The American Red Cross wants members of the military and their families to get to know us before you need us. All too often, service members don't know about available Red Cross services until they are mobilized. Knowing in advance that communication links, access to financial assistance and counseling will be available in an emergency brings peace of mind to the military and to the families from which they are separated. Similarly, knowing that Red Cross services are available to inactive service members and their family members provides a safety net in times of need.

Click here to download a useful deployment checklist and tips for military members and their families.

For help during inactive duty, members of the military and their families should contact the St. Louis Area Chapter.  When on active duty and serving on a military installation, service members can get Red Cross help by contacting base/installation operators, local on-base Red Cross stations and Red Cross workers deployed with America's military in the field. Services available to the military and their family members include:

• Emergency communication. Red Cross communication services help keep military personnel in touch with their families following the death or serious illness of a family member, the birth of a child or in other family emergencies. Click here to learn more.
• Emergency financial assistance. Financial assistance for emergency travel which requires the presence of an active duty service member or his or her family, burial of a loved one, or with essential needs that cannot wait until the next business day (food, temporary lodging, urgent medical needs, or the minimum amount required to avoid eviction, utility shut off, etc.). Assistance is also available to National Guard and Reserve troops, retired military personnel and widows of retired military personnel when no other financial resources are available. To obtain emergency financial assistance, call the St. Louis Chapter, inquire with a Red Cross staff member stationed overseas, or call a toll-free telephone number that is available through base or installation operators and from local on-base Red Cross offices.
• Counseling. Confidential counseling, guidance, information, referrals and other social services are available to all military personnel and their families — active duty, National Guard and Reserves. Learn more.