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August 29 marked the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina’s landfall just southeast of New Orleans. The storm was the costliest in US history, totaling $125B, and among the deadliest killing nearly 1,400 people. The impact breached levees guarding the city and 10 inches of rain placed 20% of the city underwater within hours, and 80% within days. Katrina was the largest single disaster relief effort ever undertaken by the American Red Cross. 

In this issue, ARCAN honors those who responded to Katrina 20 years ago. We are so grateful for your generosity and dedication. We also reflect on the events of 9/11/2001 - 24 years ago this week. We hope you find value in remembering, and in the special emphasis on Caring for the Workforce.  

Issue 10, ARCAN News - Aug | Sept 2025

ISSUE AT-A-GLANCE

  • Alumni look back at 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, Central Texas Floods and Ways Red Cross is Caring for the Workforce
  • Reflecting on My Hurricane Katrina Assignment, by Rebecca Callihan
  • “How You Can Cope - or Help Others - When Disasters Strike” - Earl Johnson’s new book,
  • Where Are They Now? Featuring Peter Teahen and his around-the-world flight to end polio 
  • Sept Webinars; Past Recordings
  • ARCAN Regional Groups  – Upcoming Luncheon Details
  • How to Access Red Cross Benefits When a Loved One Dies
  • Red Cross Savings Plan Settlement
  • Red Cross Movement News
  • Member discounts on tickets and attractions

News from President, Becky McCorry

9/11 Responders 

This week marks 24 years since the 9/11 terrorist attacks and we are proud that so many of our members were among those who responded in NYC, D.C., Shanksville, or in other affected communities.

It was brought to my attention that some of you have experienced physical and mental health issues as a result of your service, especially those first responders in NYC. We know a significant number of individuals have serious medical issues and I want to point you to some available resources.

Please review important info at the following websites if you or others in your circle of friends have been impacted. If you have any questions feel free to reach out to me directly, Becky McCorry at admin@redcrossalumni.org. 

1.   Register for the World Trade Center Health Program - 888-982-4748. Here is the link to register: https://www.cdc.gov/wtc/index.html. If you qualify, this ensures you have health coverage.

2.   Register for the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) - 855-885-1555.  Here is the link to register: https://www.vcf.gov/.

Please help us grow!

ARCAN Members, we need your help! Over the last year, your Board of Directors has been busy at work building a solid foundation for ARCAN to continue to expand and grow our membership. We continue to host monthly webinars and opened our membership to not only retirees but to past and present employees and volunteers. Now is the time for you to join the effort! Please reach out to five of your Red Cross friends and ask them to join ARCAN. Direct them to our website at www.redcrossalumni.org and check us out. Once you have been part of the mission, you are always part of the Red Cross story. Let's continue the journey together! 

Pro Tips to Inspire Colleagues and Friends to Join: ARCAN members can encourage those you know to also take the next step and join. Our friends are interested. They just need to hear from members about why they should be a part of ARCAN. Remember, as we grow our membership, we’ll have more bandwidth for more and better opportunities and offerings.

Leadership and Committee Volunteers Needed

As membership and programs expand we need more brilliant and enthusiastic volunteers for the Board of Directors and committees. Committees include membership, communications and marketing, finance, administration and programs. If anyone has an interest in being a director on our working Board, or a member of a committee, please email us at info@redcrossalumni.org. 

ARCAN NEWS

Let's Celebrate Our New ARCAN Members!

Since the second week of May, 27 new members have joined the ARCAN community. If you’re new to ARCAN, we want to welcome you! We hope you’ll dive right in and explore all that the community has to offer, including ARCAN's exclusive benefits, from the Member Directory to Alumni Stories and Events. A full list of member benefits can be found on the ARCAN website: www.redcrossalumni.org. 

Be sure to reach out and say hello!

Join the New American Red Cross Alumni Network Facebook Page

We're so excited to launch the official American Red Cross Alumni Network Facebook Page! The page is a public outlet with unlimited reach for promoting ARCAN. It is in addition to our popular, and more exclusive, Facebook Group where we screen for Red Cross affiliation and posts can be made by all group members, vs. only admins. 

