Service to the Armed Forces
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The American Red Cross is uniquely equipped to provide an exclusive worldwide communications and support network that serves as a lifeline between military service members and their families. For the American soldier and his or her family, the Red Cross is the connection to home, relaying urgent information -- a family crisis, a death in the family, a financial emergency, or a joyous birth. Our Facts at a Glance give a glimpse into some of the ways the Red Cross provides a shoulder to lean on for U.S. military families around the world.
The American Red Cross is implementing a sweeping modernization for its Services to Armed Forces (SAF), utilizing the latest technology to improve and consolidate emergency communications and case management activities for service members. More local, trained volunteers or chapter staff rather than national sector staff will provide services to armed force members.
When a military family experiences a crisis, the American Red Cross is there to help. Twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year, the Red Cross relays urgent messages containing accurate, factual, complete and verified descriptions of the emergency to service members stationed anywhere in the world; including on ships at sea, and at embassies and remote locations.
Red Cross emergency communications services keep military personnel in touch with their families following the death or serious illness of a family member, the birth of a service member’s child or grandchild or when a family faces other emergencies.
Whether a service member is on a mission, in training, transferring between bases or on a ship at sea, he or she knows that the Red Cross will deliver notification when something important happens at home. Even if the service member receives an e-mail or phone call from home, Red Cross-verified information assists commanding officers with making a decision regarding emergency leave. Without this verification, the service member may not be able to come home during a family crisis or help family members who are experiencing a serious illness.
How do the military and their families request our services?
For service members and their families residing in Monterey County, call (877) 272-7337 if there is an emergency and you need to communicate with a family member in the military.
Operation Vidi Connect
If you are the friend or family member of a military person stationed overseas, the Red Cross will help you send a two-minute video e-mail to that person, free of charge. For more information, including a schedule of dates and locations for tapings, in the Monterey Bay Area contact Renate Rudolph at (831) 624-6921.
How Can You Help?
Volunteers are needed to assist with these very important services to our men and women in uniform and their families. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please see the Volunteer webpage.
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