By: Jenna Schrader

Cynthia Jones-Weidman has devoted her life to serving others. She began her career as a trauma nurse, became a certified paramedic and firefighter, later joined the Air Force and eventually earned her PhD in Resource Management. Today, she is a proud grandmother and a respected, active leader in the East Texas Chapter of the American Red Cross and her community.

Growing up, Jones-Weidman frequently moved since they were a military family. Her father's dedication to the service instilled a sense of duty in Jones-Weidman and a passion for helping others throughout her long career. Eventually, they settled in Texas, where she graduated high school in Cleburne and decided to pursue a career in nursing.

After dedicating years to the profession and gaining expertise in emergency and trauma care, at 36, her sense of adventure and duty gave her a new sense of purpose and passion.

During her military career, Jones-Weidman helped thousands of patients and deployed to numerous locations worldwide, including a deployment to Japan. It was there she connected with the American Red Cross. Jones-Weidman's efforts to organize and host a Red Cross blood drive were lifesaving in the Okinawa community.

"It was good because it was good camaraderie, and we worked so close with our Japanese partners," Jones-Weidman reflects.

In 2003, Jones-Weidman received the Florence Nightingale Award for exceptional courage and devotion to victims of armed conflict or natural disaster. The International Committee of the Red Cross awards this acclaimed medal bi-annually to exceptionally qualified nurses and voluntary nursing aides worldwide. The medal is the highest international distinction a nurse can receive.

Upon returning to the United States, Jones-Weidman continued her involvement with the Red Cross, playing a vital role in assisting the St. Louis chapter with their 2004 - 2005 disaster action plans. Her military background provided a unique perspective on logistics, medical support and overall disaster preparedness.

Between military deployments, Jones-Weidman continued to volunteer with the Red Cross, training CPR and first aid classes and deploying to various disaster zones, including the aftermaths of hurricanes Ida and Katrina. In 2020, Jones-Weidman retired from the military and transitioned into full-time volunteer work. 

Not one to sit still, Jones-Weidman continues to deploy with the Red Cross multiple times a year across the country, including Hawaii, Texas and California in 2023, responding to crises like floods, mass casualty events and wildfires. Her commitment extends beyond physical deployments, as she actively engages in virtual Red Cross deployments to provide support and care. She encourages those new to Red Cross deployments to prepare. 

"Make sure your mind and heart are healthy and prepared," she said. "Ensure you have the support of your family because most deployments are at least two weeks, and once you get the call, you leave within 24 hours. So, it's finding what grounds you. For me, my faith, my family and my service are my ground."

Jones-Weidman has made her home in Mt. Pleasant, Texas, with her husband of 13 years. She is a proud mother of a son, a daughter and bonus daughters. She has seven grandkids "that everybody knows about because everybody will see pictures because they are my pride and joy," she explains. 

Jones-Weidman serves as the Red Cross North Texas Regional Lead for Disaster Health Services and leads its East Texas Chapter International Humanitarian Law efforts. She was recently selected by Red Cross National Headquarters as a COVID-19 Work Team Lead for Infectious Diseases, reflecting her ongoing dedication.

Join the Red Cross Month celebration by visiting RedCross.org/NorthTexas to donate financially, give blood or platelets, volunteer, or take a lifesaving skills course. Those who donate at redcross.org/givingday on March 27 will be part of the 10th annual Red Cross Giving Day.