Emergency Communications Services call 1-800-696-3873

American Red Cross communication services keep military personnel in touch with their families following the death or serious illness of a family member, the birth of a child or in other family emergencies. The Red Cross sends messages quickly, anywhere in the world, including ships at sea, embassies and isolated military units. In 1999 the American Red Cross provided emergency communication services to more than 475,000 military personnel and their families.

Active duty service members stationed in the United States, and their immediate family members, can call the Armed Forces Emergency Service Center for help seven days a week, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The toll-free telephone number is available through base/installation operators and from local on-base Red Cross stations. Other family members, members of the National Guard and Reserves, retirees and civilians should request emergency services through their local Red Cross chapter. Red Cross chapters are listed in local telephone books and on the American Red Cross web site at /where/where.html.

The American Red Cross also provides 24-hour emergency communication services to military personnel overseas. Overseas personnel stationed at military installations can access Red Cross services by calling base/installation operators or on-base Red Cross stations. Red Cross Armed Forces Emergency Services workers are also sent to areas of conflict when military personnel are deployed.

When calling the Red Cross dial 1-800-696-3873 to send an emergency message to a family member, please have the following information ready:

* Service Member's Full Name
* Rank/Rating
* Branch of Service
* Social Security Number
* Military Address Where Deployed
* Home Base Unit

Our Troops Love Their Girl Scout Cookies

"Gifts from the Home front" is a safe alternative to traditional care packages that place unnecessary strain on the military mail system or jeopardize security. The certificates can be used for merchandise already stocked at any Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) facility around the world, including more than 50 stores throughout central and southwest Asia.

Gifts from the Home front" certificates can be purchased by friends and families or groups, designated to be distributed by the Red Cross and addressed to "any service member." To order the certificates, visit www.aafes.com or call 1-877-770-4438.

Send free postcards of support to U.S. troops

This holiday season and throughout the year, you can send your thoughts of appreciation to U.S. soldiers through www.LetsSayThanks.com. This website, sponsored by Xerox Corporation, allows people across our country to write a personalized message on colorful postcards that have been drawn by kids. The postcards are printed and mailed to deployed forces in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere by www.Give2theTroops.org. How amazing it would be if everyone sent one!