Service to the Armed Forces

 

Reserves and National Guard

Just like active duty military members, civilian-based military members also benefit from American Red Cross services. The Red Cross supports the nearly 1.2 million members of the Reserves and National Guard when they are living in their local communities and when they are mobilized. Red Cross services are also available to members of the Reserve Officers Training Corps, U.S. Coast Guard, Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, recruiters, retirees and to their families.

The American Red Cross wants members of the National Guard, Reserves and other community-based military personnel to get to know us before you need us. All too often, members of the Reserves and National Guard don't know about available Red Cross services until they are mobilized. Knowing in advance that communication links, access to financial assistance and counseling will be available in an emergency brings peace of mind to the military and to the families from whom they are separated. Similarly, knowing that Red Cross services are available to inactive service members and their family members provides a safety net in times of need.

Red Cross services for members of the Reserves and National Guard include:

• Emergency communication

• Access to emergency financial assistance

• Counseling

• Veterans services

• Information and referral provided by Armed Forces Emergency Services.

How to access Red Cross services:

• Members of the National Guard and Reserves and their families should contact their us at (256) 536-0084 x 310.  Or e-mail us at redcross@helpcantwait.org.

• Active duty service members on overseas military installations may access Red Cross reporting and communication assistance by contacting base/installation operators for the listing of the on-base Red Cross office or information on how to access Red Cross assistance if there is not a representative on the local installation.

Publications:
Get to Know Us Before You Need Us: Serving the Community-Based Military and Their Families (ARC 1129, Jan 2000) explains American Red Cross services for National Guard and Reserves and their families. You may request the booklet from us.