We’ll share important updates, event announcements, professional development opportunities, and inspiring stories from our incredible community on both channels, but the new Page has the potential to reach a broader audience since it allows for sharing and boosting posts and ads. It also allows us to follow other pages and see their updates including Red Cross, IFRC and ICRC and more. We will link this new ARCAN page to an Instagram account (coming soon).  

Follow the new Facebook Page here!

Recovery, Inspiration and Caring for the Workforce - 20 Years After Hurricane Katrina

This is the story of two Red Crossers’ perspectives on being impacted, taking care of their staff, responding to big disasters and now what Red Cross is doing to support its workforce 20 years after Hurricane Katrina and 14 years after 9/11. Thank you to Kay Wilkins, Jack Herrmann and every single Red Cross responder!

The Facts: Katrina – Largest Response Ever

August 29 marked the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina’s landfall in Buras, Louisiana, about 60 miles southeast of New Orleans. The Category 3 storm was the costliest in U.S. history, totaling $125B, and among the deadliest killing nearly 1,400 people. 

New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin issued a mandatory evacuation order 21 hours before landfall. Although 80% of the city’s population managed to flee, 100,000 to 150,000 remained. When the storm struck, it breached levees guarding the city and 10 inches of rain placed 20% of the city underwater within hours, and 80% within days.

The Louisiana Superdome, serving as a shelter for tens of thousands of residents, was beset by resource failures. Katrina caused the largest US migration since the 1930s Dust Bowl, with the city’s population down 20% from 2000. (Source: 1440 Daily)

As reported by the American Red Cross, the largest single disaster relief effort ever undertaken by the organization was the response to Hurricane Katrina in 2005. In addition to killing so many people, the storm left millions homeless. Hurricanes Rita and Wilma followed soon after, worsening the devastation.

In the largest sheltering operation in its history, the Red Cross opened nearly 1,400 evacuation shelters in 27 states and the District of Columbia. More than 3.8 million overnight shelter stays were provided. More than 90 kitchens were set up to prepare meals.

Five days after Hurricane Katrina made landfall, the Red Cross served nearly one million meals in a single day. More than 68 million meals were served during the response. More than 244,000 disaster workers, 95 percent of them volunteers, responded to help the hurricane survivors. More than 4 million people received emergency assistance through the Red Cross.

Perspectives: 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, Central Texas Floods and Care for the Workforce

“When I think back on Hurricane Katrina, I think of the resilience of people, how the landscape changed for all people affected and for the Red Cross. Red Cross demonstrated its ability to change and adapt. I also think of the stories of my staff, and how many of them had to work in a challenging environment that they were not trained for.” – Kay Wilkins

“Not all disasters are the same. A reaction can be triggered by some and not others. No matter how seasoned you are, you may not be immune to the psychological challenges caused by the next disaster, or seeing news reports of a crisis years ago. There may be delayed affects. Be open to this, especially around anniversary dates.” – Jack Herrmann

Read the full story 

A Look Back at My Hurricane Katrina Assignment

By Rebecca Callihan

My Katrina response began as a call center role and rapidly became a long deployment. Helping the team prepare for a press visit to the Greater New York chapter led to an interview on ABC’s World News Tonight which was crazy, but an amazing experience. 

Two days later, I flew to Houston only to discover that I was at the wrong airport and took the shuttle for 40 miles to Houston Astrodome and learned that I would then be going to Baton Rouge, LA and (for the first time in almost 20 years) would be driving a car across the country. I apparently was the only NYC volunteer with a driver’s license (that, to be honest, I only used to cash checks). We New Yorkers don't drive!

The only rental available was an Isuzu Rodeo with a stick shift! Having only used a stick over two decades earlier while learning to drive, it was a bit of a challenge, but my lovely teammates in the car were very kind. They even reminded me to use the clutch! 

