Do You Know AFES?

When people hear the American Red Cross mentioned many images and ideas pop into their head such as disasters and volunteering.  One less common image but very important department is the Armed Forces Emergency Services (AFES).  The Bluegrass Area Chapter AFES provides a variety of services to current Active Duty, Reserve and National Guard military personnel and veterans. For military families, AFES sends verified messages each day dealing with births, serious illness, and deaths of close family members to military units around the world. In addition, they facilitate emergency financial assistance by working with military relief agencies. The Bluegrass Area Chapter is very fortunate to have a professional staff member supervising a cadre of volunteer caseworkers who help provide these services 24 hours a day seven days a week.  To further serve local military families, the chapter hosts a monthly meeting called “Get to Know Us Before You Need Us” which meets the first Sunday of every month.  For both military personnel and veterans, the Bluegrass Area Chapter is always available to provide comprehensive referral services to serve their needs and those of their families.

During this last year the Bluegrass Chapter AFES:

• Assisted with 516 military cases. 
• Transmitted 442 emergency messages between active duty service members and their families.

      Out of those messages:

-         40% are for serious illness

-         35% are for death of a close relative

-         25% are in categories such as birth, financial assistance, etc. 

• Provided over $7,900 in financial assistance to nine clients.
• Presented information about Red Cross services through the Get to Know Us Before You Need Us program to 535 military personnel & family members.

Now that you know a little about AFES the next time someone mentions the American Red Cross maybe an additional image will pop into your head.

If you would like more information about the American Red Cross Bluegrass Chapter contact them at (859) 253-1331 or toll free at 1-877-450-5018.