Deployment Briefing Information

The American Red Cross can assist, on a CONFIDENTIAL basis, in Emergency situations at all times, wherever the American Military and their Families are stationed. This will advise you of services we provide for Service Members and their Families while deployment is in effect.

The crucial service for emergencies is Reporting and Communications. Families should immediately contact the local Red Cross if an emergency may require a service member’s presence.  Red Cross obtains information, verifies and relays it to the Command for Leave and other important decisions.

Red Cross Chapters are located across the United States, listed in the local phone book under American Red Cross.

Family members should be ready to give the Service Member’s Rank, full Name, and Branch of Service, Social Security number and COMPLETE Military Address, IF KNOWN.

Service Members should share this vital information with their Families, BEFORE departing on deployment. Single soldiers with temporary childcare plans, pending return from the deployment should share this information with the childcare giver.

An emergency message can be initiated at the deployment location if you are unsure your Family has done so.  At the deployment location, Service Members should be familiar with how to initiate a Red Cross Emergency message. Then, work with your Commander to request Emergency Leave and obtain appropriate Leave paperwork to authorize your travel.

Red Cross can access Financial Assistance as interest free loans, for emergency travel when an Aid Society is not available at 1-800-951-5600. In deployment areas, financial assistance is not directly available, but once you have gotten out of the AOR, and to an area where Red Cross, or an open Aid Society is located, you can obtain financial assistance to complete your travel.

For non-emergency situations, we can work with families who remain in the Beaufort area to provide Information and Referral service. This can help Military Family members understand and apply for assistance from other agencies as appropriate, provide assistance in arranging family support, or even assist in resolving anxiety about loved ones. Remember that help is only as far away as your phone. Your local Red Cross Chapter is available at 757-7437 from 8:30-4:30. The Toll Free Emergency Message phone number is: 1-800-951-5600, and can be used after hours, weekends and holidays. Visit your Palmetto Chapter/American Red Cross at: http://www.palmettoredcross.org

For Military Spouse and families who remain in the Beaufort area, your local Red Cross Chapter can help time go faster by providing part-time Volunteer Opportunities.  There are several possibilities and training available such as:  Assisting at Branch Medical Clinic on Parris Island, and numerous positions are available at the Naval Hospital. Contact your Parris Island, American Red Cross AFES Center for more information on these opportunities at:

843-757-7437

Our best wishes go to your family and you for a safe and successful deployment!