Arriving in Baton Rouge, we were at a giant former K-Mart, and I began supporting the public affairs team. It was chaotic until a group of officials arrived. None of us noticed them until one quietly got up on a table... 

Read more here

How you can cope or help others when disasters strike

A new book by ARCAN member and volunteer spiritual care lead Earl Johnson offers guidance for disaster preparation and volunteering efforts as well as advice on getting through everyday disasters like a job loss.

From an Article by Kerry Hannon of Yahoo Finance

At least 135 people, including 37 children, died in the Texas floods over the July 4 holiday weekend.

All told, the US sustained 403 weather and climate disasters from 1980–2024, where overall damages and costs reached or exceeded $1 billion. And in the first half of 2025, we experienced 15 separate billion-dollar weather disasters, including tornadoes, hail, wind, and flash flooding from severe thunderstorms.

Earl Johnson wrote a new book about how to cope when those disasters hit home: Finding Comfort During Hard Times: A Guide to Healing after Disaster, Violence, and Other Community Trauma.

At the American Red Cross national headquarters, Johnson’s responsibilities included preparedness and response to every domestic mass fatality incident since the weeks after 9/11, including transportation incidents, natural disasters, and criminal acts.

Find edited excerpts of Kerry and Earl’s conversation in this article on Yahoo Finance.

Peter Teahen’s World Record-Setting Adventures

ARCAN member Peter Teahen has been busy! Flight To End Polio announced a second, world record-setting flight! “Circle the Atlantic: Flight To End Polio”, departed on August 30 and is raising awareness and funds for the Rotary Global Polio Eradication Initiative. The flight is piloted by Peter and by Ed Galkin with technical support provided by John Ockenfels. All three are Rotarians. The trip will be completed in a 1976 Cessna 210 single-engine airplane and involve a 37-day, 8,800 nautical mile flight and multiple fundraisers.

“Along with another volunteer, I drove two hours in flooding conditions. We arrived at the farm to find the house almost completely surrounded by water. We found a narrow path that allowed us to get to the unlocked back door, and we heard faint crying.”

Where are they now? A Q&A with Peter Teahen

We think you’ll really enjoy multitalented Peter Teahen’s Q&A. He’s done such outstanding work in his volunteer and paid careers that span everything from mass casualty incident responses to being a funeral home director. Peter and his wife Janet call Robins, Iowa home. He has four daughters, a son, nine grandchildren and two dogs, Bentley and Remington.

Q. What is your role with the American Red Cross; where and when did you begin to serve?

A.  I often say my life in disaster began as a fluke on July 19, 1989, with the crash of United Flight 232 in Sioux City, IA. In April of that year, as a funeral director, I attended a course on mass fatalities management in preparation for the New Madrid earthquake. I came away from the training thinking never in my life will I ever get an opportunity to respond to a disaster. When 232 crashed I was called to respond and became one of the coordinators of mortuary operations with the Iowa Medical Examiner’s Office. Along with one other funeral director, I was assigned to meet individually with all of the families of the 112 fatalities. My life changed forever during those two weeks of response.  

Full story here 

EVENTS

ARCAN Member & Guest Community Agreement

All ARCAN members and guests attending our webinars and other events are asked to abide by the ARCAN Member & Guest Community Agreement. The agreement linked outlines the ARCAN Community Purpose & Spirit, our Principles of Decorum & Engagement and the Commitments ARCAN members and non-members attending events are asked to adhere to. The agreement is also accessible via the website's About page.  

September Webinars  

September 11, 12:00 p.m. ET

The Road Ahead with Michael Jordan

We have entered a new global era. Conflict crisis has evolved such that a decade ago there may have been a couple dozen major conflicts ongoing around the world. Many of us only hear about two to three, depending upon our choice of news outlet. Today there are over a hundred major conflicts ongoing, including the threat of a third world war. Unlike the long wars of Afghanistan and Iraq where the U.S. maintained military dominance and mainly fought insurgencies, we are now facing evolving conflict risk with peer adversaries. How has the American Red Cross begun to prepare for the road ahead, given our charter and legacy? Hear the answers from Dr. Michael Jordan, vice president of the American Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces & International Services as he presents “The Road Ahead” at the next ARCAN webinar. 


