# @americanredcross on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DDPw-CQp1NS
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/72589292-americanredcross-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/162965097b.jpg
- **Posted:** 2024-12-06T18:05:25.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** American Red Cross (@americanredcross) — https://gondola.cc/americanredcross

## Caption

One of Heidi Ruster's most memorable moments in her 30+ years with the Red Cross was deploying to U.S. military bases in Kuwait and Poland for an entire month.

In September, Heidi put her role as American Red Cross Utah and Nevada CEO on hold to be a part of a special mobile workforce that deploys to U.S. military installations around the world. Her days abroad were spent helping Red Cross teams and partners with vehicle maintenance, care package sorting, event support and mentorship of new volunteers.

Heidi's deployment brought back memories of her first Red Cross experience in 1992, volunteering at a Naval Station in Spain. Her dedication to connecting with our Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) is fueled by many personal experiences: growing up in an Air Force military family, serving for four years in the U.S. Navy, and being a Navy spouse.

Heidi valued the rewards and challenges of her deployment. She adjusted to different times, temperatures, and base layouts, and she even endured a bunker drill.
 
Heidi helped foster a sense of community on the bases through the Red Cross Resilience Center. She had the opportunity to support art therapy activities through a local art gallery.

"It was a sanctuary of creative capabilities and community engagement," Heidi said. “The creative capabilities of our patrons and volunteers are endless.”

What impressed Heidi most during her assignment was witnessing the commitment of her fellow volunteers.

"I truly appreciated all the great work that was done and the genuine care that everyone had for each other," Heidi said.

We have deep gratitude for lifelong Red Crossers like Heidi who are not afraid to put their boots on the ground to support the communities we serve. She is nothing short of hands-on with our lifesaving mission. ❤️

#MilitarySupport #MilitarySpouse #NavyVeteran #RedCross

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- **Likes:** 309
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- **Comments:** 8

## Tags

militaryspouse, navyveteran, redcross, militarysupport

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