On Veterans Day, Nov. 11, the American Red Cross recognized the tremendous service and sacrifice of all who have served and celebrated those who continue their legacy by supporting programs that uplift fellow veterans across the region. At the Red Cross, support for military communities isn’t just one day – it’s every day. Each year across the nation, the American Red Cross assists more than 220,000 military and veteran families through a network of dedicated volunteers – many of whom are veterans themselves.
“Veterans help us deliver the Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) mission,” said Nikki Rowe, Red Cross director of Service to the Armed Forces and International Services in the Northern California Coastal Region. “They volunteer and fill leadership positions, supporting veterans and military members in their local community.”
Legacy of Service
Across the Northern California Coastal Region, which is comprised of 15 counties across the Greater Bay Area, including Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties, many veterans continue their commitment to service by volunteering with the Red Cross – sharing their skills, leadership and compassion to strengthen programs that support military members, veterans and their families.
At David Grant Medical Center (DGMC) on Travis Air Force Base, that legacy is embodied by several Air Force veterans who now serve as Red Cross flight surgeons, working alongside medical personnel to ensure airmen are ready to deploy and receive the best care. Retired Air Force physicians Dr. James “Eric” Bermudez, Dr. Dan Canlas and Dr. Justin Nast continue their calling to serve.
“These patriotic Americans care so much about the health and well-being of our airmen, that they choose to volunteer with us and to continue the work they did while in uniform,” said Colonel Alexei Kambalov, former 60th Medical Group Administrator at DGMC.
“When patients come in, they automatically trust you when they see the Red Cross,” said Dr. Nast, who now volunteers in the Flight Medicine Clinic after retiring from active duty in 2021. “I wanted to continue to contribute.”
For Dr. Canlas, volunteering with the Red Cross allows him to remain part of a mission he loved.
“We offer our services because we enjoy the job so much. It’s such an experience to take care of elite professionals,” he said. “I was looking for a way to keep doing what I loved to do.”
Dr. Bermudez said his connection to the Red Cross started long before volunteering, when the organization helped him during a family emergency while he was deployed. He reflects that the best parts of the Air Force are, “the people, their dedication, the friendships, the cohesiveness, and knowing you are part of a mission.” Those, he added, continue to be the best parts of his volunteer work with the Red Cross.
While these veterans continue their service in a medical setting, others extend their impact through leadership and mentorship roles that strengthen Red Cross programs across the region.
Bringing Care and Connection to Veterans
Beyond the base, Red Cross volunteers are helping veterans heal in other ways. In Marina, Red Cross volunteer Penny Mount leads the region’s first Animal Visitation Program (AVP), bringing trained therapy dogs to the Major General William H. Gourley Veterans Affairs - Department of Defense Outpatient Clinic. This program offers comfort, companionship and emotional support to veterans to manage the visible and invisible scars of service.
The therapy dogs have quickly become familiar faces to many veterans, often sparking smiles and conversations during their visits. Red Cross volunteer Sharon Bertoli said, “People light up when they see the pet therapy dog. They may not remember the volunteer, but they always remember the dog.” The simple presence of the dogs helps veterans relax, open up and share their stories – creating moments of comfort and connection that last long after each visit.
Further north, in San Francisco, the Red Cross extends its support to veterans staying at the Veterans Affairs Hoptel , which provides temporary lodging for those traveling more than 50 miles to receive outpatient care at the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center. The Hoptel offers veterans a safe and comfortable place to rest during treatment, complete with complimentary meals, Wi-Fi, and accessible facilities for eligible guests. Twice a month, Red Cross volunteers provide a warm welcome and distribute hygiene items to veterans staying at the Hoptel, ensuring they feel seen, supported, and cared for. In addition to that, Red Cross volunteers host dinners and BBQs several times a year, offering warm meals and the comfort of home to veterans receiving care at the VA.
The American Red Cross remains committed to serving those who served. Together with veterans, families and volunteers, the Red Cross continues to build a stronger, more connected community of care. To learn more about how the Red Cross supports service veterans, and their families — or to become a volunteer — visit redcross.org/SAF.
