# @americanredcross on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DRQC3cAF2rG
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/72588146-americanredcross-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/888a91c3f0.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-11-19T20:01:22.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** American Red Cross (@americanredcross) — https://gondola.cc/americanredcross

## Caption

Troy Sonnier knows what it means to serve. A former Army National Guard officer who deployed during Operation Desert Storm, Troy now supports U.S. troops overseas as part of our expeditionary workforce.

For the past year, Troy has lived on military bases in Romania and Estonia, helping service members stay connected to loved ones during emergencies and creating spaces for them to recharge. His favorite way to do that? Art.

After 20 years in the corporate world following his service, Troy began volunteering with the Red Cross in Louisiana. Soon after, he found an opportunity to deploy with the organization and support the military community overseas.

“Once I deployed, I realized that my passion for the arts, my passion for creativity could be a terrific voice that I have for young people who are deployed and the stresses that come with that,” Troy said.

Through his “Cope and Paint” sessions, troops grab a canvas and brushes to disconnect from deployment life for a while. The goal is for them to instead connect with their creative side as a outlet.

“I’ve always been a fan of anyone who serves or has served,” Troy said. “I have an empathy for them and what they’ve been through, what they’re going through because, again, it’s not an easy mission that they’ve chosen.”

We’re grateful for Troy’s dedication to promoting resilience and connection for our heroes. ❤️

#MilitarySupport #MilitaryAppreciation

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## Credits

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## Tags

militaryappreciation, militarysupport

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