By Damakant Jayshi, Public Affairs/Communications Volunteer

There’s more to the American Red Cross than blood donations, disaster relief and the Home Fire Campaign. In addition to these lifesaving critical services, the Red Cross provides vital 24/7 support throughout the year to active-duty military personnel on the front lines, their families back home and veterans.

Todd Besier, a Georgia native from Statesboro who serves in the U.S. Army has seen it all firsthand.

Besier is someone who truly embodies the spirit of community and national service. His deep connection to the Red Cross began around 2000 when he first donated blood at one of the drives organized by the well-known humanitarian organization.

So far, Besier has donated about three gallons of blood.

“I try to give blood at every chance that I can,” Besier shared. “It doesn't cost anything and it always helps others.” He said he was inspired by his wife's great uncle Harry. “He was a WWII veteran who gave gallons and gallons of blood during his lifetime. I thought this was very commendable.”

He has been deployed as a dedicated Georgia Guardsman during hurricanes and ice storms, where he played a crucial role in providing aid and support in the midst of disaster relief efforts.

Besier has served in the U.S. Army since 2011, joining at the age of 40 due to the economic slowdown and driven by a strong desire to serve his country. Prior to enlisting, he worked as a project manager in the construction industry.

In 2021, he was deployed to Kuwait, where he served as the Deputy Director of Installation Support. During his deployment, Besier learned about the American Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) line of service, which provides critical services to troops, their families, and veterans.

As Deputy Director for Installation Support, Besier oversaw the services and support staff, including the American Red Cross, the nonprofit United Service Organizations (USO), U.S. Army Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) and off-post housing as well as over 20 facilities on post. He worked very closely with the Red Cross daily. He also worked with Ret. Gen. Dr. Michael J. Jordan who currently serves as the Vice President for Service to the Armed Forces & International Services at the Red Cross and Deanna Swanier, Senior Director for SAF.

With the help of Red Cross staff and volunteers stationed in Kuwait, he ensured that all SAF services were available to the troops and their families.

The American Red Cross helps thousands of soldiers on military bases while they are away from their families. “You have no way of knowing this unless you have been there and can experience this.” Besier himself has received services through SAF.

What message does he have for others?

Besier shared that it is very important to give blood or plasma because it saves many lives. “What an easy way to help your fellow citizens as well as helping those that are protecting our way of life around the world.”

About the American Red Cross – Service to the Armed Forces

For over 140 years, the American Red Cross has provided critical assistance to military families including providing 24/7 global emergency communication services to troops and their families, supporting military and veteran medical facilities, and helping families cope with deployments and support returning combat veterans as they reintegrate into the community.

The American Red Cross employees and thousands of its volunteers help deliver services at Red Cross offices across the country and in more than 100 military installations around the world—including Djibouti, Iraq and Kuwait. As a result, more than 1 million military families have been served since 9/11. 

For more information, please visit https://www.redcross.org/about-us/our-work/military-families.html