Neighbors Helping Neighbors

American Red Cross Wayne County Chapter

Armed Forces Emergency Services—AFES

 

For over 60 years, the American Red Cross has been assisting members of our Armed Forces and their families, in peace time and while we have been at war. When the terrorist attack occurred on September 11th at the Pentagon, our Armed Forces Emergency Services swung into action with other Red Cross partners, lending immediate assistance. A steadfast friend to military families at all times, last year we handled more than 1.2 million calls regarding emergency situations at home.

 

Armed Forces Emergency Services provides military families emergency communication capabilities to their service member, access to emergency financial assistance, confidential counseling and a touch of home to  servicemen and women deployed around the world. As the war in Iraq continues, thousands of active duty and national guard reservists will continue to be deployed—and the American Red Cross will be right there with them. During these difficult times, Red Cross Chapters and stations are reaching out to support them and their families in communities through the United States. 

Military Support Groups

 

Do you have a family member or close friend serving in the military? Sometimes, it probably feels as if no one understands the stress and uncertainty you feel. If you need someone to talk to—someone who is going through what your going through—consider attending one of the Military Support Groups, the American Red Cross is working with here in Wayne County.

 

American Ex-Prisoners of War Support Group

 

The North Central Ohio Chapter #8, meets the 1st Sunday of each month (from 1 to 3 pm) held at the American Red Cross building at 244 West South Street in Wooster.

POW Group Coordinator for Wayne County: Millie Huebner

 

Marine Family Support Group

 

Meets the 3rd Saturday of each month, (from 1—3 pm) again held at the American Red Cross facility.

Marine Group Coordinator: Kim Hershberger (Hershberger.9@osu.edu)

 

Army Families Support Group

 

Meets the 1st Saturday of each month from (1 to 2 pm) at the Red Cross.

Army Group Coordinator: Brooke Leidigh (419-368-9060)

 

 

Army National Guard Support Group

 

Contact: Sgt. Lawrence with the Wooster National Guard unit (330-262-1946).  This group meets on an “as needed basis” and is specific to the National Guard unit deployed from Wooster.

How do I get in touch with my son (or daughter) in the service during an emergency?

 

Many of the cases we receive involve getting an emergency message to a serviceperson, which may also include emergency leave. If you have a son or daughter, husband or wife, or child in the service, we ask that emergency messages from the family are coordinated through the immediate family—to prevent duplication efforts and confusion. We ask family members select one family member be your lead contact with us.

 

The information we need to send a message to your service member anywhere in the world are as follows:

 

· Serviceperson’s Full Name (First, Middle, Last)

 

· Branch of Service (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, National Guard, or

           Coast Guard)

 

· Deployed Unit Information: (ie 175th Engineering Division….) for deployed service members only

 

·  Military Address (usually will begin with APO or FPO)

 

· Military Rank / Rating

 

· Social Security Number

 

· Birth date

 

 

The Message MUST be of an Emergency Nature. Notification of births, deaths, illness, and financial hardship are normal types of reasons messages are sent. Quite often in concurrence of notification, leave requests are made and can be granted following verification.

 

Communications are handled 24 hours a day / 365 days a year. All cases are given top priority and handled immediately.

 

Service to our Military and their families is one of the core services that the American Red Cross provides. These services are critical in nature and a service we provide with great pride.

 

Our servicemen and women are there for us—the American Red Cross is there for them.

 

National Guard Deployment Tips

 

· Tips for Military Spouses

· Deployment Checklists

· Tips for returning Military Family Members

· How to use the American Red Cross during Family Emergencies when a National Guard Reserve Member is absent

 

Review our National AFES web-page at

www.redcross.org/services/afes/deploytips.html

When was the last time you thanked a Vet?

 

When you get the opportunity, Thank a Veteran, especially if they are a family member! The sacrifices they made allow us the freedoms we enjoy today in the United States.   You’ll make their day—and yours!