Blue Shield of California Volunteers Team Up With The Salvation Army to Support Veterans and Families In Need

by Alice Chiang 

Last week, 80 Blue Shield of California employees volunteered at Salvation Army locations across California, contributing over 300 service hours to fight food insecurity for families and veterans. The inaugural “Give Back” event was led by Operation VET, a Blue Shield employee resource group committed to recruiting veterans as employees and supporting veterans, active military members and their families.

“The employees in Operation VET are passionate about giving back to those who sacrificed so much for our country,” said Mike Roehm, vice president for healthcare business operations at Blue Shield of California, and executive sponsor for Operation VET. “We are grateful to The Salvation Army for allowing us the opportunity to partner with them.”

Ellen Sexton with Blue Shield volunteers at The Salvation Army San Francisco food pantry, Ingleside Heights

From Lodi and Sacramento to the Bay Area, Los Angeles and San Diego, Blue Shield volunteers helped at local food pantries — restocking shelves and unloading donations to support individuals, veterans and military families served through The Salvation Army’s many programs.

“Every volunteer act of community service contributes to creating positive change,” said Amy Hudson, corporate engagement director, The Salvation Army Western Territory. “Thank you to Blue Shield of California for helping us deliver on vital services for our community. Together we are uplifting individuals and families and making their day just a little bit easier.”

Quality health care for military members and families

Blue Shield currently offers access to quality health care for more than 925,000 active-duty military members, veterans and military families living in California through the health plan’s affiliation with TriWest Healthcare Alliance. TriWest is contracted to administer healthcare programs for the U.S. Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Mike Roehm with Blue Shield Operation VET volunteers at North Highlands Family Services, The Salvation Army, Sacramento

“Whether through providing access to health care and employment, or rolling up our sleeves to give back, we at Blue Shield are proud to support our military members and their families,” said Ellen Sexton, executive vice president and chief growth officer for Blue Shield of California, and TriWest Health Alliance board member. “Coming together with colleagues for this important cause is a powerful reminder of Blue Shield’s commitment to making an impact in our local communities and bringing our values to life.”

To learn more about The Salvation Army, visit SalvationArmyUSA.org.

To learn more about Blue Shield of California’s culture of philanthropy and commitment to our California communities, please visit citizenship.blueshieldca.com.

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San Francisco event, one of many Salvation Army locations where Blue Shield employees volunteered their time

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San Francisco event

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Long Beach event

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Sacramento event

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Sacramento event

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