Service to the Armed Forces by the Red Cross

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Service to the Armed Forces


You’re never out of touch.

Around the clock.

Around the world.



24 Hour Local Service Center

Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces 757-440-1111
24 Hour Nationwide Service Center

Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces 877-272-7337


Emergency Communications



It’s a fact of military life: military families are frequently separated. When a death, serious illness, birth of a child or another critical event makes communication with a family member in the Armed Forces urgent, the Red Cross can help get an emergency message to them. Through the Red Cross network, verified information is communicated to service members and military authorities in an expedient and confidential manner. A Red Cross message also helps military authorities with information they need to make emergency leave decisions.





Information Needed to Send Red Cross Messages



In order to initiate a Red Cross message, the caller should have as much of the following information as possible:

Service member’s name, rank/rate, social security number, and military command (to include APO/FPO if applicable).
Nature of emergency.
Name of individual who is sick, etc. Relationship of that individual to service member.
Name of hospital, funeral home, etc. where the situation can be verified. Telephone number for verification source if available.
If outside the local vicinity, name and phone number of a point of contact in the area where the emergency has occurred.




Other Services for the Armed Forces




Counseling

Limited personal and family counseling is available and appropriate referrals are provided for crisis situations.



Disaster Relief & Preparedness Education

Disaster relief assistance is available to include help when a residential fire occurs. A variety of disaster education materials and classes are available to better prepare for emergencies that may occur in our coastal area.



Financial Aid

Whenever an emergency arises that requires the presence of a service member or family member, the Red Cross may provide access to an interest free loan or grant for travel expenses. These funds are made available by the military aid societies. Based on need, funds may be authorized for other emergencies as well. Referrals to specialized sources of help are also available.



Humanitarian Reassignment or Hardship Discharge

When hardship within the immediate family cannot be alleviated by emergency leave, the Red Cross can help to counsel the family or service member on procedures and documentation needed for either reassignment closer to home or a hardship discharge. Final decisions on those matters are made by military authorities.



Contacting the Red Cross



Active duty service members stationed in the United States and their immediate family members can call our Armed Forces Emergency Service Centers for help seven days a week, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Our toll-free telephone number: 1-877-272-7337.





Other family members who do not reside in the service members' household, members of the National Guard and Reserves, retirees and Civilians may access Red Cross services through their local Red Cross chapter. See reverse side for a full listing of contacts for Red Cross chapters in our area. Red Cross chapters are also listed in local phonebooks and on the Red Cross Web site at www.redcross.org



Overseas personnel stationed on military installations should call base or installation operators for the on-base Red Cross offices. At overseas deployment sites, contact the American Red Cross deployed staff.