For One Military Spouse, ‘Helping People is What it’s All About’

Did any of you PCS during the pandemic? For so many in the military community, an already challenging situation of a new duty station became that much more difficult when the world shut down, businesses were shuttered and our chances for connection — so desperately needed in this military life — suddenly, for many of us, became nonexistent for the first time. 

I recently caught up with Susana Rendón a military spouse of 25 years. When she and her family moved to Ft. Knox in 2020, she found herself struggling and disconnected from her new community. 

“This was a new feeling for me. Without a job and the world shut down, I struggled to make those key connections that have always been easy for me,” she said.

After a few months in Kentucky, Susana connected with the Red Cross and found passion by helping at the Warrior Warehouse, a facility that allows military families to shop at no cost for needed items including clothing, furniture, baby items and other key necessities. 

She says the Warrior Warehouse can make all the difference for many families, particularly younger parents who are often most in need or maybe juggling their spouse’s deployment with small children and without community support.

She further states that connecting with those young families and showing them that “we care and we are here makes a difference and takes me out of the challenges of my own situation.”

In this role, she’s most proud of the assistance she and her colleagues provided a veteran named Carlito, who was homeless and struggling to care for his 80 year-old-mother.

After receiving housing assistance in Louisville, the Warrior Warehouse was able to furnish his new two-bedroom apartment with gently used items donated from the Ft. Knox community.

Rendon says that delivering the items and setting them up in Carlito’s new home meant so much to her. 

“He and his mother were so humble and appreciative. The work was helping us too. Volunteering for the Red Cross is amazing for the mind and soul,” 

In addition to helping people get back up on their feet, Rendon also found herself providing disaster relief with ARC.  When the Mayfield Tornado decimated Kentucky in December of 2021, Susana and her colleagues were ready to answer the call.

“One little girl stays in my mind from that disaster response. We provided her with new shoes and a Happy Meal. She was so happy and oblivious to all of the dismay around her. She look up at me with the biggest smile on her face even though she lost everything including her home, and was now living in a recreation center.”

Rendon says the moments of humanity matter and volunteering is simply about showing people you care about them. 

“People don’t have to try and figure out everything on their own. Someone is always there to pick them up at their darkest hours and lend a hand,” she said.

Susana’s service was recently recognized by Army officials when she was named the 2022 South Central Kentucky Red Cross Volunteer of the Year at Fort Knox.

During the past year, she volunteered over 1,000 hours. Fort Knox Garrison Commander Col. Lance O’Bryan lauded her service and thanked her for her commitment

“Your steadfast professionalism has left an enduring impact on the Soldiers, civilians and Families of our community,” O’Bryan said. “Thank you for all you do.”

Susana says that her work with the Red Cross has been a gift and provides the purpose she needs in everyday life. “Helping military families helped me mentally, physically and socially,” she said. 

She says that these personal stories (of Carlito and the little girl in Dawson Springs) stick with her during challenging times.

“Knowing that you’re able to help people in need is what it is all about. It gives you a great sense of accomplishment,” 

Earlier this summer, Susana and her family PCSd again to Great Lakes, Michigan.  While the world looks very different today, Susana’s grateful for her time at Ft. Knox. She says she’ll look back at this chapter fondly.

And, once she’s unpacked, she plans to continue her volunteer work with American Red Cross her local military community. 

*For more articles from the American Red Cross visit their website or our home page at AWN.

 

Susan Malandrino is a Communications Lead for International and Service to the Armed Forces at the American Red Cross. Based in Washington, D.C., she’s married to an active-duty Naval aviator. She’s a twin mom who has completed 7 PCS moves across three continents.

In her spare time, you can find her marathon training, listening to audio books, or dragging her family to museums.