Military Friends & Family American Red Cross

As a parent, sibling, grandparent, fiancé, extended family member or friend of a service member, you feel pride for your loved one’s call to serve. You may also have questions about your service member’s military experience. We have answers for you.

The Department of Defense and Military OneSource understand you are a source of strength in your service member’s support network. That’s why we are committed to helping you better understand military life, military culture and the resources available to your loved one.

Learn More About Military Life

The American Red Cross also offers helpful resources and services for military families, and can reach your deployed service member in case of emergency back home. As part of the extended military community, you can turn to resources from the Red Cross or Military OneSource anytime to connect to information and support.

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American Red Cross Support for Military Families

The American Red Cross offers important support to service members, veterans and their families. You'll find the Red Cross in hometowns across America, on military installations around the world and deployed with the armed forces in Afghanistan, Kuwait and Djibouti.

Career Coaching for Military Spouses

Being a military spouse has great rewards – and a few challenges. Frequent moves are a good example of both. It’s exciting to experience other parts of the country and the world. But it can be hard to sustain a career when you have to pack up and leave every few years.

Handling the Stress You Have About Your Service Member

You may feel pride that your child, grandchild, bother, sister, significant other or friend is serving our nation. At times, that may also cause you stress. Your concern can grow during deployments, trainings, relocations and other life events.

MilTax: Free Tax Return Filing Help for Your Service Member

If your service member has recently entered the military, you may now lose the ability to claim them as a dependent. On top of that, this may be the first time your loved one has ever had to file a tax return.

Beyond Military Pay: Your Service Member’s Robust Military Benefits Package

As a member of your service member’s support network, you may have heard the good news that both active-duty and reserve military personnel received a 3.1% military pay raise in 2020 – among the biggest in a decade. Beyond the salary bump, you’ll be glad to know that your loved one has several ways to be financially fit.

How to Support Your Service Member Before Deployment

Your service member has just told you that they’ve received “orders to mobilize” – that means they’ll soon be deployed. This is the moment they have trained for since they entered basic training: preparing to serve a greater mission wherever and whenever they are needed.

When A Son or Daughter Deploys

Parents can experience a wide range of emotions regarding their son or daughter’s service in the National Guard, from pride in their accomplishments to fear for their safety. It’s common to feel anxious, but supporting your son or daughter is the best way you can express your love and concern for their well-being. Below are some strategies to help you be the best parent you can be to your service member.

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A few of the ways we can help your service member:

Health and Wellness Coaching
Moving Services in the Military
Financial and Tax Consultation

Confidential Non-medical Counseling
Education Planning
Peer-to-Peer Support

Service members can also:

Speak with a consultant

800-342-9647

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Chat with a consultant

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Schedule an Online Consultation

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*Certain Military OneSource services are only available to service members and spouses. View more information on eligibility »

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24/7/365 Access to Support

In the United States, call 911 if you are in an emergency.

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Learn More About Military Life