Home
Emergency Services
Contact
American Red Cross
Armed Forces Emergency Services
Ledward Barracks, Bldg. 274 (across from Ledward theater)
DSN: 354-1760/6251
CIV: 09721-961760/6251
Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
AFTER-HOURS:
American Red Cross Civilian:
001-877-272-7337 (1-877-272-7337)
Mission:
AFES helps community-based military members and their families cope with family emergencies, separation and other needs related to service in the Armed Forces.
Red Cross Duties:
Health and Safety
Red Cross Messages
Donations
Volunteer Program
Classes & Instruction
CPR & Standard First Aid Classes (Call our office for dates and times)
Red Cross Messages
The most important service provided
by the American Red Cross Armed Forces Emergency Services is
emergency communications regarding deaths, serious illnesses and
other family emergencies in military families.
Most commanders require a Red Cross verification before
emergency leave is granted; however in some time sensitive
situations, Red Cross verifications are not required before
emergency leave is granted.
Red Cross messages regarding emergency family situations,
financial problems, travel mishaps and more are sent and
received daily by the local Red Cross in your area.
Red cross messages can be initiated by anyone: the servicemember, your command, your spouse, or by your family in the states by contacting local Red Cross representatives in the states at 1-877-272-7337.
What circumstances warrant Emergency Leave? Per ARMY REG 600-8-10 page 27?
-
When the member’s presence will contribute to the welfare of a terminally ill member of the immediate family of a service member of spouse.
-
When the death of an immediate family member of the service member or spouse occurs.
-
When a serious illness or injury within the immediate family of a service member or spouse imposes responsibilities that must be met immediately and cannot be accomplished from the duty station or by other means.
-
In other emergency situations where the failure of the member to return would create a severe and unusual hardship on either the member or the family.
What circumstances do NOT normally warrant Emergency Leave? (Some local commanders overseas have made exceptions)
-
Pregnancy of spouse or normal childbirth.
-
To care for children during spouse’s illness, confinement or surgery.
-
To resolve marital problems, threatened divorce or other personal problems.
-
To resolve financial problems.
-
To assist in harvesting crops or managing business.
-
Because of psycho-neurosis based on family separations.
-
To settle estate of deceased relative.
-
Because of illness or death of non-loco parentis grandparents, uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, friends or fiancée.
Remember! You can always request regular leave is emergency leave is not granted.
What to do after you receive a Red Cross message?
Pick up your message from your Staff Duty.
Get DA Form 31 (leave form) approved.
During Duty Hours: Report to SATO (Ledward) with seven copies of Emergency Leave orders from S-1 or command, to get AMC or commercial flight tickets issued.
After Duty Hours: Call SATO for tickets at 0800-1007102.
If financial assistance is needed once Emergency Leave is approved, report to AER in ACS Building, 242 with copies of:
a) Red Cross Message
b) LES. For AER Financial Assistance after hours call 1-877-272-7337
Can family members go with me on Emergency Leave?
Yes. Spouses and children may be included on your orders if your dependents are command sponsored.
If the emergency is in my spouse’s family, can he/she travel without me?
Yes, if the travel is approved and orders are cut. A command sponsorship letter is normally required when traveling alone
