With almost 3,300 offices in chapters or on military installations all over the world, there are sure to be people available to assist you our family. How? This online brochure outlines some of the ways. For a paper brochure, more information, or further assistance, please stop by your local Chapter office.

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 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 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 world wide 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 related to families back home.

Information, Referral, and Advocacy

A variety of health and supportive services are available from 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.

Discharge Review and Correction of Military Records for Veterans

Red Cross counsel and representation at military review boards is available for any veteran who wants to apply for an upgrade in a less than fully honorable discharge, correct a military record, or request a change in reenlistment code.

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 an interest-free loan or a grant for travel expenses. These funds, which may be authorized for other emergencies as well, are disbursed on the basis of need. Budget counseling is also available to service members and their families, as are referrals to specialized sources of help.

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 life-style courses available to help you prevent, prepare for, and cope with emergencies.

For information or assistance, please stop by your local Red Cross office.