Red Cross joins AOL to connect troops, families

One networking opportunity led to another when Cindy Mingus of Cape Girardeau ran into Mary Burton in a waiting room.

Burton, executive director of the Southeast Missouri chapter of the American Red Cross, told Mingus about a communication tool available to families and U.S. troops at the chapter office at 2430 Myra Drive in Cape Girardeau. The Red Cross serves military families worldwide with communication and other services.

Mingus shared what she'd learned about Project Video Connect with Tina Plaskie of Jackson, who also attends a military support group with Mingus.

Recently the Red Cross joined forces with AOL for Broadband to support "Project Video Connect: We're Here Until They're Home" in Southeast Missouri. The service was launched by America Online in May and allows thousands of military personnel who are still overseas and their families to send video messages to each other from USO locations around the world via AOL for Broadband.

Mingus and Plaskie arrived at the Red Cross office and met with disaster staff support specialist Linda Blumenberg.

The high-definition and high-speed video messaging time allowance is limited to three minutes per person, and the whole process takes about 15 minutes.

Blumenberg supplies family members with a copy of suggestions for light talk, knowing that once the taping begins sometimes people are at a loss for words. She also reminds participants that the taping procedure can be paused at any time.

Project Video Connect creates personal video messages that can be sent for free using VIDITalk, a special video messaging program created by VIDISolutions, a leading supplier of video communications software.

The program makes sending a personal video message easy and boosts the morale of the troops and their families.

"We have a lot of new babies born in our support group," Plaskie said. "This will be a great opportunity for the guys to see them."

The messages reach their recipients via regular e-mail and can be viewed or re-sent over any broadband connection. With hundreds of thousands of troops remaining overseas for an indefinite amount of time, PVC is meant to keep them connected to their friends and family for as long as possible.

At the first taping held at the Red Cross office in Cape Girardeau, Mingus remained composed until the last few seconds. She began her message to husband, Paul, with "Surprise, it's me," followed by several endearments and news about the family pets.

Plaskie followed, equipped with a box of tissues. She told how her morning began by sending four children back to school. Plaskie returned after school to send another message so the children could share their first day back to school with their father.

Between tears Plaskie added, "The dog pen needs repair. Eat good food and stay healthy. We've sent packages you should be receiving soon."

To schedule an appointment to send a message from the Red Cross office, call 335-9471. For a complete list of locations, visit www.vidisolutions.com/ pvc.

Those interested in the military support group may call Tina Plaskie at 204-7236.