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Welcome to the inaugural issue of the

American Red Cross Alumni Network Newsletter!! 

Note from ARCAN President Mary Buszuwski

Welcome to the American Red Cross Alumni Network (ARCAN)!

As the Board and I announced yesterday, we are officially an alumni network for former employees of the American Red Cross. We are so excited to be launching the new organization with you. Our faithful Red Cross retirees are a sure foundation for the Network. 

ARCAN has great promise. New purpose and relevance offer potential to rally Red Cross alumni and grow our membership, support one another and influence change to make a positive difference through our Red Cross channels, and in so many other ways.

The transition from a retiree association to an alumni network has been years in discussion and months in development. I want to congratulate all of us – with special thanks to our board and committee members -- and encourage you to keep your sleeves rolled up! The launch is just the beginning.

The new name and mission come with a full toolkit of marketing and communication components we hope you’ll explore: 

A new website welcomes potential members with a theme of CONNECT, ENGAGE and INSPIRE, and alumni stories, programs and resources for members.

Our inaugural newsletter spotlights former U.S. Senator Elizabeth Dole as she was presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom in May; a great feature on our very first new ARCAN member, Court Ogilvie; a fascinating Q&A with International and Disaster Services alum Nazik Salih; important Red Cross news updates, including the opening of a new field hospital in Gaza; and much more. 

Enjoy! And please remember to share the news about ARCAN with Red Cross friends and colleagues who may be interested in their new eligibility to join. 

Have a safe and sunny start to your summer!

Senator Elizabeth Dole Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom

Congratulations to former American Red Cross President Elizabeth Dole! On May 3, President Biden presented Dole the Presidential Medal of Freedom, saying, “Senator Elizabeth Dole has served her country as a trailblazing United States Senator, Secretary of Transportation, Secretary of Labor, and President of the American Red Cross. She leads by example through her Foundation’s support for military caregivers and their families.” For more news about the award, click here.

ARCAN UPDATES 

Join Now!!!

ARCAN is launching with a strong foundation, an exciting array of member benefits that focus on building community, and a growing network of opportunities and support. Membership is $30 annually and is open to former American Red Cross employees. Your membership dues enable the Alumni Network to manage benefit programs, deliver alumni-related news and stories, host exclusive alumni events, and much more. For more information and to join, visit the new website at redcrossalumni.org  Membership in ARCRA automatically rolls to ARCAN.

Join the June 19 Webinar: Supporting the Human-Animal Relationship Throughout the Disaster Life Cycle

Everyone is welcome to bring their furry friends for the first few minutes of “show and tell” to start our June webinar, featuring former Red Crosser Sharon Hawa. Sharon manages the emergency services department for a national animal welfare organization, Best Friends Animal Society, that owns the largest animal sanctuary in the country (located in Utah). She will also share stories from her Red Cross years that illustrate the value of working with people and animals before, during and after disasters. The webinar is scheduled for June 19 at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Register in advance here. A confirmation email will provide information about joining the meeting.

May Webinar

If you missed the May webinar with Connie Harvey, American Red Cross Director of Aquatics Centennial and Survival Programs, the video recording is available here, with Passcode: ?44=uF7b.

“It was that moment that made me realize that what the Red Cross does is way bigger than me or any of us. This kind of work is special. A volunteer was giving her time for nothing at all, and she stepped out of her shoes for a stranger. I’ll never forget it.”

COO of the National Military Family Association Court Ogilvie is First New Member of American Red Cross Alumni Network

Court Ogilvie, known to many of us for his 17 years with Red Cross Blood Services and Disaster Services, joined the American Red Cross Alumni Network (ARCAN) as its first new member. He recently took on a new role as COO of the National Military Family Association (NMFA), which works with families to identify and solve the unique challenges of military life. NMFA advocates for military families on Capitol Hill, at the Pentagon, and in communities around the world. It also provides scholarships for military spouses, and camps and programs for kids. Court was a military kid himself, and his work roles since leaving the Red Cross have all been in the military and veterans’ sector.

“I joined ARCAN to keep in touch with the people, but also with the Red Cross mission,” said Court. “I tell my friends who are former Red Cross colleagues that the Red Cross has an amazing work force, and experts in a lot of different things. I recommend that people work continually to maintain their professional network, which I like to think of as my work community. Ask for help from others, but offer it back if you can.”

Court is a member of ARCAN’s Programs, Services and Education Committee, which he says is creating a value proposition to attract more alumni. “It’s a neat intersection of business and people,” he said. “My Red Cross work was always focused on how we impacted our constituents, and the alumni network feels like an extension of that.” He joined ARCAN to contribute this service orientation, and says “Honestly, I’d do anything to help Becky McCorry! She’s one of those heart and soul people that I feel lucky to have had the chance to work with.” (Becky chairs the committee.)

