Service to the Armed Forces

 Effective June 2011: All military families in need of emergency communication should call 1-877-272-7337. This toll free number is staffed 24 hours a day.  

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 Chapter is equipped to verify the situation and relay an emergency leave request, if necessary to the proper military authorities. It is then up the commanding officer to decide whether or not to grant leave.

The American Red Cross provides the following services to families of active military and deployed members of the National Guard and reserves and to military veterans.

Emergency Communications: Red Cross workers are located at all Chapters in the United States and its territories, as well as with all military bases, posts, and other locations. When an emergency communication needs to be transmitted, concerning serious illness, birth of a child, death verification, or other such critical communications, the family of a military member should contact the Red Cross 24 hours a day at 1-877-272-7337 to initiate a communication case. Staff will verify the information and pass along the confidential message to the Red Cross where the member is deployed; the message will get to the member through the unit's commander.



Emergency Financial Assistance:

Families of active military members may need emergency financial help. The Chapter should be contacted concerning the need. Staff will meet with the family member, as needed, to verify the concerns and to establish help as warranted. The assistance may come in the form of a loan or a grant.



Veterans:

Veterans and their dependents needing help in accessing needed services or emergency financial help may also contact the Chapter to initiate such a request.

For Emergency Assistance please call (574) 234-0191 (daytime) or (574) 514-3360 (evenings and weekends).