By Marc Coronel/American Red Cross

Aspyn Adams, Service to the Armed Forces Senior Program Specialist with the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region, recently returned from a six-month deployment in Iraq. It was not just a job—it was a calling. A calling to provide hope, comfort and connection to soldiers facing the harshest realities far from home. Her mission embodied the heart of the Red Cross: to be there in moments of need, offering a lifeline of connection to those who serve our nation. Aspyn's journey began at Camp Atterbury in Indiana, where she prepared for the challenges ahead. Among the gear she received was a bulletproof vest—a symbol of the risks she would face. 

Before reaching Iraq, Aspyn spent two weeks in Kuwait, waiting for her visas to be processed. During this time, she worked at a 24/7 casework center, assisting the team with 600 emergency communication messages. Aspyn became the vital link between soldiers and their families, ensuring that urgent news was delivered with care and empathy. Through the Hero Care Network, the Red Cross helps military families stay connected with their loved ones during times of emergency and facilitates their return home when needed.

Once in Iraq, the demands of Aspyn’s role intensified. Despite the fear and uncertainty that surrounded her, she remained committed to her mission. She wasn’t just there to manage communications; she was there to create a space of safety, support and humanity.

In an environment where danger was a constant presence, Aspyn made it her mission to bring moments of normalcy and joy to the soldiers. She organized morale-boosting activities and ensured that holiday gifts were distributed, all to remind the troops that they were not forgotten. Aspyn also tried to create a sanctuary for U.S. troops, offering a vital outlet during times of heightened alert, particularly amidst bomb threats. 

In what was known as “Art and Chill,” soldiers were invited to a cozy space designed to foster creativity and camaraderie, even on days when danger and anxiety were real and palpable. On one occasion, despite initially planning to cancel an event due to safety concerns, Aspyn’s team recognized the importance of providing a sense of relief after three straight days of lock down alerts. While expecting zero attendees, to her great surprise, between 50 to 60 service members showed up, eager to escape their rooms and engage with one another. 

"The mindset was no one wanted to 'go out stressed’ if the worst happened,” Aspyn shared. “It was their reality, the reality of the situation; the thinking was ‘why make it worse’ sitting alone in our rooms—so we spent the time together doing something creative and relaxing.”

Aspyn would set the atmosphere with the soothing sounds of Brazilian jazz, creating a warm and inviting environment that encouraged relaxation and interaction. Each art session featured themes like “deployment” or “favorite things,” allowing participants to express their thoughts and feelings in a reflective manner. The space became a haven, a reminder that even in stressful circumstances, the troops could come together, share experiences and find solace through art, fostering a sense of community amidst the uncertainty of their situation.

One of the most memorable moments of her deployment occurred when she partnered with the Department of State. Together with service members, they dressed as Santa Claus and delivered donated items in stockings to the soldiers' living quarters, known as “chu”—small rooms made from halved shipping containers. This gesture brought much-needed smiles and warmth to the soldiers during the holiday season.

Aspyn’s deployment experiences and stories remind us of the profound impact the Red Cross has on those we serve. During her mission, Aspyn received several tokens of appreciation, including a badge from the Fire Department, patches from members of the international coalition and NATO and an Achievement of Excellence from the NATO commander. She was also honored with a coin from Red Cross and another from the Department of State. But more than these accolades, it is the lasting relationships and the lives she touched that define her journey.

Join the amazing volunteers who support our nation’s service members by visiting volunteerconnection.redcross.org.

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.