Mommy Method

While deployed or stationed overseas, military members are not always permitted to come home during emergency cases.  This can be especially true if the emergency is simply told to the member from their spouse or other loved one.  An important task in getting information to a service member is to do it the right way.

What is a Red Cross message?

Family members can use the Red Cross emergency communication system to notify service members of an emergency or other important event. Red Cross messages are delivered 24×7x365 to military personnel at any duty station.  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.

How do I send a Red Cross message?

• Active duty service members stationed in the United States and their immediate family members can call the Red Cross Armed Forces Emergency Service Centers for help seven days a week, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The toll-free telephone number is (877) 272-7337.
• Other family members who do not reside in the service members’ household, members of the National Guard and Reserves, retirees and civilians may access Red Cross services through their local Red Cross chapter. Red Cross chapters are listed in local telephone books and on the American Red Cross Web site at http://www.redcross.org/.
• Overseas personnel stationed on military installations should call base or installation operators or the on-base Red Cross offices.
• At overseas deployment sites, contact the American Red Cross deployed staff.

What information do I need?

When calling the Red Cross to send an emergency message to a family member, please have ready the following information which will speed the process of sending your message:

• Service Member’s Full Name
• Rank/Rating
• Branch of Service
• Social Security Number
• Military Address
• Information about the deployed unit and the home base unit (for deployed service members only)

For more information, visit http://www.oconus.com/Main/redcross.asp