No one ever said that families of the Reserve Component (Reserves and National Guard) or
any other community-based military was going to be easy for you. Military life, in fact, often
creates unforeseen hardships. The good news is that the American Red Cross helps
community-based military members and their families cope with separation and other
special needs related to service in the armed forces. You are entitled to the same valuable
Red Cross emergency services as the families of full time active duty military personnel.
If your loved one is away from home because of military duty and you need to get in touch
with him or her in the event of an emergency, then the American Red Cross can help. To
assist us in quickly locating your them and sending an emergency message, please have
ready the following information:
- Service Member's 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
The Red Cross verifies this information and relays it to the appropriate command where
it is up to the military whether the service member returns home. Remember, a service
member can only come home in an emergency situation.
Be prepared
Always have your local Red Cross chapter or station phone number readily available and
share the above information with a trusted friend.
Stay in touch with loved ones
Red Cross worldwide emergency communications network operates 24 hours a day, 7 days
a week, 365 days a year. They can help you send emergency messages regarding the
death or serious illness of a family member, the birth of a child, or other family emergencies.
Get verification of emergency leave information
The Red Cross can provide your Reservist's or Guardsman's commander with fast, reliable
information to help make decisions regarding emergency leave.
Secure emergency financial assistance
The Red Cross collaborates with the military aid societies in facilitating access to financial
assistance when an urgent personal or family crisis arises, that is, when your service
member might need financial assistance for emergency travel, burial of a loved one, or
urgent health and welfare needs such as food and shelter.
| How to Use the American Red Cross During Family Emergencies When a National Guard or Reserve Member is Absent |
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Tips for Military Spouses
1. Do something special to welcome your spouse home-help the children make a
welcome banner, make your spouse's favorite dessert, etc., but be understanding and
flexible if your spouse is too tired to notice.
2. Give your spouse time to adjust to being home. Don't tightly schedule activities for
them. Don't expect them to take on all their old chores right away. Understand that your
spouse may need time to adjust to a different time zone, a change in food, etc.
3. Plan on some family togetherness time. Suggest a picnic or a special family meal. Time
together helps the returning spouse to get back into the rhythm of family life.
4. Be patient and tolerant with your spouse. He or she may not do things exactly as
before. New experiences during deployment may bring changes to attitude and outlook.
5. Stick to your household budget. Don't spend money you don't have on celebrating your
spouse's return. Show you care through your time and effort.
6. Don't be surprised if your spouse is a little hurt by how well you were able to run the
household and manage the children without them. Let them know that your preference is to
share family and household responsibilities with them no matter how well you did on your
own.
7. Stay involved with your children's school activities and interests. Don't neglect the
children's need for attention as you are becoming reacquainted with your spouse.
8. Stay involved in your own activities and interests, but be flexible about making time for
your spouse.
9. Don't be surprised if children test the limits of the family rules when your spouse returns.
It's normal for children to want to find out how things may have changed by acting up a bit.
Consistent enforcement of family rules and even-handed discipline are key to dealing with
acting out.
Remember:
(Developed by David Gretsch, Mobilization & Development, Ft. Hood MWR)
1. Do something special to welcome your spouse home-help the children make a
welcome banner, make your spouse's favorite dessert, etc., but be understanding and
flexible if your spouse is too tired to notice.
2. Give your spouse time to adjust to being home. Don't tightly schedule activities for
them. Don't expect them to take on all their old chores right away. Understand that your
spouse may need time to adjust to a different time zone, a change in food, etc.
3. Plan on some family togetherness time. Suggest a picnic or a special family meal. Time
together helps the returning spouse to get back into the rhythm of family life.
4. Be patient and tolerant with your spouse. He or she may not do things exactly as
before. New experiences during deployment may bring changes to attitude and outlook.
5. Stick to your household budget. Don't spend money you don't have on celebrating your
spouse's return. Show you care through your time and effort.
6. Don't be surprised if your spouse is a little hurt by how well you were able to run the
household and manage the children without them. Let them know that your preference is to
share family and household responsibilities with them no matter how well you did on your
own.
7. Stay involved with your children's school activities and interests. Don't neglect the
children's need for attention as you are becoming reacquainted with your spouse.
8. Stay involved in your own activities and interests, but be flexible about making time for
your spouse.
9. Don't be surprised if children test the limits of the family rules when your spouse returns.
It's normal for children to want to find out how things may have changed by acting up a bit.
Consistent enforcement of family rules and even-handed discipline are key to dealing with
acting out.
Remember:
- Go slowly - don't try to make up for lost time
- Accept that your partner may be different
- Intimate relationships may be awkward at first
- Take time to get reacquainted
- Forget your fantasies
- Reassure your children
- Seek help for family members if needed
(Developed by David Gretsch, Mobilization & Development, Ft. Hood MWR)
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