RED CROSS URGES MILITARY FAMILIES TO
"GET TO KNOW US BEFORE YOU NEED US"

American Red Cross Mobilizing Support for Military Families

The American Red Cross and the Armed Forces Emergency Services (AFES) are marshalling resources nationwide and around the world to assist members of the U.S. Military and their families as troops prepare for new assignments. The Kosciusko County Chapter of the American Red Cross is playing a very active role in supporting local members of our military family.

Serving active-duty military personnel and their families for more that a century, the Red Cross recently enhanced its outreach to the community-based military: the National Guard and Reserves. In the months ahead, National Guardsmen and Reservists may be called to duty and separated from their families.

"Every day, the Red Cross carries the sad news of a death or illness of a family member, or the joyful news of a birth, to servicemen and women worldwide, and we understand the importance for military families to be in contact with each other," said Carol Stanton, Director of Program Services. "The long separations and stressful situations that occur when a service member deploys often place a serious emotional strain on families," Carol Stanton continued. "The Red Cross links military personnel and their families through services which include confidential counseling, as well as neutral, impartial assistance when and where needed, particularly during times of crisis at home."

Community-based military members and their families are entitled to the same valuable Red Cross emergency services as full-time active duty personnel. When your doctor, your pharmacist, or your neighbor is mobilized or deployed with the Reserve or National Guard, the American Red Cross is there. We keep them in touch with their families at home, verify emergency leave information, secure emergency financial assistance and help families cope with separation when their loved ones are far from home in defense of our country 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

You can help the Red Cross by maintaining specific information you will need to quickly contact someone in the military. This includes their full name, social security number, address where they are deployed, home base unit and name and phone number of your local Red Cross chapter.
For more information please call the Kosciusko County Chapter American Red Cross at 1-888-267-5244.