American Red Cross - Winona County Chapter

American Red Cross - Winona County Chapter

 

FAQ - Military Members and Families

Military Members and Families
Services to the Armed Forces Print E-mail
The American Red Cross provides a 24 hour communication link between members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families. Our volunteers verify medical emergencies and other situations for the military authorities to allow them to make decisions regarding emergency leave. We can also assist military families in applying for financial assistance through the Military Aid Society.
Most Red Cross messages involve a birth, death, accident or sudden illness of an immediate family member.
If a member of your family is serving in the Armed Forces, please remember to carry the following information about the service member with you at all times:
  • First, middle, and last names
  • Social Security Number
  • Date of Birth
  • Branch of Service and Rank
  • Military Address
  • Last known location (if different than military address)

It is advisable to also give the above information to another family member or close friend who does not live in the same geographic area and could serve as an emergency contact.

Red Cross services to military families are available 24/7 and are FREE. If you live in Winona county and would like to send an emergency message to a service member call the chapter at 507-452-4258.
 
How to Show Your Support of the Military Print E-mail

Support Families at Home
The Family Care Initiative, developed by First Lady, Mary Pawlenty, enables members of service, community and faith based organizations to provide volunteer services to the families of military personnel. Go to www.governor.state.mn.us and click on the link to register your interest. If you elect not to register your group, there is a link that will provide your organization with ideas for ways in which you can care for these families such as providing gift cards, movie passes and other items to help ease the strain of long separation.

 

Donate Phone Cards
Operation Uplink is a program that keeps military personnel and hospitalized veterans in touch with their families and loved ones by providing them with a free phone card. Go to www.operationuplink.com to make a donation.

Direct People to Dear Abby
The U.S. Department of Defense, and the U.S. Department of the Navy will allow you to send a Sailor, Marine, Soldier, Airman, or Coast Guardsman a holiday greeting or message of support at anyservicemember.navy.mil/About.html.

Donate Blood on a Regular Basis
You can give blood on a regular basis...every eight weeks up to five times a year. The body replaces the "missing" fluid within 24 hours, and red blood cells are replaced within weeks following a blood donation. More regular blood donors are needed to maintain an adequate blood supply. When a shortage occurs, it takes a minimum of two to seven days to replenish the supply and potentially restore the inventory levels to normal. Winona county residents can contact the Chapter, call  at 507-452-4258 to make an appointment.

Volunteer Your Services
Many military service members who normally volunteer are now deployed. Honor them by serving in their place. Volunteer to visit Veterans Administration Hospitals, nursing homes, coach children's sports teams, feed the homeless or other community outreach programs.

Financial Donations
Make a financial donation to the Winona County Chapter to support its outreach to active duty military service members, reservists, National Guardsmen and their families. 

Call the Winona County Red Cross for more information. 507-452-4258