Read the FULL STORY with photos from Court and Suzy's Alaska adventures. 

“In 1999 I proudly became a U.S. citizen. On the day of my swearing-in, five of my Red Cross friends accompanied me to the ceremony at the immigration building in Arlington, showing their support and embodying the spirit of Red Cross love.”

Where Are They Now?

A Q & A with Nazik Salih

Q: When were you employed at the American Red Cross, and what positions did you hold?

A: I began my tenure at the American Red Cross in 1992. With intermittent breaks it concluded in 2005. Initially I engaged through a temp agency. I joined the Disaster Operation Center to help facilitate the recruitment and deployment of volunteers to Miami, Florida, in the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew. Within six months of this temporary assignment, I transitioned to a full-time position within the NHQ Disaster Department, where I served in multiple positions before moving to the International Services Department as a staffing associate with the newly formed International Disaster Response Unit (IDRU) based in Washington, D.C., in 2001.

Q: What was it like to volunteer with the Ethiopian Red Cross?

A: In July of 2003, I relocated to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, accompanying my husband, who was seconded from the American Red Cross to the Ethiopian Red Cross Society as a water and sanitation manager. During my time in Ethiopia, I volunteered in several events with the Ethiopian Red Cross, including leading the coordination and facilitation of a large group of VIP visitors led by the head of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), who generously donated vaccines for the American Red Cross measles campaign in Ethiopia. 

Q: What work have you done since leaving the Red Cross, and for whom? 

To read Nazik’s full Q & A, click here.

Narce Caliva at the 35^th Annual National Memorial Day Concert

Longtime Red Cross employee and volunteer Narce Caliva and fellow veterans represented the Winchester, Virginia, chapter of the Korea War Veterans Association at the 35^th annual National Memorial Day Concert performed on the west lawn of the United States Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.

RETIREE NEWS

American Red Cross Retirement System History

The American Red Cross Retirement System (Retirement System) was established on May 1, 1936, and was closed to new hires on July 1, 2009, a span of about 73 years. Other key dates and changes include:

• Plan benefit accruals were frozen on 12/31/2012; benefits for vested active employees did not grow for those working beyond this date.

• Special Election Windows for lump sum benefit payments were opened in 2013 and 2016, resulting in 10,516 cashouts from the pension system.

• In June 2017, the American Red Cross purchased annuity contracts with Athene for about 10,000 retirees and changed the way previously purchased annuity contracts with Aetna and John Hancock are administered. Previously, benefits from these companies were paid through the Red Cross and State Street Bank to the extent retirees received just one monthly pension check. Currently, many retirees receive their pension benefit from more than one source. 

• In January 2019, the Retirement System rules were changed to allow unrestricted “lump sum” cashouts. Since 2020, all separated vested plan participants have been permitted to elect a lump sum. Through 2023, more than 5,000 plan members have cashed out. 

• In April 2023, a second set of contracts for 6,300 retirees was purchased from Athene.

On July 1, 2023, there were 2,098 retirees receiving benefits from the original Retirement System. In addition, 4,524 active employees and 6,536 separated/vested individuals were in the system, for a total of 13,158.

Reducing the number of Retirement System participants is a strategy called “derisking”  that will be described in future newsletters. Changes to the Retirement System are intended to ensure the hard-earned benefits of Red Cross retirees. 

Source: American Red Cross

AFFILIATED GROUPS NEWS

Current List of Regional Groups

ARCAN has five regional groups that are independent of ARCAN, but affiliated. Tapping into these groups is a great way to get connected at in-person regional events. Each offers a different mix of meetings, luncheons and/or programs. For Groups news, locations and contact information, go to the Affiliated Groups page on the website.

Greater Washington-Baltimore Group Spring Membership Luncheon

At the Greater Washington-Baltimore Group Spring Membership Luncheon, actress Mary Ann Jung enacted some of Clara Barton’s finest moments. She enlisted the help of audience members to play a doctor, soldiers, and a nurse’s assistant. The program was educational and hugely entertaining. View more photos here.

2024 ARCOA Convention Announces Banquet Speaker

The 2024 American Red Cross Overseas Association Convention will be held September 12-14 in Kansas City, Missouri. The convention committee is excited to announce that Pulitzer Prize nominee Luis Alberto Urrea, author of “Good Night, Irene,” will be the banquet speaker on Saturday, September 14. Click here for more information.

Since meeting ARCOA members in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, in June 2023 and encountering SRAO Red Cross women (aka Donut Dollies) throughout his book tour, Luis and his wife, Cindy, have developed a bond with those who have served with the Red Cross overseas. He proudly wears the Red Cross Legacy Pin presented in memory of his mother’s World War II Clubmobile service. 

