Free, confidential assistance for service members, veterans and their families.
Every day, the American Red Cross help hundreds of active-duty military members, veterans and their families through our Hero Care Network, a 24/7 support system for families as they face crises of all kinds.
Service members rely on us. We are the only organization congressionally chartered to provide emergency communications between active-duty military personnel and their families during personal emergencies or major life events. Red Cross workers are able to quickly verify the circumstances of a family emergency and provide a confidential report to a service member’s commanding officer. When days, hours and minutes matter, the Red Cross is able to help make a trusted connection.
The Red Cross is a local-first organization with the backing of a national network of volunteers and staff located in every state across the country. Our "Get to Know Us Before You Need Us" program ensures every new U.S. military enlistee receives a Red Cross briefing where essential family information is preemptively collected, and they are educated on how they can use the Hero Care Network during emergencies and major life events, like the birth of a child.
See firsthand the impact of these briefings at the Illinois region’s MEPS, below:
Notify a service member of emergencies at home wherever they are in the world, quickly and securely. The Red Cross relays urgent messages containing factual and verified information of the event to service members stationed anywhere in the world, including ships at sea or unknown locations.
Access Military Aid Society assistance during emergencies with the Red Cross. Hero Care caseworkers can help process eligible service members, military retirees and their family members requests for financial assistance in the event of an emergency through their respective aid society.
Need help and not sure where to begin? Call the Hero Care Center and connect with a compassionate specialist who can support you by helping to identify your needs and working within our vast network of local, state and federal partners to connect with the resources to help you most.
Over 700 calls received daily
77% of cases completed in six hours or less
Over 350 employees and 18,000 dedicated volunteers supporting you
Use the free Hero Care App to access vital emergency and non-emergency resources for military members, veterans and military families.
Download it on the App Store », get it at Google Play », or text "GETHEROCARE" to 90999.
Using a computer, smartphone or tablet, you can start a request for services and track its progress from anywhere in the world. For tips on using this self-service tool, please scroll down to watch our video.
Call toll free at +1 877-272-7337 to speak to a compassionate specialist.
Call the Hero Care Center using wi-fi free on any a computer, smartphone, or tablet.
Sean Day started working in the American Red Cross Hero Care Center at Fort Sill after retiring from the U.S. Army. He knows the important role the Hero Care Center plays in supporting military families after he received an emergency communication message while stationed in Germany. His commander let him go home to be with his family. “Every case that we’re able to help somebody, it always makes me feel good,” he said.
She was pleased to learn how the Hero Care Center supports military families, especially as someone whose spouse has deployed overseas. “It’s very rewarding because at the end of the day, you’ve done something good. You’re helping somebody. So, that’s my favorite part,” Haley said. “And I love who I work with. We’ve got a great team.” Haley says she wants military families to know that the Hero Care Center is there for them, 24 hours a day.
Carmen Hernández helps military families in times of emergency as a volunteer Hero Care caseworker with the American Red Cross Puerto Rico Chapter (Cruz Roja Americana Capítulo de Puerto Rico). For her, this volunteer work with Service to the Armed Forces is personal as she once received a Red Cross emergency communication message while stationed in Germany.
“Toda esta experiencia… me ha dado la oportunidad de entender a los familiares en las llamadas y tener la empatía para ayudar a otros.” (Translation: “All this experience… has given me the opportunity to understand family members on calls and have the empathy to help others.”)
Ciana Naputi comes from a military family and works in the American Red Cross Hero Care Center at Fort Sill, helping verify emergencies so that service members may get permission to return home during difficult times. “My family’s had to use it for my grandparents back in Guam. My dad’s had to use it for my mom, who passed away over 10 years ago,” Ciana said. “You probably haven’t seen your service member in, like, four or five years. So, to have them home at that time of need, I know that’s a great feeling.”
Do you have strong listening skills and the ability to work with culturally diverse populations? You can help support military families during emergency situations by becoming a Hero Care Network volunteer.
The American Red Cross delivers verified messages to deployed service members during emergencies at home.
The American Red Cross works in partnership with military aid societies to provide quality, reliable financial assistance to eligible applicants 24/7/365.
The Red Cross proudly offers comprehensive and tailored support to the entire military community overseas.
Your gift will help ensure that those who serve our country have our unwavering support.
Access vital emergency and non-emergency resources for military members, veterans and military families.
Contact your local Red Cross chapter to see what services are available in your area.