How Do We Serve?
Originally, the American Red Cross was founded to aid fallen soldiers on the battlefield. Today, around the clock and around the globe, during times of personal crisis, the American Red Cross keeps the American people in touch with their family members serving in the United States military. Wherever United States military troops are located, Red Cross employees and volunteers are there to meet their special needs. The Red Cross provides reporting and communication services through a network which links members of the military any place in the world with their loved ones back home.
If you need to contact one of our Armed Forces Emergency Services Caseworkers, please call (888) 737-4306.

"Nobody ever said being in the armed services was going to be easy — for yourself or your family. Adjustments have to be made. Problems solved. Separations dealt with. Stresses and tensions resolved. With almost 1,500 offices in chapters or on military installations all over the world, there are sure to be people available to assist you or your family."

Before You Call

When you call the Armed Forces Emergency Services, you will need as much of the following information as possible.

• Services member's full name
• Military rank
• Branch of Service
• Social security number (very important)
• Full military address
• A phone number to contact either the doctor or funeral home

Military Support Group
Monthly meetings for families of deployed military servicemen and servicewomen are held at the Landmark Church of God at 7:00pm on the second Tuesday of each month. If you become a part of this support group, please call (704) 873-9751.

Get to Know Us Before You Need Us
This program is offered by the American Red Cross to any interested unit or group, and provides information about all Red Cross Services available to the United States military worldwide, and to their dependents at home. To schedule a presentation for your group, please call (704) 378-4620.

Health and Welfare Inquiries

Regular communication between service members and their families is ordinarily no problem, but sometimes a long time with no word can become worrisome. The Red Cross can help. Through our worldwide communications network, we can communicate with the installation or ship wherever the service person is stationed. In addition, service members can request the same service related to families back home.

Emergency Financial Assistance
During time of financial hardship, the Red Cross may provide access to an interest-free loan or grant. These funds are made available by the military aid societies. Referrals to specialized sources of help are also available to service members and their families. These Red Cross services, and more, are available to service members and their families 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Publications

Welcome Home, A Guide to a Healthy Family is a publication especially for military personnel returning home to their families after a lengthy deployment. The guide has suggestions for making the transition smoother for the entire family. You may read this publication online by clicking here or you may request the booklet Welcome Home, A Guide to a Healthy Family (ARC 2091, Apr. 1996) by calling (704) 378-4620.

Get to Know Us Before You Need Us: Serving Military Families Worldwide provides a brief explanation of American Red Cross services for active duty military members and their families. You may request the booklet Get to Know Us Before You Need Us: Serving Military Families Worldwide (ARC 2081, Rev. Dec. 1997) by calling (704) 378-4620.

Get to Know Us Before You Need Us: Serving the Community-Based Military and Their Families explains American Red Cross services for National Guard and Reserves and their families. You may view the brochure online or request the booklet Get to Know Us Before You Need Us: Serving the Community-Based Military and Their Families (ARC 1129, Jan 2000) by calling (704) 378-4620.