This program will send, deliver and verify messages between military members and their families. The mission of this program is to support and supplement those activities of the military that affect the health, welfare, and morale of service members and their families.

The Red Cross relays urgent messages containing accurate, factual, complete and verified descriptions of the emergency to service members stationed anywhere in the world, including on ships at sea and at embassies and remote locations, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Red Cross-verified information assists service members and commanding officers with making a decision regarding emergency leave.

Provides emergency communications, access to emergency financial assistance, information and referral, veteran's assistance and aid in the field where Red Cross workers are deployed to serve with America's military for both active duty and community-based military. Services are available to all members of the armed forces, and to their families.

Provides services to military families. Red Cross workers in hundreds of chapters and on military installations offer a brief departing service to service members and their families regarding available support services and also explain how the Red Cross may assist them during the deployment. Both active duty and community-based military can count on the Red Cross to provide emergency communications that link them with their families back home, access to financial assistance, counseling and assistance to veterans.

Provides 24-hour assistance for those in the military and their family members.

Assists military connected families and service members to resolve a variety of stress-causing situations. This is accomplished through the use of problem-solving and crisis intervention skills, reporting and communication services and appropriate referral skills. Emergency Communication In the event of an emergency, critical accident, illness, or death in a service member's immediate family, the Red Cross verifies the situation and relays an emergency leave request to proper military authorities. It is then up to the commanding officer to decide whether or not to grant leave. Health and Welfare Inquiries Sometimes, a long time with no word from the service member can become worrisome. The Red Cross, through our worldwide communication network, can communicate with the installation or ship. Also, service members can request the same services related to families back home. The Red Cross chapter may also provide services related to referral, advocacy, humanitarian reassignment, and emergency financial assistance. When calling for assistance, very helpful to have available service member's service number, MILITARY address and birth date and rank and rate.

Does not provide general financial assistance. Offers classes for first aid, HIV/AIDS and fire safety. Provides disaster services and emergency shelter in times of disaster as well as contact for military families in cases of emergency. Volunteer opportunities available. Phone 276-645-6650 (available 24/7 for emergencies)or toll free in VA 866-645-6650