Service to Armed Forces (SAF)

The Service to Armed Forces (SAF) division of the American Red Cross is chartered by Congress to provide assistance to members of the military. The mission is "to support and supplement those activities of the military that affect the health, welfare and morale of services members and their families". Recently reorganized at the national level, the SAF program, formerly known as AFES (Armed Forces Emergency Services), is rededicating itself to provide support to military service men and women and their families. The SAF group will provide emergency communications such as birth/death/emergency welfare checks, financial assistance to military families, counseling, the "Get to Know Us Before You Need Us" program and other support actvities to military families.

The Clark County SAF team has 6 members that handle 24-hour per day response to emergency communication
needs of Clark & Washington counties in Indiana. "We are very proud of our SAF team," states Chapter Executive Director Phyllis Wilkins. "These volunteers provide an essential service to our military families and we are fortunate to have a wonderful, totally volunteer staff that is dedicated to providing top-notch assistance to our military."

If you are interested in becoming a part of the Clark County SAF team, please contact the Chapter for more
information.

People interested in learning more about the Service to Armed Forces programs and the new programs should contact the Clark County Red Cross at 812-283-8416 or ccrc.wilkinsp@insightbb.com.

Suggestion for Helping Our Military Men/Women and Their Families

Financial Donations
Your community members may make a financial donation to the American Red Cross Armed Forces Emergency Services or to your chapter to support outreach to active duty military service members, Reservists, National Guardsmen and their families.

Support Families at Home
Your chapter can channel the public's generosity into support for military families at home, providing gift cards, movie passes and other items to help ease the strain of long separation.

Donate Blood
Encourage all eligible donors to give blood as often as possible since blood is a perishable resource and must be replenished through regular donation. It has to be available, on the shelves, when and where it's needed in anticipation of patient need. To be eligible to donate blood you must be at least 17 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good health and able to pass a general health questionnaire.

Encourage New Volunteers
Encourage members of your community to visit Veterans Administration Hospitals and nursing homes or coach children's sports teams, feed the homeless or volunteer for other community outreach programs. Many military service members who normally perform these activities are on deployment and there is no one to take their place.

Contact the Clark County Red Cross to find out where YOU can fit into the equation!

812-283-8416 or 800-850-8894