Please join ARCOA in Kansas City for a fun, interesting convention. Information is available at www.arcoa.org and at the convention web page, https://arcoa.org/event-5519994.

IN MEMORIAM

Dr. Ross Herron

"...a beloved doctor, brilliant colleague, and trusted friend; a very good man gone too soon."

Marlene Zweig of the Southern California Group recently received word of the passing of former American Red Cross Medical Director Dr. Ross Herron. Marlene characterized him as "...a beloved doctor, brilliant colleague, and trusted friend; a very good man gone too soon." Zweig passed along the official announcement from Red Cross Chief Medical Officer Dr. Pampee Young:

It is with profound sadness that I share the news of the passing of our colleague and friend, Dr. Ross Herron, who passed away on March 11. Ross dedicated over 30 years of exceptional service to the 

Red Cross, leaving an indelible mark as a distinguished physician leader and a trusted friend. 

Throughout his extensive career with us, Ross exemplified dedication and compassion, significantly contributing to our mission and touching the lives of many. His wisdom, kindness, humor and unwavering commitment to excellence have left a lasting legacy that will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. 

Obituary: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/observer-reporter/name/ross-herron-obituary?id=55135735

RED CROSS UPDATES

AMERICAN RED CROSS

NOAA Predicts As Many As 13 Hurricanes and 17 to 25 Named Storms From June 1 Through November 30

It’s time to get ready for the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, which experts predict could bring a record-setting number of storms and landfalls to the Southeast and Gulf coasts. Read more here. For Red Cross hurricane preparedness tips, click here.

Steps to Help You Stay Safe on Summer Vacation

For many of us, it’s time to take a break and get away from it all. Get prepared before you leave, think about where you will be staying — a vacation rental, a hotel — and follow these steps from the American Red Cross to help you stay safe during your trip.

Swim Season is Almost Here! Learn Critical Water Safety Tips for Children and Families

Each year, more than 2.5 million people learn to swim through Red Cross lifesaving aquatics programs. These programs incorporate the latest science-based curriculum and industry best practices, helping to keep individuals and families safer while enjoying water activities. Through this work, the Red Cross has helped to reduce accidental drownings by nearly 90% nationwide over the past century.

The American Red Cross encourages families to prepare for the fast-approaching summer swim season by learning to be “water smart.” Research shows that participation in formal water safety and swim lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by 88% for one to four-year-olds. See water safety tips here.

American Red Cross Assists Navy Veteran After Home is Destroyed by an Impaired Drive

Just after midnight on September 16, 2023, Martha Richardson was sleeping soundly in the upstairs bedroom of her house in Huntington, New York. She was resting to be ready to work an overtime shift the next day — a Saturday — so she could earn extra money to pay tuition for her two kids in college. Unbeknownst to her, an impaired driver in a pickup truck was careening down the road. Suddenly, his truck hit and bounced off two parked cars before flying over a median and straight into Martha’s home.

“At first I thought it was a human that hit me, because it was so painful,” said Martha, a five-year Navy veteran who has worked for the U.S. government for 20 years. Read more here.

INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE OF THE RED CROSS (ICRC)

Red Cross Opens New 60-Bed Field Hospital in Gaza

Geneva – The ICRC and 12 Red Cross National Societies (or their branches) are combining efforts to open a field hospital in Rafah, Gaza, to help address the overwhelming medical needs emanating from the ongoing conflict. See the full press release here.

ICRC Cuts Staff, Resizes Budget

The ICRC will resize its global footprint, maximizing reduced resources in an era of declining aid budgets.

Although this story broke in Fall 2023, it’s important to remember how the ICRC addresses so many major crises in the world with downsized staff. Read more here and here.

INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE RED CROSS AND RED CRESCENT SOCIETIES (IFRC)

IFRC launches emergency appeal to bring urgent support to people affected by devastating floods in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

The IFRC has launched an emergency appeal for CHF 8,000,000 to scale up humanitarian assistance to communities affected by the devastating floods in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. See the press release here

International Humanitarian Law Discussion Group:

Amplifying People with Technology and Exploring Technological Opportunities, Including AI & Drones, Without Losing Touch with Our Humanitarian Core

Join our IHL discussion group to learn more about important current events and IFRC and ICRC responses to conflicts, disasters and forced migration from the people directly involved. Hear about such topics as the state of Ebola, the Syrian crisis, Iran, and Venezuela as well as news from right here in the U.S. 

 Thursday, June 20th, 2024

2:00 - 3:30 p.m. PT | 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. ET

Dan Joseph leads the Data and Tech team at the American Red Cross International Services Department (ISD). His work is focused on exploring tools that allow the organization to provide data-informed humanitarian action throughout the preparedness, response and recovery work of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Dan has been part of the ISD for more than 10 years, serving as an Information Management Specialist on the International Disaster Response (IDR) roster and providing support to longer-term programs. Dan has responded to operations in person and remotely for several countries across the world.

