American Red Cross
Contact Information
Email: usarmy.gordon.medcom-eamc.list.red-cross-mailbox-users@mail.mil
Link to the American Red Cross National website: American Red Cross
HISTORY:
Clara Barton began helping military families in the Civil War in 1861. While aiding victims of the Franco-Prussian War in 1870-71, she learned of the International Red Cross movement. In 1881, she founded the American Red Cross, which received its first congressional charter in 1900. Among other things, the organization was chartered to "furnish volunteer aid to the sick and wounded of the Armed Forces in time of war" and to "act in matters of voluntary relief and in accord with military authorities as a medium of communication between the people of the United States of America and their Armed Forces". The American Red Cross is the custodian of the Geneva Conventions which is a treaty signed by the United States Government. This treaty deals with the law of armed conflict which protects wounded combatants, civilian populations, and various properties and rights.
Today's services to current and former military families are supported through voluntary contributions of the American People. It is not a government agency. Although our office receives logistical support from the Department of Defense, the federal government does not fund our programs. The American Red Cross is governed by volunteer Board of Governors with the President of the United States is the Honorary Chairman.
EMERGENCY MESSAGES:
The Red Cross provides emergency reporting services for the following reasons: + To strengthen morale of members of the Armed Forces and their families. + To provide accurate reports for service members about home situations. + To provide military authorities with verified information so they can make decisions that affect service members and the command.
PLEASE NOTE: The decision for leave rests solely with the Command.
Service members do not have to wait for their family to initiate a message. The service member can also initiate a message. DO NOT WAIT.
We need as much of the following information as possible:
Legal Full Name
Rank
Social Security Number
Unit-----provide your unit to your family. Please ensure your family is familiar with the correct terminology, for example: A Company 1st Battalion 37th Armor 1st Armor Division attached to/TDY to __.
Complete Mailing Address ( APO zip code is crucial)
Rear Detachment Unit and Phone (if available).
Your cell phone or unit phone (if available)
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE:
Funds are available through the Army Emergency Relief (AER) for ALL BRANCHES OF SERVICE at 706-791-3371 or 706-791-7878 during duty hours. Spouses will need a power of attorney to access financial assistance direct or Red Cross will need to obtain the service members concurrence.
AFTER DUTY HOURS: Red Cross can assist through the toll free number 1-877-272-7337.
VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS:
Please contact the Red Cross if you wish to volunteer at 706-787-6311. We have opportunities in the following locations: American Red Cross Office and Eisenhower Army Medical Center. We have year around adult volunteers and a summer youth program (age 14-17). Potential volunteers will have to complete a Red Cross orientation, hospital orientation, vaccinations, National Agency background check, and the Education and Training Class modules required for all Medical Command personnel. NO EXCEPTIONS.
DISASTERS:
Please call the Augusta Chapter at (706) 724-8481 or toll free 1-877-272-7337 if you have experienced a disaster.
BRIEFINGS:
Please call our office to schedule a Unit or Family Readiness Group briefing.
PLEASE SHARE THIS IMPORTANT INFORMATION WITH YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS.