Armed Forces Emergency Services




	_________ _________ to				*AFES (Armed Forces Emergency Services)* *Get to know us before you need us* The South Central Illinois Chapter - Effingham Service Center 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. Kate Dickens, AFES Volunteer Home - 217-868-5462 Haldon Warner, AFES (Fayette Co. Only) Home - 618-283-0157 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 group of protestors. They accomplish the latter through strictly legal and non-violent means. (please click on the above picture to be directed to their web site) 1108 S. Willow PO Box 1035 Effingham, IL 62401 Tel: 217-342-4344 Fax: 217-342-4328 Thomas Ette - Executive Director 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." *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