When the Civil War began in 1861, Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross, quit her job and made it her mission to bring supplies to Union soldiers in need. This started a life-long career of aiding people in times of conflict and disaster. In 1862, she received official permission to transport supplies to battlefields and was at every major battle in Maryland, Virginia and South Carolina, where she also tended to the wounded and became known as the “angel of the battlefield.”

Today, the precedent Barton set on the battlefield continues across the globe through the American Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces. Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces leverages a network of more than 14,000 volunteers and staff members to deliver services to and support military commands at over 100 installations across the globe. SPC Benjamin Ndibeshe is one of those volunteers.

Benjy, as he is commonly referred to, volunteered at a deployed location in the Middle East and earned over 930 hours of volunteer service with the Red Cross in just under eight months. He taught the troops French, was the Program Lead for the Resiliency Center and, according to Joseph Kelley, South Florida’s Service to the Armed Forces and International Services manager, Benjy “was an anchor we could always count on to lend a hand, regardless of the task. Volunteers like Benjy allow us to do the job we do [while away].”

Benjy’s volunteer service earned him the 2023 Bronze Presidential Volunteer Services Award, an accolade founded by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation to recognize the vital role of volunteers in America’s strength and national identity. The award honors individuals whose service positively impacts communities in every corner of the nation and inspires those around them to take action, too.

Before Benjy departed his post in the Middle East, he shared some parting words with his fellow volunteers:

“As my time [here] draws to a close, I’m filled with a profound sense of gratitude for the extraordinary individuals who have made my journey with the Red Cross so enriching. To each member of the staff—past and present—Christina, Jessica, Mike, Miguel, Joe, and Debra, your unwavering support, supervision, and leadership have been the cornerstone of our collective success. Your trust in me as a leader has not only empowered me but also inspired me to strive for excellence every day.

To the incredible volunteers who have lent their time, energy, and enthusiasm to [the American Red Cross], I extend my deepest thanks. Your dedication, laughter, and shared moments have created bonds that transcend mere service. In the embrace of the Red Cross community, I found not only a workplace but a family—a sanctuary where peace and purpose intersected seamlessly.

As I prepare to bid farewell, I’m filled with a bittersweet blend of emotions. While I’m excited for the next chapter of my journey, the thought of leaving behind such cherished relationships tugs at my heartstrings. Yet, I depart with the firm belief that the Red Cross is in capable hands and that each member of this remarkable team will continue to make a difference in the lives of others.

I urge you to stay true to your dreams, to continue pushing boundaries, and to never lose sight of the impact you have the power to make. Though our paths may diverge for now, I have no doubt that the vast tapestry of life will bring us together again.

Until then, take care, stay resilient, and know that the memories we’ve shared will forever remain close to my heart. Farewell, and may our paths cross again soon!”

Every day, men and women answer the nation’s call to serve in the armed forces, and the Red Cross supports these heroes and their families from the day they enlist throughout their military careers and beyond. To learn more about Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces positions, visit here.