Service to Armed Forces   Hundreds of emergency messages are transmitted via the Armed Forces Emergency Services each year. These messages are sent to strengthen the morale of the service members and their families as well as provide service members and the military authorities with information to make important decisions. These messages are sent when the family is unable to contact the service member or the nature of the emergency is such that the Red Cross is the fastest and most secure means of transmitting the message.   Photo courtesy of Getty Images  AFES Caseworkers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.   The Red Cross is able to send messages for:   Active duty members (Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines, & Coast Guard) Reservists or National Guard members Commissioned Corps of US Public Health Service Civilians employed by Department of Defense (stationed outside the U.S.) Merchant Marines (when activated)   Red Cross personnel Enrollees of the Job Corps National Civilian Community Corps members Immediate family members of the military, reservists/National Guard (to include father/mother, sister/brother, spouse, son/daughter, grandparent or person standing in loco parentis) Fiance(e) of service member  Because the Red Cross has a long history of working with service members and their families, AFES is often called upon for information, referrals, and access to financial assistance through the Military Aid Societies and Stark County Veterans Service Commission.  For more information about Armed Forces Emergency Services or to start a case, contact the Emergency Services office at (330) 453-0146.

American Red Cross Psychological First Aid Program to benefit Military Families   Melissa Seibert welcomes home a young soldier from deployment.    The American Red Cross Stark County Chapter unveiled a new Psychological First Aid Program for Military families beginning with the first class on Saturday, August 15, 2009. The course was held at the Stark County Red Cross office, 525 Market Ave., N, downtown Canton, offered, at no cost, for all local military families and veterans interested in developing skills to cope with the stages of deployment. The course consists of two portions, an adult module and an adult with children's module and is taught by Kim Kroh, an actively licensed and specially trained Red Cross mental health professional. The adult module portion of the course focuses on how to help family members, including parents and significant others, cope with deployment and the effects it may have on relationships. The children's portion of the course is for adults with children; focusing on how parents can help their children cope during deployments, homecomings and times of change. "It's all about understanding feelings and being able to provide help throughout all stages of the deployment process," said Melissa Seibert, Red Cross Military Outreach Manager. Involvement in the course has been encouraged by the military and has been promoted through groups such as the Blue Star Mothers, USO and Family Readiness Groups. Not only does the Psychological First Aid program provide military families with the training that they need to help themselves and others to cope with deployment, but the program also provides participants with other local resources through its comprehensive resource and referral section. Kim Kroh stresses the importance of this program and its benefits.   "It is not a support group but rather a training course that will teach people how they can help others," Kroh adds. "The main goal of this program is to provide military families with the skills that they need to help one another to build a strong support system." This program emerged from the needs that were voiced by military members and their families and has expanded across 17 states since its beginning in October 2008. The American Red Cross Stark County Chapter has built a strong program to meet the needs of the local military families. Additional classes will be scheduled as needed; there is a minimum of 8 participants per class. To participate in a future class, please contact Melissa Seibert at the Red Cross, 330-453-0146, ext. 103.  American Red Cross Stark County Chapter to Sponsor Active Military Family Support Group   Photo: Gayle A. Taylor, Support Group Leader (left) and Melissa Seibert, Facilitator (right) discuss upcoming plans for the new Stark County Red Cross Active Military Family Support Group. With many local families dealing with the stress and emotions that come along with the deployment of a loved one, the American Red Cross Stark County Chapter is sponsoring an Active Military Family Support Group. This service is available to families who have active members serving in any area of the Armed Forces. The Active Military Family Support Group provides a relaxed atmosphere where families can share stories and give support to one another while their loved one is away. We are currently in the process of developing such a group. If you are interested and would like more information on the support group please contact our Volunteer and Military Family Manager, Melissa Seibert at 330-453-0146 ext. 103. The 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7:00 PM.  Dates are: November 17, December 15, January 19, February 16, March 16, April 20 and May 17.