By Anne Arnold

May is Military Appreciation Month, a time when we honor and recognize the service of the men and women in the military. It is a time to express gratitude for their service and sacrifice, and to show support for their families and loved ones. Not only do we pause on Memorial Day to remember the sacrifice of those who gave their life while serving in the Armed forces, but the month also includes Armed Forces Day and Military Spouse Appreciation Day.

At the American Red Cross, we play a critical role in supporting service members, military families and veterans. Our support for the military dates to our founding in 1881 by Clara Barton, who provided aid to soldiers during the Civil War. Today, we continue to provide a wide range of services to military families, including emergency financial assistance, counseling and support for veterans.

This month, the American Red Cross highlights its commitment to serving the U.S. military community at every step – from the time a service member takes the oath to navigating life as a veteran.

One of our most important roles is to provide emergency communication services for military families during times of crisis. We help connect military families during emergencies such as natural disasters, family illnesses, or other crises. We provide training and support for military families to cope with the challenges of military life, including frequent moves, deployments and separations.

Our Red Cross staff and volunteers are involved in many initiatives aimed at improving the well-being of service members and veterans. This includes the reconnection workshops, which help service members and their families adjust to post-deployment life, our military hospital programs, which provide comfort and support to wounded service members and their families.

You can find American Red Cross support of military communities across the globe at military hospitals, on overseas installations and in communities across America. To celebrate Military Appreciation Month and learn more about how the American Red Cross supports active-duty service members, their families and caregivers, visit redcross.org/SAF.