To Our Graduating Seniors – Keep in Touch!

Graduating Senior, Rafael Cui, served on our Disaster Action Team during his time at Florida State University. He writes…”I hope this Spring has been going great for you. I am finishing up my last semester at FSU on a strong note. Probably one of my most memorable times at FSU will be being FSU’s Boxing Club President. We’ve accomplished a lot this semester. We had our States competition in Miami and I took home a Championship! We then moved on to Nationals in San Francisco California. I won my quarterfinal fight but unfortunately lost in the semifinals. On a brighter note, FSU came home with 2 National titles. We even had some of our fighters featured in the New York Times! 
As far as the Marine Corps Officer Program is going, I will find out my results sometime early July. Upon reading my letters of recommendation, my Captain told me that they were some of the best she’s seen and it will be a huge asset when the board determines my acceptance. …So I wanted to thank you again for taking the time to write me a letter of recommendation. It was a huge help to application process and I am extremely grateful.”

Sincerely,
Rafael Cui

Congratulations to all of our Red Cross Grads! Remember to keep in touch!

American Red Cross Celebrates 150 Years of Lieber Code

Created at the request of President Lincoln to Address Conduct of Soldiers During Wartime

WASHINGTON, April 24, 2013 marks the 150^th anniversary of the pronouncement of the Lieber Code, one of the most important contributions to the development of international humanitarian law. The American Red Cross encourages educators to mark the occasion in the classroom with its Exploring Humanitarian Law curriculum.

Drafted by Professor Francis Lieber at the request of President Abraham Lincoln, the Lieber Code sets forth 157 principles regulating the conduct of United States troops engaged in armed conflict.  Issued near the beginning of the third full year of the Civil War, the Code was written to regulate the conduct of soldiers during wartime. As the first modern codification of international humanitarian law principles, the Code laid the foundation for the laws which now govern the militaries of every nation found in international treaties like the Hague Conventions of 1900 and 1907, as well as the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their Additional Protocols of 1977. 

Exploration 2B in the Exploring Humanitarian Law curriculum utilizes this historic set of rules and other significant codes and traditions of warfare from around the world to bring the principles of humanity to life in the classroom.  While many generations old, the tremendous value of Lieber Code still resonates today. 

 The Code’s prohibitions on the cruel treatment of civilians and soldiers, unnecessary suffering of those on or near the battlefield and of the wanton destruction of life and property, helped define the U.S. as a leader in shaping and strengthening international humanitarian law.  Reflecting on the 150^th Anniversary of the Lieber Code, educators can draw connections between this influential piece of American history and the need to preserve human dignity in humanitarian crises throughout the world today. 

 To learn more about how the American Red Cross is working with educators on promoting humanitarian law and the rules of war, visit www.redcross.org/ehl.  Educators can download ready-to-use curriculum on the Lieber Code and other Civil War materials by visiting http://www.redcross.org/what-we-do/international-services/educating-future-humanitarians/american-civil-war.

Our Hearts Go Out to those In Boston

Our hearts go out to all those in Boston dealing with this tragedy and our thoughts are with all of those injured.

Right now, if you are in Boston or have loved ones there, knowing people are safe is the best way to bring peace of mind. It is important for people to connect with one another. Go to redcross.org/safeandwell to list loved ones as safe or do that if you have heard from loved ones there. Remind loved ones in Boston that text is often the best way to get through to each other in an emergency.

Over the next few hours, the Red Cross will be working in close coordination with officials to determine how we can best help the community and support emergency workers.

If people want to help, the best thing they can do right now is keep the people of Boston in their thoughts and post the status of loved ones in Boston on our Safe and Well site. Right now, the Red Cross has what it needs to support this event.

Many Red Cross volunteers and workers were on the marathon course, as they are every year to support the runners. Communication in the area is difficult and we are working right now to reconnect with those workers.

Thanks to the generosity of volunteer blood donors there is currently enough blood on the shelves to meet demand.

The Red Cross has sent more than 100 additional blood products to several Boston area hospitals to help meet patient needs.

Please call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit us online at redcrossblood.org to schedule an appointment to give blood in the days and weeks ahead.

Camos & Cocktails on April 19

On April 19th, the Capital Area Chapter is holding a Camos & Cocktails event at the Goodwood Museum and Gardens.  The event starts at 6:30 and features entertainment from Tom and the Cats, food from Black Fig, and a silent auction. Tickets are $125 each, $225 for a couple, and $150 at the door.  Come dressed in your favorite WWII themed outfit.

Measles and Rubella Initiative fundraiser on March 28th

This Thursday at 7pm, the Capital Area Chapter will be hosting a dinner and silent auction to raise $1,000 for the Measles and Rubella Initiative.  The Red Cross is partnering with the Lions Club and the International Services Interns from Florida State University for this event.  Tickets are $10 for a child/student, $30 for a single, and $50 for a couple.   Special rate of $20 per person or $40 per couple offered to Red Cross Volunteers.  Tickets available at the Chapter.  All proceeds will go towards inoculating an entire village.

Red Cross responds to flooding in Madison County

This week three Red Cross Damage Assessment teams went to Madison County to survey the damage caused by the swollen Suwanee River (which crested Monday and is now falling).  These volunteers performed assessments on homes, and distributed cleanup kits to residents.  Just like these volunteers, you can make a difference at the Red Cross, become a volunteer today.

Red Cross at the Capital

On Tuesday the Red Cross came out to the Capital for the start of Red Cross Month.  Red Cross Month is a time during which the American Red Cross invites everyone to support their communities by volunteering, taking a class or making a financial donation.  At the invitation of the Governor, the Capital Area Chapter had their Emergency Response Vehicle set up to allow visitors the opportunity to receive food and drink just like they would in a real disaster.