Serving Military Families Worldwide

Around the clock and around the globe,
During times of personal crisis,
We keep the American people
In touch with their family members
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Serving in the United States Military.

The Red Cross Movement began on the battlefield. Today, that same spirit is present wherever United States military troops are located. American Red Cross employees and volunteers are here to meet the special needs of military personnel stationed around the world. The American 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.

Prevent, Prepare for and Cope With Emergencies

It’s a fact of military life: military families are frequently separated and on the move. No matter how strong the family ties, moves and separations often put a strain on relationships. They may lead to problems managing a home or children, making ends meet on a limited income or adjusting to new communities, often without the help of families or friends.  

The Red Cross can help you with immediate personal and family problems. When long-term counseling is required, appropriate referrals are made. All Red Cross social services are provided free of charge.

 Emergency Communication

In the event of an emergency, critical accident, illness or death in a service member’s immediate family, the Red Cross should be called at once.  The Red Cross is equipped to verify the situation and relay an emergency leave request, if necessary, to the proper military authorities. It is then up to the commanding officer to decide whether or not to grant leave.

 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 where the service person is stationed. You’ll get a report on his or her welfare to give you peace of mind. Also, service members can request the same service regarding families back home.

 Information, Referral and Advocacy

A variety of health and supportive services are available from the military and other sources, but how do you know where to turn? The Red Cross is available to help you understand government benefits, cut through red tape and get the help you need.

 Humanitarian Reassignment and Hardship Discharge

If a hardship exists within your immediate family that cannot be resolved by an emergency leave, the Red Cross can counsel the family or service member on how to request either a humanitarian reassignment closer to home or a hardship discharge. We’ll help you understand the procedures and documentation needed. Final decisions on these applications are made by military authorities.

 Veterans Services

American Red Cross volunteers serve hospitalized veterans at the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) medical centers. These services are provided in accordance with an agreement between the American Red Cross and the Veterans Affairs Voluntary Services (VAVS) Red Cross staff at the Board of Veterans Appeals (BVA) in Washington, D.C., represent veterans and their families who seek compensation awards from the DVA. This process begins at the DVA, where a claim is submitted for adjudication.

 Emergency Financial Assistance

When an emergency arises that requires the presence of the service member or his or her family, the Red Cross may provide access to an interest-free loan or a grant for travel expenses.  These funds are made available by the military aid societies. They may be authorized for other emergencies as well and are disbursed on the basis of need. 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. Also, ask about assistance when disaster strikes or try some of the many health, safety and lifestyle courses the Red Cross offers to help you prevent, prepare for and cope with emergencies.

For additional information about the Red Cross, or to volunteer or offer financial support, visit our website at redcross.org.
The after hours toll free AFES phone number is 866-690-5120

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