08/03/06

America's Military and The American Red Cross Partnership

The American Red Cross has a long history of providing service to America's military in times of war. Beginning in the mid-1800s the organization's founder, Clara Barton, risked her life on the battlefields of the Civil War to tend to fallen soldiers. Clara Barton later led a contingent of nurses to Cuba during the Spanish-American War of 1898. Their heroic service prompted a Congressional Charter requiring the American Red Cross to conduct emergency communication services for armed forces personnel.

Military Members and Families

Today's American Red Cross is keeping pace with the changing military. Using the latest in computer and telecommunications technology, the Red Cross allows military members stationed all over the world to send messages to loved ones back home during an emergency or other important events. These communications are delivered around-the-clock, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

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 sends messages quickly, anywhere in the world, including ships at sea, embassies and to isolated military units. The information or verification in a message assists the service member's commanding officer in making a decision regarding emergency leave.

My observations as the guy that did the paperwork...

Support the Local American Red Cross... they are a vital link to family members to get in touch with military members in the field in case of a family emergency.   Their messages come in the same way as field orders and correspondence over secure networks.  Emergency leave is only granted if a death or major illness at home is verified by the Red Cross.   Emergency leave orders get the military member rights on military airlifts that are priority.  A soldier returning on emergency leave can bump someone for the seat with plain movement orders.  It is not space available travel we made space for them.

The Ulster County Chapter stands ready to respond to assist victims of disasters 24hrs a day, 365 days a year. Besides the disasters that you see on the evening news, the Ulster County Chapter also assists victims of single and multiple family fires. On average our Disaster Action Team assists 70 families a year. We provide immediate relief for disaster caused needs such as food, clothing, temporary shelter, and prescription medications. In addition the chapter also works with the family providing additional assistance where needed to help the family reestablish themselves. The Ulster County Chapter also sponsors an active Community Disaster Education program to help the residents of Ulster County better prepare for disaster. For more information on the "Are You Ready?" Community Disaster Preparedness Program click http://www.ulsterredcross.org/ or call 338-7020.

The American Red Cross also supports the International Red Cross movement and Red Crescent with aid.  Click here to Donate now here's how.  You helped with the 9-11 disasters for our firefighters, police and innocent victims.  You helped with Katrina, now your local Red Cross chapters need your support to replenish disaster funds that were used.  The Red Cross gives AID based on true needs.  I know, I am a Red Cross Volunteer, the one you may have to talk to for help and understand how the disaster services work for you in time of need during floods and fire.