Service to Armed Forces

Since its inception, the American Red Cross has played a critical role in supporting those serving in the armed forces and their families. With resources and expertise around the world, the Red Cross serves as a vital communication link between members of the US Armed Forces and their families at home. Emergency messages about urgent news from home – a serious illness or the death of a loved one – are sent anywhere in the world, including ships at sea, embassies and isolated military units. The Red Cross also provides neutral, impartial assistance, including comfort and counseling, independent varification of emergency situations, and financial assistance, referrals for emergency travel and other family needs.

Emergency Communications

Every day, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, this chapter, and every Red Cross chapter serves as a conduit through which emergency messages are sent to servicemen or woman around the world from home.

Tom Brokaw recently said, “If you don’t know someone who’s fighting on the front lines right now, or a family in town that has one of their own serving, then you don’t really care about the war or the men and women fighting in it.”

For approximately 16 volunteer Service to Armed Forces staff and all 9 employed staff at the Capital Area Chapter of the American Red Cross in Tallahassee, Florida, this war interrupts our meals when a baby is born, wakes us in the middle of the night when a parent passes away and takes us away from our desks to stand in a flag line on the side of the road when the fallen come home.

We do this because when every military unit leaves the jurisdiction of our chapter, we assure them that while they are away, we will stay behind, watch their backs and look after their families. It is our privilege.

In order for us to help you, you must have the following information when you call for assistance:

• Name and date of birth of armed services member
• Military member’s social security number
• The branch of the military he or she serves
• The military address of where they are currently serving
• Emergency reference contact information (e.g. doctor, nurse, funeral home, etc.)

The Red Cross provides emergency communication 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year for military members and their families. To receive help with emergency communications or other services for military families, please call (850) 878-6080 or (866) 943-9010.

Other Services & Information

• 10 Minute Guide to America’s Military
• Active Duty Military
• Counseling
• Deployment Checklist
• Financial Assistance
• Military Spouses
• Veteran Information