Story told by Amy Thomas, Red Cross Volunteer

Janice Oden, of Sumter, SC, is an American Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) volunteer with over 15 years of service. As a military spouse, her first introduction to the SAF and the importance of Red Cross services was due to the death of a loved one. Janice's mother-in-law passed away while she and her husband were stationed in Germany with the U.S. Air Force in the 1980s. For them to return to the United States for the funeral, Janice's mother submitted a case with a Red Cross SAF case worker. This process ensured they were allowed time to grieve with their family members, which inspired her to begin her journey as a SAF volunteer.

As Oden reminisced on her service with the SAF, the joy, and comfort she provides and receives are at the forefront of her story. From 1987 – 1989, Janice served as a volunteer caseworker in Germany, assisting with family contact cards and submitting cases for service members and their families in times of need. In 2011, Janice returned as a caseworker with SAF in Sumter, South Carolina, serving the local service members and their families. Her volunteer position then evolved into a staff position as the SAF Regional Coordinator for Eastern South Carolina until 2016, when she returned to her volunteer work.

With each transition, Oden's role with the SAF shifted; from assisting service members with family contact cards to providing resiliency training and information and helping with events held by the local National Guard, Oden has seen first-hand the powerful impact of SAF on the lives of service members and their families.

"They [service members and their families] are very grateful for the service they are receiving and the communication and concern displayed," said Janice on the impact of SAF volunteers and why she continues to serve.

For those in the armed forces and their family members, SAF provides vital emergency services, and community connections, assists in building resiliency, and provides medical resources. Volunteers like Janice ensure that this is possible. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer with the Red Cross SAF, Oden encourages you to jump in!

"We always need help from volunteers, and it's gratifying work," stated Janice when asked what she'd say to those who are just beginning their volunteer journey or who aren't quite sure where to start.

To learn more about how to become an SAF volunteer or to learn more about the services offered by SAF please visit redcross.org/SAF.