How the Red Cross Helps Military Families
The American Red Cross is a private, nonprofit organization. It has a congressional charter to provide services to U.S. military members and their families, serving as an independent advocate. This helps ensure that service members can be reached during a family emergency, regardless of their station, including war zones. The Red Cross provides support and even financial help to qualifying military families in times of need.
The organization’s support is global. The Red Cross has offices on military installations both within the United States (CONUS) and overseas (OCONUS), providing a network of support that operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
To speak to a Red Cross Emergency Communications Specialist, call: 1-877-272-7337.
Related: Active Duty Benefits Guide
How the Red Cross Helps Military Families
The most critical Red Cross service is emergency communication. This is managed through the Red Cross Hero Care Network, a system for relaying urgent and verified information to service members worldwide.
When a family crisis occurs, such as a death or a sudden, serious illness, the agency serves as the official channel for addressing these issues, informing the service member’s command in a manner that allows the military to take action.
How the Red Cross Emergency Communication Process Works
The process begins when a family member contacts the Red Cross through the official site, the Hero Care mobile app, or by phone. The family member provides the service member’s name, rank, branch of service, and location, along with the details of the emergency.
Red Cross caseworkers then begin verifying the information. They contact the hospital, doctor’s office, or funeral home to confirm the situation. Once verified, the Red Cross creates an official message sent directly to the service member’s command.
Why Is This Service Needed?
A military commander requires official, verified documentation to grant emergency leave and allow the service member/family to qualify for emergency leave Space-A travel, where applicable. While a family member can attempt to contact a command directly, there is no way for the command to verify the accuracy of the information.
The Red Cross serves as the provider of that official verification. Because the Red Cross independently confirms the details of the family crisis, a commander can trust the information and make an immediate and informed decision about granting leave.
Related: Active Duty Benefits Guide
How the Red Cross Provides Financial Assistance to Military Families
The Red Cross facilitates access to emergency financial assistance by partnering with the Military Aid Societies, including the Army Emergency Relief (AER), the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS), and the Air Force Aid Society (AFAS).
When a family faces an urgent financial need, they can contact the Red Cross, which helps them complete an application for an interest-free loan or grant from the appropriate aid society.
Beyond Emergencies
The Red Cross provides resources for troops and their families beyond their immediate needs. Reconnection Workshops are one example. These are confidential courses designed to help families prepare for deployments, cope with the stresses of separation, and reintegrate upon the service member’s return.
The organization also offers training in life-saving skills, such as CPR and first aid, as well as providing a robust Information and Referral service that connects families with other resources for needs, including mental health, legal support, and childcare.
Red Cross Support for Overseas Military Families
A Red Cross office on an overseas U.S. military base serves as a familiar American institution in a foreign country. The Red Cross provides a link to home for emergency communications and provides community support and volunteer opportunities.
For families living far from their traditional support networks, the Red Cross is a resource for navigating the unique challenges of life abroad. The Hero Care program and other options available to stateside military families are also offered to those stationed at overseas bases.
Contact the Red Cross Emergency Communications hotline at 1-877-272-7337.
Related: Active Duty Benefits Guide
About the author
Editor-in-Chief Joe Wallace is a 13-year veteran of the United States Air Force and a former reporter/editor for Air Force Television News and the Pentagon Channel. His freelance work includes contract work for Motorola, VALoans.com, and Credit Karma. He is co-founder of Dim Art House in Springfield, Illinois, and spends his non-writing time as an abstract painter, independent publisher, and occasional filmmaker.
