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AFES (Armed Forces Emergency Services)

Get to know us before you need us

The South Central Illinois Chapter - The Centralia office provides services to active member of the U.S. Military and their families including: National Guard, Reservists, Recruiters, Reserve Offices Training Corps (ROTC), U.S. Public Health Services, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Retires, and Veterans.

• Emergency worldwide communication between service members and families.

• Notification of illness, birth, death, etc.

• Assist military in its decision to grant leave by verifying locally.

• Supportive services and referrals to service persons and their families.
  
  There may come a time when help
  can't wait - and we'll be there.
  
  During times of conflict...
  
  Armed Forces Emergency Service Update for the Iraq Conflict
  
  The American Red Cross is mandated to serve as a medium of communication between the American people and their family members serving in the U.S. military. While our focus is on delivering emergency messages to service members, we also deliver non-emergency communications.
  
  We are in the midst of a large military conflict that is receiving unprecedented coverage by the media. Family members are seeing and hearing real-time information on television regarding military movements, injuries, casualties and, most recently, prisoners of war.
  
  We have been advised that, effective immediately, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has imposed a MINIMIZE on all Red Cross messages within the CENTCOM Area of Responsibility (Kuwait, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Jordan, UAE, Qatar, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan). When MINIMIZE is imposed, only immediate family emergency information will be transmitted, i.e. death, serious illness, and serious accidents. In addition to these categories, we will also categorize birth announcements, breakdowns in child care plans and extreme family problems as "emergency communications" to be delivered to service members.
  
  Remember. . . .
  
  • No News is Good News
  
  • When Service Members Hear They Have A Red Cross Message, This Causes Anxiety, Even if the Message is Asking for a Health and Welfare
  
  • Work With Family Support Groups
  
  • Look for Support in Your Community
  • Church
  • Reserve or Guard Units
  • Volunteer
  
  • Extend Your Patience a Little Longer
  
  If Something Did Happen the Military Will Notify the Primary and Secondary Next of Kin as Soon as Possible.
  
  You're an integral part of the military family.
  Consider us - the American Red Cross - a close relative
  who's just a phone call away.

  319 East Seventh St.

  PO Box 547

  Centralia, IL 62801-9109

  Tel: 618-532-3511  Fax: 618-532-9536

  (military emergency numbers on recording after hours)Office Hours are:

  Mon. thru Thurs 8:00 am to 4:00 pm

  Friday 8:00 am to 3:00 pm

     The Mission of the American Red Cross

    "The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization, led by
    volunteers, that provides relief to victims of disasters and help people
prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. It does this through services that are consistent with its congressional charter and the
principles of the International Red Cross Movement."

Please check out the "Patriot Guard Riders" Web site as they

 show their sincere respect for our Fallen Heroes,

their families, and their communities. They shield the mourning

family and friends from interruptions created by any

protestor or groups of protestors.

They accomplish the latter through strictly legal and non-violent means.

  The major source of funding for any Red Cross chapter is private donations

      So please remember to give to your local American Red Cross.

 

© Copyright The American Red Cross South Central Illinois Chapter. All Rights Reserved.                        Copyright information

web site designed and maintained by: Janetta Forbes