Armed Forces Emergency Services
In 1905, the U.S. Congress granted a charter to the American Red Cross that required
the organization to act "in accord with the military authorities as a medium of
communication between the people of the United States and their Armed Forces . . ."
Since that charter was granted, the Red Cross has provided not only communications but a
variety of other important services to help members of the armed forces and their
families.
The Red Cross nurses and ambulance drivers served during the Spanish-American War and
World War I. The Red Cross canteens welcomed American troops during World War II, and
American Red Cross recreation clubs were established close to the front lines in the
Korean and Vietnam conflicts. During the 1990-91 conflict in the Persian Gulf, the Red
Cross provided service persons and their families with financial assistance, crisis
intervention, support groups and a variety of other services.
Today, the Red Cross provides basic humanitarian services to members of
the armed forces, their families and veterans during peacetime and conflict on U.S.
military installations both in the United States and around the world.
The Red Cross keeps military personnel in touch with their family
following the death or illness of a family member or the birth of a child or in response
ot other family emergencies.
The Red Cross provides financial assistance, either as an interest-free
loan or as a grant, when a service member is unable to repay a loan. Financial assistance
is provided to service members who have a demonstrated need for funds for such things as
emergency travel, burial assistance, or urgent health and welfare needs like food and
shelter.
The Red Cross offers counseling, information, referrals, and other
services to military families. If you need any assistance or would like to become a
counsellor, contact the chapter.
Contact The Chapter arclcc@crossnet.org
PHONE: 941-278-3401 FAX:
941-278-4829
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