A Message from Regional CEO Kevin Coffey

November 11, 2021

Since the founding of the American Red Cross more than 140 years ago, we have made it our mission to honor and support service members, veterans, and their families. Each day across the 27 counties in our region, we help support military families. Nationally, since 9/11 we have served more than one million military families.

Veterans Day resonates strongly with me as I am the proud son of a Navy veteran. My father returned home from Vietnam to raise a family and be active in his community. When he retired after 5 years of active duty and 20 years in the Navy Reserves, he volunteered his time with younger veterans at Montrose VA Hospital in Westchester NY, reviewing their resumes and helping them with their interview skills. His life of service is our family’s North Star and an inspiration to us all. 

Retirement ceremony for Capt. Matt Coffey USN

So today, as we honor the service of the brave men and women who defended our freedoms, let us also honor the spirit of service of the 150 veterans who volunteer here in Eastern New York and carry out our humanitarian mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering. Their work, compassion and commitment can be felt in all layers of our community. 

Please know that on Veterans Day and every day, our gratitude for your service and the lessons you teach us remains as strong as ever.

With gratitude,