is a testament to his dedication and passion for supporting military members and their families.

Services Provided by the American Red Cross

Jason delves into the myriad services provided by the American Red Cross, focusing on both well-known and lesser-known programs:

1.   Emergency Communications

One of the core services discussed is the emergency communication link that the Red Cross provides between military members and their families. This service ensures that critical information, like family emergencies, is conveyed promptly and accurately to the necessary parties.

2.   Resiliency Workshops

Another highlight is the Red Cross Resiliency Program, designed to help both active duty members and veterans navigate the unique challenges of military life and transition. These workshops, led by licensed behavioral health professionals, are interactive and provide tools for effective communication, stress management, and more. They cater to small groups and can also include specialized programs for military children.

3.   Hero Care App

Jason talks about the Hero Care Network and its app, which offers a one-stop shop for military families needing emergency communication services. The app supports both English and Spanish and connects users to various community resources.

4.   Restoring Family Links

This program aims to reconnect U.S. residents with non-U.S. citizen family members who have been separated due to civil strife, disaster, or other emergencies. The Red Cross collaborates with international Red Cross and Red Crescent societies to bridge these gaps.

5.   Additional Services

Jason also touches on various other services offered by the Red Cross, including pet first aid, smoke alarm installation, and CPR training. Each of these services exemplifies the broad scope of aid that the Red Cross provides to communities.

Combining His Military Career and Red Cross Experiences

Throughout the conversation, Jason shares touching stories from his extensive career. He recounts his time in Afghanistan, where the Red Cross's role in emergency communications was vital for military members' peace of mind. His firsthand experiences underscore the importance and impact of the Red Cross's services.

For more information about the American Red Cross, including details on how to volunteer or access their services, visit www.redcross.org.

Military Minute

Jodi introduces the Military Minute segment of the show, beginning by closing out last episode’s Military Minute.

●     Last episode’s Military Minute: What three trails constitute the triple crown of hiking?

●     Answer: Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and the Continental Divide Trail

●     This week’s Military Minute question: Who was the founder of the American Red Cross and in what year did that take place?

●     Watch for Facebook and Instagram posts about this episode.

●     Answer with the correct answer and you plus a charity of your choice can each win $50.

●     After a winning selection, Military Minute participants are eligible for another selection after 12 months.

Tom closes the episode by asking listeners to go to www.afbank.com and subscribe to the show, as well as leave a rating and comment on your favorite podcast platform such as Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Join us to hear how to better navigate your finances, military life, and the crossroads of the two.

Visit www.afbank.com