CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW)- Fort Campbell Red Cross Station Manager Cassandra Wyatt is going to Djibouti, Africa for a nine-month mission to help soldiers that are currently deployed in the area.
According to Wyatt, the Red Cross has worked with the military since the Spanish American War. She says that today several Red Cross members deploy with the soldiers, get stationed on orders, and travel overseas.
“The two things that we are mandated to do by Congress is be the lead for all national and international disasters on behalf of the American people, and we are the link between the American military and the American population,” Wyatt said.
During deployments in combat areas the Red Cross verifies family emergencies and then communicates to command so that the solider can be authorized emergency leave.
Wyatt’s primary mission while she is in Africa will be providing emergency communication. She says that there will be times and situations where the base in Africa may have to shut down the communication devices and the only way for the soldiers to know what is happening with their families is through the Red Cross.
Wyatt will also be providing CPR training for the military members.
The Red Cross employees take deployments like Wyatt’s trip as frequently as every two to three years.
“I hope to be able to take care of the troops while I’m down there and help them be able to relive their stress,” Wyatt said. “It’s a very intense situation and I just hope that I am able to serve them and take care of them the way they need to be taken care of.”