Red Cross Briefing

Antoinette Williams, American Red Cross, Service to the Armed Forces, Regional Director, Greater Chesapeake Region visited the 166th Airlift Wing on April 13, 2018. Williams discussed key topics for service members and their families when contacting the American Red Cross Emergency Communication Services. Specific information about the service member and nature of the emergency is essential. Family members including: spouse, sibling, child, or parent, grandparent of the service member; commanders, and first- shirts can initiate messages to the Red Cross. Williams expressed that the Red Cross is there to assist family members and service members so they won’t feel as that they are alone in the process. “Do not try to figure it out all by yourself, give us a call, we are here to help. Also, communicate to your families the importance of knowing your information,” said Williams. Family members should have the service member’s full legal name, rank, branch of service, last four digits of the social security number, birth date, military unit address, and information about the deployed unit ready when contacting the Red Cross about an emergency. Family Readiness is available to assist with questions that service members may have about the process. “Spread the word, tell two friends to tell two more friends,” said Williams. If you need to contact an emergency communications specialist please call 1-877-272-7337. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Gwendolyn Blakley/ Released).