GNY Service to the Armed Forces

Greater New York

Service to the Armed Forces

Serving the military for more than 140 years, the American Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces program provides critical services supporting US military members, their families, and veterans of military service.

VIDEO: Why Work for Service to the Armed Forces
This informative and heartwarming video tells the story of our SAF mobile staff and their important mission in Eastern Europe. We explore why this role matters and what it takes to deploy with the American Red Cross in this capacity.

VIDEO: Red Cross Provides Comfort to Medically Wounded Service Members
This video shows the comfort and care we provide to medically wounded service members. We hear from volunteers and military personnel about why the Red Cross matters and the role of SAF in this critical mission.

Red Cross volunteer and military service member, wearing masks, sitting on park bench and talking to each other.

Red Cross Emergency Messages for Service Members

Support Available 24/7/365 for Service Members: The American Red Cross Hero Care Center is available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with two options for requesting assistance: online and by phone. Call 1-877-272-7337 to speak with a Red Cross Emergency Communications Specialist
Trusted by the DoD: When emergencies happen to military families, it’s often difficult to contact service members with timely information. This is especially true for service members who are deployed. The Red Cross is trusted by the DoD to handle these emergency calls and deliver emergency messages to the military commanders 24/7, all around the world.
How to Initiate a Request for Emergency Assistance: You can initiate a request for Red Cross emergency assistance for members of the military currently serving on active duty by using the online self-service tool. Using a computer, smart phone or tablet, you can start a request for services and track its progress from anywhere in the world. Or you can call the Red Cross Hero Care Center at 1-877-272-7337.
Other Red Cross Services: You can also initiate a request and access other Red Cross services via smart devices by downloading the Red Cross Hero Care App via the Apple App Store or from Google Play

A WWII veteran signs an American Red Cross flag at the Service to the Armed Forces tent on the National Mall.

Red Cross Critical Community Services

Confidential Services with Access to Local, State and National Resources: The American Red Cross offers confidential services to all veterans and their families by connecting them with local, state and national resources through our network of chapters in communities across the United States and offices on military installations worldwide.
Serving the Unique Needs of Veterans and Their Families: Local Red Cross offices develop and maintain relationships with key community partners. These vital services range from responding to emergency needs for food, clothing, and shelter, referrals to counseling services (e.g., financial, legal, jobs, mental health), information on veterans cemeteries and burial benefits, and other resources that meet the unique needs of local veterans and their families.
Military Aid Societies: The American Red Cross works in partnership with military aid societies to provide quality, reliable financial assistance to eligible applicants 24/7/365. Assistance can include funds for emergency travel, burial of a loved one, emergency food and shelter, etc.
Who is eligible?
- Call the American Red Cross Hero Care Center at 1-877-272-7337 (toll-free) if you are:
- An active-duty service member
- A member of an activated National Guard or Reserve unit
- An immediate family member of a service member in the above two categories
- A military retiree or spouse/widow(er) of a retiree
CONTACT: Veterans should contact the Hero Care Center at 1-877-272-7337 (toll-free) or email safgny@redcross.org

Red Cross volunteer and military service member shaking hands.

Resiliency Workshops

Dealing with the Stresses of Military Life: The American Red Cross is dedicated to supporting service members, veterans and their families to manage the stresses of military life. Whether you or a family member have recently entered the military or you are a long-time veteran, navigating the many transitions connected with military and veteran service can be hard. Reconnection Workshops aim to ease the stress that comes with these changes.
Improving Connections at Home, at Work, and within Communities: These free, confidential Red Cross programs offer effective ways to work through challenges, improve wellbeing and build skills through small-group discussion and hands-on activities. Workshops help improve connections at home, at work and within communities. We invite active-duty service members, members of the Reserves and National Guard, veterans and military families to participate. All Resiliency Workshops are free and offered in small groups by licensed mental health professionals.
Upcoming Workshops: Contact the Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces of Greater New York for upcoming workshop schedules and to sign-up – safgny@redcross.org

American Red Cross Greater New York Region