Click here for general registration. If you are a Northern California Coastal Region Red Crosser, please click here to register.

International Humanitarian Law Course:

Born on the Battlefield

International Humanitarian Law and the Red Cross Movement were both born on the battlefield. At the conclusion of this three-hour course, participants will be able to analyze the legality of actions in armed conflicts and understand the role the Red Cross Movement has played in the development of International Humanitarian Law. Hosted by Red Cross instructors Hawley Rising and Stephanie Willett.

Tuesday, June 18, 2024, 8:00 – 11:00 p.m., Eastern Time. Click here for general registration. If you are a Northern California Coastal Region Red Crosser, click here to register.

OTHER NEWS AND RESOURCES

Photos Available from 5^th Disaster Retirees and Workers Reunion

The 5^th Disaster Retirees and Workers Reunion in San Antonio was a big success. Thank you to Al Panico and the committee of volunteer organizers who made it possible. Photos taken by those who attended are available here. Feel free to download images for your personal use. 

ARCAN member Rocky Lopes has created a web gallery of his reunion photos in higher resolution (better for printing). Rocky’s photos are viewable here. Digital downloads are free. You also can order printed copies of photos in various sizes that are produced by a photo print shop. Instructions on how to order printed photos are on Rocky’s website. The site accepts PayPal or a credit/debit card. All credit card details are processed securely by the Visa Stripe system. Rocky won't see that information, so your credit card information is protected.

Note: Rocky offers a 40% discount on any photos that are ordered, which brings the price down to break-even levels. On his "shopping cart" page, enter "RedCross" as the coupon code. This is case sensitive. Questions about this offer may be directed to rocky@rockylopes.com. Thank you, Rocky!

AARP Foundation’s Back To Work 50+ Program

For free job search and career transition coaching, community and more, check out AARP Foundation’s Back To Work 50+ program at this link. The program is also linked from ARCAN’s Resource Library

5 Good Work Skills For Leaders To Include In Their Resume In 2024

Click here to see the full story, from Forbes.

5 Things to Know If You Hope to Retire at 62

A new study shows more Americans mulling early exit from the workforce. Here’s what to look at before you leap. Click here for full story, from AARP.

Healthy Lifestyle Test

See how healthy your lifestyle is. Take the quiz here, from Psychology Today.

Chasing Satisfaction, Not Happiness, May Be a Healthier Goal for Family Caregivers

Therapist Jennifer Guttman offers 6 secrets to building resilience and strength. Click here for the full story, from AARP.

Three Retirement Tips/Trends in 2024

From Retallick Financial

The best choices and biggest concerns, if you’re searching for an optimal retirement, change with time. This makes planning for (or continuing) your retirement complicated. 

Changes include what the best cities for retirees may be, which types of retirement accounts may be more favorable for your savings, and more. Here are three retirement trends to look out for in 2024 that can save you some additional money each month: 

#1: The Best States to Retire In

In 2022, Florida, Arizona, Michigan, and Georgia were among the best* states for retirees at that time, despite ever-rising inflation and the cost of living. In 2024, meanwhile, Ohio and New Hampshire have been considered* ideal for retirees, because of considerations like the availability of health care and housing costs. 

Of course, that doesn’t mean the best states to retire in won't shift again in subsequent years. So, keep that in mind. 

#2: Retirement Cruise? 

Whether they’re interested in a permanent cabin or just an extended stay, more retirees than ever* are spending their time on cruise ships. Some cruises are more expensive than others, sure, but in some cases, retirees can benefit from the dining and housing provided. Additionally, some cruise ships even offer solid medical services. Of course, you’ll need to carefully consider the impact on your insurance and taxes. 

#3: Retirement Account Options

After 2025, the federal income tax rates are set to increase. This could possibly make 2024 an optimal year for Roth IRA conversions, allowing you to lock in your rates.

A number of changes made by the Secure Act 2.0 have also made retirement savings easier for employees (and some changes that are yet to go into effect will occur this year). For example, employers must automatically enroll eligible employees in new 401(k) or 403(b) plans with participation amounts of 3% to 10%. And designated Roth accounts in 401(k) or 403(b) plans will no longer have required minimum distributions (RMDs) for those age 73 or older.

Helping you stay up to date in the world of retirement saving.

Are Ambiverts the Most Effective Leaders?

Are you an extrovert, introvert or both? See the full article here, from Psychology Today.

Don’t Forget to Check Your Red Cross PerkSpot Benefits! Click here

DATES TO REMEMBER

American Red Cross Alumni Network

PO BOX 1581 | Vienna, VA 22180
E-mail: info@redcrossalumni.org | Tel: 202.303.8779

Website: RedCrossAlumni.org