Emergency Communications Services

American Red Cross communication services keep military personnel in touch with their families following the death or serious illness of a family member or other important events, such as the birth of a child. The Red Cross quickly sends these communications on behalf of the family to members of the U.S. Armed Forces serving anywhere in the world, including ships at sea, embassies and isolated military units. The information or verification in a message assists the service member's commanding officer with making a decision regarding emergency leave.

Call (877) 272-7337 (toll-free within the continental United States) if you are:

• An Active Duty service member stationed in the United States or overseas, or a family member residing with them,

• A family member of an active duty service member who does not reside in the service member’s household,

• A Department of Defense Civilian assigned overseas and family members residing with them,

• A member of the National Guard or Reserves,

• A recruiter, MEPS military personnel,

• A Veteran

When calling the Red Cross, please provide as much of the following information about the service member as is known:

• Full name

• Rank/rating

• Branch of service (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard or DoD Civilian or contractor)

• Social Security Account number

• Date of Birth

• Military address

• For deployed service members only: Information about the deployed unit and home base unit