May is Military Appreciation
Month, a time to honor those who defend our freedom, culminating with Memorial
Day, when we remember those who have made the ultimate
sacrifice. The American Red Cross is proud to serve those who serve, helping members
of the military, veterans and their families prepare for, cope with, and
respond to, the challenges of military service.
The Service to the Armed
Forces (SAF) program dates back to the establishment of the American Red Cross
by Clara Barton in May 1881. Not only did the “Angel of the Battlefield” risk
her life tending to soldiers wounded in the Civil War, she bolstered their
morale by writing letters for them to send to their families. Today, volunteers
and staff with the Red Cross proudly carry on this tradition through the SAF
program, which serves as a critical line of communication between the U.S Armed
Forces and their families.
In South Carolina, the Red Cross serves more than 126,000 active duty
members and their families, as well as more than 520,000 veterans, providing 24-hour support to
members of the military, veterans and their families at home and around the
world. Red Cross services are provided at no charge to families, including:
·
Emergency
Communications - The Hero Care Center is available 7 days a week, 24 hours a
day, 365 days a year to help connect family members with their loved ones who
are deployed overseas.
·
Deployment Services -
Whether your family is facing its first deployment or the next of many, the Red
Cross has developed workshops, information and support services to help you
with the practical and emotional challenges.
·
Services for Veterans
- Red Cross services for veterans dates back to World War I and remains
consistent with the spirit of our congressional charter. Today, the Red Cross
is proud to maintain our commitment to the men and women who have served in the
U.S. Armed Forces.
·
Financial Assistance -
The Red Cross works in partnership with military aid societies to provide
quality, reliable financial assistance to eligible applicants 24/7/365.
Assistance can include funds for emergency travel, burial of a loved one,
emergency food and shelter, etc.
·
Information Referral -
Red Cross offers confidential services to all members of the military,
veterans, and their families by connecting them with local, state and national
resources through our network of chapters in communities across the United
States and offices on military installations worldwide.
·
Hero Care App - Access vital emergency and non-emergency
resources for military members, veterans and military families.
The Red Cross salutes the Armed Forces of
the United States of America and all members serving in the Army, Navy, Marine
Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard as well as all veterans and their families
during Military Appreciation Month.
To learn more about how
the Red Cross supports those who serve our country, or to become a volunteer
and help military families, visit redcross.org/sc.
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