American Red Cross
Northern California Coastal Region
1663 Market St.
San Francisco, CA 94103
redcross.org/bayarea
Media Contact: Kathryn Hecht
Telephone: 707-291-9601
kathryn.hecht@redcross.org
With parents on the frontline of this pandemic, the Red Cross continues to provide virtual support for the entire U.S. military family
SAN FRANCISCO (Wednesday, April 14, 2021) — Over the last year, families all over the world have been tested – emotionally and physically – by COVID-19. Frontline workers like our U.S. service members have not stopped throughout this pandemic and this service takes a toll on them as well as their kids. That’s why during this April’s Month of the Miltary Child, celebrating and supporting military children is more important than ever.
“All members of a military family serve, including military children who often experience frequent moves, multiple schools, parental separation and, in some cases, the loss of a parent,” said Nikki Rowe, Service to the Armed Forces Regional Manager. “At the American Red Cross, we know that support for military families as a whole helps develops strong, resilient military kids.”
Throughout this last year, U.S. military families have faced personal hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Military children across the country have experienced extended separation from parents due to extra-long deployments, military spouses have lost their jobs resulting in financial insecurity, and whole families have been separated from their extended support systems even though life has not paused during the pandemic. In light of that, extra support has been needed to safeguard military kids and families from the added emotional, financial and physical stress felt by many.
Here in the greater Bay Area, military kids and parents can find a variety of resources through the Red Cross to get additional support:
Former military spouse and mother Penny Mount says, “My son was in the army in the 82nd Airborne on the east coast and had deployed overseas. My father passed away while he was deployed. But due to security, the base wasn’t forthcoming on his whereabouts. With one phone call, the Red Cross managed to find him, and he was home in two days.” Click here to read more of Penny's story.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
If you are a military mom or dad that is seeking support for your family, we encourage you to connect with us by visiting our website at redcross.org or by calling us at 1-877-272-7337. You can also learn more by downloading the Red Cross Hero Care App, available for all devices.
If you would like to volunteer to help support military kids and parents in need, please visit redcross.org/volunteer to sign up.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.