Red Cross volunteers in Vermont support the armed forces at home and abroad
Vermont Business Magazine This Veterans Day, the American Red Cross honors the tremendous service and sacrifice of all veterans and active-duty service members. At the Red Cross, our support for military communities isn’t just one day; it’s every day.
“Veterans exemplify courage, sacrifice, and a steadfast commitment to protecting our freedoms, and we are deeply grateful for their service,” said Stephanie Couturier, regional CEO, American Red Cross Northern New England Region. “We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to our Red Cross volunteers who support our military communities across Northern New England. Whether offering a comforting presence, connecting someone to vital resources, or simply listening with compassion, their service brings comfort and hope to those who have given so much.”
From the day a service member joins the military through life as a veteran, Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) volunteers are committed to providing a continuum of care to the military community. In Vermont, four dedicated SAF volunteers log more than 650 hours each year supporting our military members, veterans and their families.
Military families and veterans in Vermont have access to critical support through the Red Cross Hero Care Network. It ensures our military communities do not have to navigate the challenges of military life alone – whether it’s delivering emergency communications between an active-duty service member and their family back home, providing financial assistance in times of hardship or connecting veterans and families to community resources, the Red Cross is there.
While emergency messages are initiated through calls to our Hero Care Center, Red Crossers embedded with the military overseas and regional teams play a vital role in following up with service members and their families after a message is delivered, helping them feel safe and supported, and connecting them to additional services. Veterans also benefit from this support, receiving local resources and programs to support their whole health.
This seamless coordination between local and global Red Cross teams means military families and veterans in Vermont can count on compassionate, timely, human help, anytime, anywhere.
“A lot of our veterans face financial worry. We can help connect them to resources that can help them have a more comfortable lifestyle, because they've earned that. They've worked really hard and protected our country, and we want to make sure they are supported, like they have supported us,” said Sarah Lemnah, executive director, Red Cross Vermont Chapter.
In 2025, the Red Cross SAF team in Vermont partnered with several community organizations including Military Kids Vermont, Vermont Lake Monsters Military Appreciation Night, Devil's Bowl Speedway Military Appreciation Night and Thunder Road Military Appreciation Night to raise awareness of free Red Cross services available to the military community. Additionally, the team worked with Josh’s House, in Colchester, to support about 350 veterans and their families through bi-weekly engagement sessions.
The Red Cross also maintains a global presence on more than 380 military installations and deployment sites worldwide, allowing us to provide in-person support for troops and their families. Many veterans, having received support themselves, choose to continue their legacy of service by helping others through the Red Cross. In Vermont, 17 Red Cross volunteers are proud veterans.
For more information or to support those who serve and continue to serve with the Red Cross, visit redcross.org/saf.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
BURLINGTON, Vt., NOVEMBER 8, 2025 — American Red Cross
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