American Red Cross units have provided for the urgent needs of our Armed Forces for more than 90 years. Around the clock support for communication of emergency messages between family and the military member; financial assistance in time of emergency for family needs and counseling services.

The Greater Arkansas Chapter supports the Little Rock Air Force base with casework services, monthly briefings to new service personnel and training of volunteers in service delivery.

The American Red Cross is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, whose mission is to relieve human suffering wherever it may be found; protect life and health; ensure respect for the human being, particularly in times of armed conflict and natural disaster; help prevent disease; promote health and social welfare; and encourage voluntary service. The fundamental principles of the Movement are humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality. Red Cross International Services is transforming into one of the nation’s best and most respected providers of services for the world’s most vulnerable people. There are six international program priority areas: Emergency Response, Primary Health Care, Food Security, Tracing and Red Cross Messages, Organizational Development, and Dissemination of International Humanitarian Law.

We are proud of our record of service to the community and the significant role the Greater Arkansas Chapter has come to play in the delivery of emergency assistance.

SERVICES FOR MILITARY FAMILIES

The American Red Cross helps military personnel and their families in five basic ways:

• Reporting and Emergency Communications - When emergencies strike military personnel or their families anywhere in the world-death, serious illness, or other urgent situations-the American Red Cross links separated families and helps facilitate emergency travel when needed.
• Emergency Financial Assistance - When urgent problems require the presence of the service member or his or her family, the Red Cross may provide an interest-free loan or a grant for travel expenses. These funds, which may be authorized for other emergencies as well, are disbursed on the basis of need. Ninety-five percent of all loans made to military families are repaid.
• Information and Referral - The Red Cross helps military families cope with nonurgent problems by providing information, referral, and guidance on a strictly confidential basis. These services can help military families understand and apply for government benefits, receive assistance from appropriate referral agencies, provide assistance in arranging family support, or even help resolve anxieties about loved ones.
• Health and Safety Course - Military personnel and family members may arrange to receive training in first aid, water safety, boating safety, and many of the other health and safety courses offered by the Red Cross.
• Volunteer Opportunities - Military members and their families can, and do, join the millions of Americans who volunteer with the Red Cross every year. Volunteers donate blood, provide disaster relief, work in hospitals, and assist others in countless ways.

ASSISTANCE TO VETERANS AND MILITARY RETIREES

The Red Cross provides a limited range of services to veterans and their dependents and survivors. The program includes assistance in obtaining veterans benefits, directly through the Red Cross office to the Board of Veterans Appeals or by referrals, health and safety courses, services in VA hospitals available through Red Cross participation in the VA Voluntary Services (VAVS) program, and information about referral to community resources. Your local Red Cross representative can provide further information about services to veterans.

AMERICAN RED CROSS INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL SERVICES

Tracing Services - Tracing or location services are provided to people in the community who have separated from their relatives (citizens of other countries) as a result of war, civil disturbance, natural disaster, or changing world conditions over which an individual has no control. Red Cross staff may be contacted about the location and welfare of relatives who are citizens of other countries. The Citizens Emergency Center of the U.S. Department of State should be contacted about the welfare of U.S. citizens overseas.