Emergency Communication Services

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 quickly sends these communications on behalf of the family to members of the U.S. Armed Forces serving anywhere in the world, including ships at sea, embassies and isolated military units. The information or verification in a message assists the service member's commanding officer with making a decision regarding emergency leave.

Who can contact the Red Cross to send an emergency message

    Active duty service members stationed in the United States and their
       immediate family members may call the 908-725-2217 during business
       hours and 800-696-3873 after hours.

    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 at our chapter.

    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.
      
It is helpful to have the following information for a service member:

    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)