MEDIA ADVISORY: RED CROSS STATEMENT ON MILITARY FAMILIES HOAX National Headquarters 430 17th Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20006 www.redcross.org Contact: Devorah Goldburg Phone: (202) 303-4461 Cell: 202-439-0720 goldburgd@usa.redcross.org Washington, D.C., Thursday, April 3, 2003— The American Red Cross Armed Forces Emergency Services has received word from the National Guard Bureau about a disturbing hoax. There have been several recent incidents where family members of deployed service members received a phone call from individuals claiming to be "a representative from the Red Cross." Callers informed these families that their deployed service member was MIA (Missing in Action). So far, we are aware of incidents that occurred in the Alabama and Michigan. In one case, a son's mother was told her son had been killed in action and in other cases families have also been alerted that their service member was either missing in action or a prisoner of war. When such events actually occur, the U.S. military - not the American Red Cross - is the organization that notifies families regarding the status of their military loved ones; this notification is almost always accomplished in person by military casualty officials. The American Red Cross is requesting that families or individuals who receive these hoax calls to immediately contact their local military liaison. In addition, individuals should call a special Red Cross toll free number to report the incident - that number is 888-309-9679. The Red Cross will relay this information to appropriate authorities. Background about the American Red Cross Armed Forces Emergency Service The American Red Cross supports members of the military and their families in four primary areas: Providing emergency communications services and linking military personnel to their families back home. Emergency communication services are provided round-the-clock, 7-days-a-week, 365 days-a-year, reaching military installations, embassies and ships at sea around the world. Mobilization and deployment of Red Cross workers into (or near) the area of conflict. To deliver emergency messages from families at home. They also offer respite from harsh and challenging conditions and bring a touch of home to the troops. As of March 19, there are approximately 31 Red Cross workers serving in the Persian Gulf Region. Red Cross chapters nationwide are providing outreach to members of the National Guard/Reserves and their families. Social services - access to financial assistance, verification of information required for emergency leave, counseling, family support and services for veterans. Supporting the Red Cross The American Red Cross is not a government agency. We rely on the assistance of caring supporters to deliver our critical services. Those interested can support U.S. military members and their families through the American Red Cross as we provide assistance and comfort. Please make a financial donation to Armed Forces Emergency Services by calling 1-800-HELP NOW or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions may be sent to the American Red Cross Armed Forces Emergency Services, P. O. Box 91820, Washington, DC 20090. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org. Your gift will support the nationally coordinated Red Cross services provided to military families across the country and to American service men and women located throughout the world. © Copyright 2002 The American National Red Cross. All Rights Reserved.        CONTACT US  |  SITE DIRECTORY  |  PRIVACY POLICY