There is no faster way to notify a soldier of an emergency (and have the notification result in action, like getting that soldier home) than by sending a ‘Red Cross Message.’ It cuts through the chain of command like a hot knife through butter.

Here’s how to do it (via the American Red Cross):

How to Contact the Red Cross for Assistance

The American Red Cross Emergency Communications Center is available to help 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Call (877) 272-7337 (toll-free) if you are currently, or if you are calling about:

• Anyone on active duty in the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force or Coast Guard
• An activated member of the Guard and Reserve of all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces
• An immediate family member or dependent of anyone in the above categories
• A civilian employed by or under contract to the Department of Defense and stationed outside the Continental United States and any family residing with them at that location
• A military retiree or the reiree’s spouse or widow(er)
• A Cadet or midshipman at a service academy; ROTC cadet on orders for training
• A Merchant Marine aboard a U.S. Naval Ship

When calling the Red Cross, be prepared to provide as much of the following information about the service member as is known:

• Full legal name
• Rank/rating
• Branch of service (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard)
• Social Security number
• Date of birth
• Military unit address
• Information about the deployed unit and home base unit (for deployed service members only)

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