Service to the Armed Forces is an integral part of the American Red Cross mission. The work dates back to our very founding and the work Clara Barton did on the battlefields of the Civil War. Jessie Bremer is part of the team that carries out our mission to serve our military members. We're excited to introduce her.
Q: What does your title mean?
A: I help manage programs to support the military and international communities in Iowa and Nebraska.
Q: What does Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) do?
A: We help service members, veterans and their families prepare for, cope with and respond to the challenges of military life. We also educate the public about international humanitarian law (the law that limits and alleviates the suffering caused by armed conflict). We also play a vital role in helping reconnect families that have been separated by armed conflict.
Q: How long have you been with the Red Cross?
A: I've been with the Red Cross since 2016! I started as a volunteer, and have since held a few staff roles and various volunteer roles in SAF, Training Services and Disaster.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: I like having the opportunity to make the lives of those who are suffering just a little bit better.
Q: What do you do when you aren’t working?
A: Bike, hike, read, drink tea, pet my dog, cuddle with my kitty, spend time laughing with my friends and family.
Q: What has most surprised you while working with the Red Cross?
A: I'm still in awe of the incredible amount of passion, compassion and selflessness possessed by the Red Cross volunteer workforce.
Q: What is a Red Cross moment that has stuck with you?
A: As a Disaster Action Team responder, I went on a fire call to the home of a service member whose home was destroyed. He and his newborn baby safely exited the home. He was so distraught about the event that he started crying. It was so hard for me to watch this tough, strong service member cry. It was an honor to sit with him to help him work through his feelings, to let him know that it was okay to cry and to reassure him that he and his baby were going to make it through.
Q: What do you wish people knew about working at the Red Cross?
A: It's the perfect fit for compassionate individuals that want to have a positive impact on their community, enjoy finding creative solutions to problems and have the grit to stay true to the mission during the tough times!
If you are interested in learning more about SAF and how you can support our mission to our military members, please visit redcross.org.