Red Cross celebrates 131st birthday

Photo By Sgt. Alexander Neely | Lt. Col. Richard A. Caya, director of installation support for Army Supply Group, and Jason Ramlow, station manager at Red Cross, Camp Arifjan, cut the birthday cake. The American Red Cross' 131st birthday was attended by an estimated 40 guests at Camp Arifjan, May 21.  

CAMP ARIFJAN, KUWAIT

05.21.2012

Story by Spc. Alexander Neely 

12th Public Affairs Detachment   

CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait - The American Red Cross celebrated its 131st birthday with an "open-house" at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, May 21.

The four-person staff at Red Cross, Camp Arifjan welcomed an estimated 40 guests with cake, punch, snacks and free giveaways.

"This is a very special day for us and the Red Cross, and as everyone knows we have a great four-person team who supports our soldiers here," said Lt. Col. Richard A. Caya, director of installation support for Area Support Group, Camp Arifjan - Kuwait. "They provide an overall nice place for people to come, decompress and enjoy yourself."

Air Force veteran Jason Ramlow, station manager at the American Red Cross, Camp Arifjan, said he understands the importance of a service member's comfort during deployment.

"It's a great feeling when you are down-range and you can see people coming in that are talking to people over the phone and you can see a difference that our service makes to the individuals," said Ramlow. "My four-member team is just happy to be here to serve the military members and the U.S.-affiliated civilians who are assigned here."

The American Red Cross, Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, provides service members and U.S. affiliated civilians with accessible, expedient communication with families at home. Additionally, the office hands out 500-minute calling cards, provides dog visits and most recently a gift package for new parents.

Since Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross in 1881, the more than half a million volunteers and 35,000 employees have been supporting military members and their families by not only solidifying social services for military members and their families but aiding in the military's ability to sustain the fight.

• Date Taken: 05.21.2012
• Date Posted: 05.23.2012 07:47
• Story ID: 88857
• Location: CAMP ARIFJAN, KW