Service to the Armed Forces
If this is an emergency, please call the Red Cross at 1-877-272-7337.
For additional resources, please visit http://www.armedforcescarolina.org.
Many people are unaware that by Congressional Charter, the American Red Cross is the sole emergency communications link between military personnel and their loved ones. Staff and volunteers are on call 24 hours a day to transmit emergency messages to military personnel around the world for their families in a crisis back at home.
Many efforts to support our troops serving in Afganistan, Iraq and other parts of the world have been initiated this year. Last year, the chapter opened close to 147 Services to the Armed Forces cases, with many cases involving the verification and sending emergency communications to soldiers for local military families here at home.
Families of armed forces members should keep the following information on hand in case of emergency:
* Serviceperson’s social security number,
* Branch of service, rank, and military address, and
* Off-base address (if applicable)
Red Cross founded to aid fallen soldiers
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.
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.
Get To Know 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) 283-7402.
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 request the booklet Welcome Home, A Guide to a Healthy Family (ARC 2091, Apr. 1996) by calling (704) 283-7402.
“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) 283-7402.
“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) 283-7402.