Red Cross celebrates service, chance to give back Published May 31, 2013 By Joan Kelley-Williams Travis Red Cross Station Manager TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The American Red Cross works at home and around the world to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies. When people need help, the Red Cross provides disaster victims food, shelter and a helping hand toward recovery; teaches skills that can save a family member, a friend or a stranger in need; helps service members and their families during every stage of military life; collects and provides critical blood products to hospital patients; and works with 186 Red Cross, Red Crescent societies around the world to help prevent disease, respond to disasters and better prepare their citizens. Our incredible network of volunteers, donors and partners help turn compassion into action every day. Red Cross and our military have many things in common. In May, we honor those in the military who serve and have previously served, many making the ultimate sacrifice. I'm reminded that there's a saying that Red Cross and our military can often be found going in the direction from which everyone else is evacuating. As we rally to help our neighbors in Oklahoma, the same values and response are in play. This May, wherever you give service or time to help others, remember that any venue or opportunity to serve is a gift to you who volunteer as well as the recipients. At Travis, Wednesday, the annual opportunity for youth to serve was launched with a special orientation for interested youth and their parents. For those who still have an interest, there is a summer youth program orientation conducted weekly on Wednesdays at the Red Cross office, which is located at David Grant USAF Medical Center. Youth between the ages of 14 and 18 who have base access are welcome. Parents or guardians must accompany youth to the orientation briefing in order to submit an application. As we begin another summer of service opportunities for youth, let's think of and thank all those who set the example. For more information on the Summer Youth Program, a collaboration between Red Cross, DGMC and the Teen Center, call the Red Cross at 423-3648.