21/05/2026
For May 2026 and in observance of Military Appreciation Month, the American Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces at Kunsan AB, South Korea spotlights the contributions of SSgt Edwin Rodriguez. Edwin registered as an American Red Cross volunteer in January. Helping others reduce stress and assist in building a greater sense of purpose in himself was what prompted him to take on a volunteer role with the Kunsan AB American Red Cross. Edwin had no prior American Red Cross volunteer experience, although he previously volunteered at different organizations, including homeless shelters and chapels, engaging in a wide range of volunteer activities. “Personal growth and a deeper understanding of human resilience” were the impacts Edwin hoped for with his American Red Cross volunteer service.
Soon after registering as an American Red Cross volunteer, Edwin helped with the Korean Red Cross blood drive in January. He not only helped get the two blood buses situated in front of the BX, but he also spent hours in the frigid temperatures outside the BX, providing hot chocolate and cookies to potential blood donors and passersby. He developed a collaborative relationship with Korean Red Cross Blood Services staff, engaging in discussions on languages and other cultural topics. Four months later, Edwin renewed this collaboration when the Korean Red Cross returned to Kunsan AB for the blood drive during SpringFest. Not surprising, when asked to share a memorable experience he’s had while serving as an American Red Cross volunteer, Edwin states,” Having to work with the Korean Red Cross during 2 blood drive events and interacting with a diverse group of people. Doing so, reminded me that it is not just about the tasks you perform, but also about the meaningful human connections you make along the way.”
Edwin’s American Red Cross volunteer service at Kunsan AB was not limited to supporting blood drives. He consistently steps up to staff American Red Cross information tables. In early April, when the Integrated Resilience Office (IRO) hosted an information fair for April Prevention Month, Edwin teamed up with another volunteer, Mereseini, to provide a refresher on a critical lifesaving skill. Using the American Red Cross anti-choking training vest, Edwin coached participants on the correct way to care for a responsive choking adult using back blows and abdominal thrusts. With the information fair in the BX food court, Edwin was able to provide this lifesaving skill refresher to U.S. and ROK military members as well as civilians.
Edwin’s volunteerism isn’t limited to American Red Cross-partnered activities. Edwin supports operations by occasionally volunteering at the Post Office. Over the past few months, Edwin has also volunteered to staff the Airman’s Attic, making this critical Kunsan AB community resource available and open. At the end of April, Edwin was recognized by 8 FSS Military and Family Readiness Flight for consistently supporting the monthly Korea Readiness Orientation (KRO). Edwin has volunteered over 40 hours assembling the information folders distributed to KRO participants, setting up the base theater where the KRO is held, and staffing the Newcomers’ Information Fair. Edwin received a letter of appreciation from the 8 FSS Commander during the April KRO.
Edwin assisted in American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED skills sessions, providing guidance to participants. He has also participated in several International Humanitarian Law (IHL) webinars. Edwin credits the American Red Cross for supporting his professional growth by broadening his understanding of humanitarian logistics across the globe.
Edwin shares that if he could go back in time to when he first signed up to volunteer with the American Red Cross, he would tell himself to have signed up sooner. Edwin plans to continue to engage with the American Red Cross at his next duty location.
“Overall, [volunteering with the American Red Cross] has been a great experience, and I’ve been able to meet and connect with outstanding people and for that I say thanks!”
During this Military Appreciation Month, the Kunsan AB American Red Cross is grateful to have SSgt Edwin Rodriguez as part of its family.