After a distinguished career of service and leadership, Michael is retiring from the American Red Cross. He brought extraordinary contributions to the mission—and unwavering commitment to supporting military-connected communities. He has a legacy of compassionate service, helping the Red Cross provide critical support to service members, veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors—in the moments that matter most.

Details and Registration here

September 23, 4:00 p.m. ET

Red Cross Innovations and the Scientific and Medical Advisory Councils with Jack McMaster and Chris Hrouda

Jack McMaster, president of Training Services and, Chris Hrouda, president of Biomedical Services for the American Red Cross will share about recent Red Cross innovations that the Scientific Advisory council and Medical Advisory Council have contributed to, including virtual reality elements incorporated into lifeguard training and Red Cross blood saving lives on ambulances in urban areas with high frequency of violent crime.

The American Red Cross Scientific and Medical Advisory Councils are volunteer committees of nationally recognized experts who ensure Red Cross programs, products, and public guidance are based on the latest scientific and medical evidence.

Register here:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Dpt9zvViQ1-zOKBXqN6SvQ

Past Webinar and Event Recordings Available

ARCAN’s summer webinar recordings are available on the website's Past Webinars page for any that you may have missed. Remember you must be signed into the website as a member to access past webinars and the full versions of stories. Summer events and webinars included:

  • “Travel Trends and Tips” presented by Lew Woodard
  • “Pension System and Retirement Info” presented by Jack Campbell, Sung Oh and Katie Grey
  •  “How the Red Cross Inspires and Motivates Blood Donors Through Innovative Brand Partnerships” presented by Darren Irby

Also see the recording of the SummerFest virtual gathering, and the brief ARCAN One Year Anniversary video that was shared at the event.

Save the Date

International Humanitarian Law 

We're happy to connect you with a variety of IHL discussions and classes. For details about upcoming offerings, and to register, see the ARCAN Events webpage.

ARCAN Affinity Groups Events

Members may form affinity groups based on geography, line of service or other topics that rally ARCAN members together to connect. Upcoming Regional Groups gatherings include: 

ARCAN So Cal Group Meeting and Luncheon

The next ARCAN So Cal Group general meeting and luncheon will be on October 14 at 12:00 noon at the Ruby Restaurant, 325 N. Verdugo Rd., Glendale, CA.  There will be a speaker from AARP on Brain Health. In September, Marlene Zweig will be sending out an informational flyer with an RSVP and cost.

Greater DC & Baltimore ARCAN Fall Luncheon Meeting

The Greater DC & Baltimore ARCAN Group will gather November 14 for their next luncheon in the room formerly known as the Tiffany Ballroom at the Red Cross 17th Street building in Washington, D.C. Stay tuned for registration and details.

How to Access Red Cross Benefits When a Loved One Dies

As with many benefits issues, the death of an American Red Cross retiree should be reported to the Benefits Service Center (BSC) by phone at 877-860-7526. Such a death may be reported by a spouse, family member, friend or legal representative of the deceased. The BSC representative will be able to assist with all benefits including pension, American Red Cross Savings Plan and medical benefits/life insurance as applicable. Even if the deceased retiree was receiving no benefits from the Red Cross at the time of passing, the death should be reported to the BSC to find out if the retiree had earned the Life Insurance benefit. Although this benefit was earned by a small number of retirees, it is worth a phone call to check. 

In addition, if a retiree was receiving any part of their benefit from John Hancock, Athene or Aetna, they will also need to be notified:

Athene: 877-813-4249

Aetna: 800-952-2700

John Hancock: 800-624-5155

Reporting a death within a week or two allows enough time for a beneficiary to receive uninterrupted benefits. Anyone reporting a Retiree’s passing should be prepared with the deceased spouse’s: 

  • Name
  • Last four digits of SSN
  • Address
  • Date of Birth
  • Date of Death
  • Marital Status at time of death

The BSC representative will provide instructions for conveying a copy of the death certificate. If a surviving spouse is also a beneficiary, they should be prepared to provide basic info including their own social security number and date of birth. 

