The mission of the American Red Cross was born on the battlefield through Clara Barton’s care for Civil War soldiers. Today, we continue to serve the U.S. military community from the time a service member takes the oath to navigating life as a veteran.
The Red Cross is on more than 100 military installations and deployment sites worldwide and helps members of the military, veterans, their families and caregivers cope with the challenges of service. Each year, the Red Cross assists more than 240,000 military and veterans families by leveraging a network of volunteers across the country and around the world.
Kevin Zuroski joined the American Red Cross in November of 2015 after 28 years of service in the U.S. Marine Corps. He is now the Service to the Armed Forces Regional Program Director for the Nebraska-Iowa Region of the Red Cross.
In this “Nice to Meet You,” we introduce you to Kevin, who ensures that our historical mission of supporting military members and their families continues here in the Nebraska-Iowa Region. Thank you for your service, Kevin.
Q: What does your title mean and where are you based?
A: I am the Regional Program Director for the Service to the Armed Forces and International Services. I manage the day-to-day activities for the Region regarding Red Cross services for the military. My office is located aboard Offutt Air Force Base, which is located south of Omaha.
Q: How long have you been with the Red Cross?
A: I have been with the Red Cross for seven years.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: I enjoy the work we do and it is great to be able to see the results first hand.
Q: What do you do when you aren’t working?
A: I always look forward to spending time with my family. I also enjoy watching movies, and I’m a big horror movie fan.
Q: What has most surprised you while working at the Red Cross?
A: It is really impressive when you see all of the services that we offer at the Red Cross. From blood drives, to training courses, to disaster preparedness and responses and much more. Not to mention what we offer members of the military and veterans. Before joining the Red Cross, I had no idea that the Red Cross did all that it does to support people and communities.
Q: What do you wish people knew about working at the Red Cross?
A: Everyone in the organization is truly dedicated to assisting our clients. It is remarkable to watch and witness first hand.
Q: Can you share a little about your service with the U.S. Marine Corps?
A: I spent 28 years in the Marine Corps. I retired in 2012. During my service, I deployed countless times and lived in Hawaii, California and Washington DC. I served in various roles from infantry, recruiter and staff secretary.