“To alleviate hardship and resolve problems caused by separation and dislocation by war, illness, death and non-receipt of various government benefits” is the mandated purpose of the Armed Forces Emergency Services. The service, provided by the Red Cross, is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and provides emergency verified communication involving service Personnel and their families.
During times of mobilization and deployment...
No one ever said that being in the Reserve, National Guard, or any other community-based military position was going to be easy for you - or your family. Military life, in fact, often creates unforeseen hardships.
The good news is that American Red Cross Armed Forces Emergency Services (AFES) helps community-based military members and their families cope with separation and other special needs related to service in the armed forces.
The good news is that American Red Cross Armed Forces Emergency Services (AFES) helps community-based military members and their families cope with separation and other special needs related to service in the armed forces.
...We'll be there.
As a community-based military man or woman you and your family are entitled to the same valuable Red Cross emergency services as full-time active duty military personnel. We're always there to help you:
- Stay in touch with loved ones. Our Red Cross worldwide emergency communication network operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We can help you or your family send emergency messages regarding the death or serious illness of a family member, the birth of a child, or other family emergencies.
- Get verification of emergency leave information. The Red Cross can provide you and your commander with fast, reliable information to help make decisions regarding emergency leaves, deferments, compassionate reassignments, and dependency discharges.
- Secure emergency financial assistance. The Red Cross collaborates with the military aid societies in providing financial assistance when an urgent personal or family crisis arises - that is, when you might need financial assistance for emergency travel, burial of a loved one, or urgent health and welfare needs such as food and shelter.
- Obtain counseling, information, referrals, and other social needs. In addition to having Red Cross workers available to you for confidential problem solving, as a community-based military member you also are entitled to a variety of health and supportive services from military and other sources. The Red Cross can help you understand government benefits.
- Receive veterans services to which you are entitled. The Red Cross represents veterans and their families who seek compensation awards from the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA). Red Cross volunteers also serve hospitalized veterans at VA medical centers.
- With disaster assistance, health and safety and HIV/AIDS education, and volunteer opportunities. The Red Cross provides assistance in times of disaster as well as offers you and your family health and safety training and volunteer opportunities.