What is the Retiree Helpline?

The Retiree Helpline is a call-back service by ARCAN that assists American Red Cross retirees with questions about pensions, including those administered by the annuity companies, as well as retiree medical benefits, the ARC Savings Plan (401-k) and more. The Retiree Helpline also helps with ARCAN membership questions. The Retiree Helpline can be reached at 202-303-8779. 

See more info for retirees on the website's Retirement Resources page.

RED CROSS NEWS

Red Cross Savings Plan Settlement

ARCAN shared this Red Cross news with all ARCAN members via email on August 14:

Regarding the Red Cross 401(k) fee challenge settlement. Some members may receive postcards in the mail about this settlement in the coming days. The card is addressed from "Red Cross Savings Plan Settlement Administrator. P.O. Box 2010. Chanhassen, MN 55317-2010", and is official (i.e. not spam or a scam). We encourage you to check your mail and review any notices you receive.

For more information or inquiries, see three options below:

Red Cross Leaders Tour Church Humanitarian Sites

“Mission leaders like The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are vital to the Red Cross, powering our work through volunteerism, providing the capacity to respond immediately in times of crisis and supporting lifesaving blood services"

- Trevor Riggen, president of Humanitarian Services for the American Red Cross

LDS announced it will donate US$1.5 million to support critical Red Cross efforts

Full story here

Red Cross responding to 2x more major disasters today vs 10 years ago; urges everyone to make emergency plans now

Find tips for preparing and building an emergency kit at RedCross.org

'Let’s sleep early so we don’t feel the hunger' - humanitarian workers in Gaza struggling in midst of famine

Following the IPC’s formal confirmation of famine in Gaza, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) warns that malnourishment among humanitarian workers is threatening life-saving work. 

Read the press release from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

Afghanistan earthquake: IFRC responds to devastating quake in southeastern provinces

A powerful 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck southeastern Afghanistan late on 31 August, causing widespread destruction across Kunar, Nangarhar, and Laghman provinces. Initial reports indicate over 550 fatalities, more than 1,000 injuries, and 600 homes destroyed or damaged. Many families are displaced and in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. 

Read the IFRC press release

Number of missing people registered with the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement up nearly 70% in five years

The ICRC, together with National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies around the world, works across borders to search for missing persons and reconnect families separated by war, disasters and migration. Together they form the Family Links Network, which at its core has a simple premise: everyone has the right to know the fate of their loved ones. 

Read the International Committee of Red Cross story 

OTHER NEWS

9/11 - A Look at Tribute In Light 

Six months after the Twin Towers fell, they returned in the form of two blue beams of light illuminating the Manhattan skyline. Since then, they have lit the sky annually as a Sept. 11 commemoration known as Tribute in Light. The tradition will continue this year to remember the 14th anniversary of the attacks. 

9/11 Memorial & Museum's article and photos here

Use PerkSpot to get good deals and discounts as part of your ARCAN benefits

To get started using PerkSpot, sign up or sign in at PerkSpot for discounts on travel, home goods and more. When you're on the Red Cross PerkSpot site, click "Create An Account" to sign up. It only takes a minute to get access to thousands of discounts and deals you can't find anywhere else! You can use your personal or Red Cross email when signing up for PerkSpot. (Unless the registration page states otherwise). Please keep in mind that PerkSpot is a separate log-in from your Red Cross organization. Start

your Login/Registration at: Home | Welcome to your American Red Cross Discount Program

If you need further assistance, please email cs@perkspot.com.

American Red Cross Alumni Network

PO BOX 21004  | Washington, DC 20009
E-mail: info@redcrossalumni.org | Tel: 202.303.8779

Website: RedCrossAlumni.org