Dear editor:
   People often wonder how they can support our country’s military members and families. What they may not realize is that the American Red Cross has been providing services to the U.S. Armed Forces for more than 125 years—and that communities around the country make this possible by lending their time and financial support. 
   Through its worldwide network of chapters and offices on military installations, the American Red Cross:

• Provides critical emergency communications between deployed service members and their families

• Facilitates access to financial assistance 

• Serves in military and veterans hospitals 

• Provides information and referrals to other social services

    In all, the Red Cross provides services to 1.4 million active duty military personnel and their families, and reaches out to more than 1.2 million members of the National Guard and Reserves and their families living in nearly every community in America. 
   I want to encourage military families to contact us and take advantage of Red Cross programs and services—and for those who would like to support our service members, they can find out more about volunteering or giving a financial gift by calling the local American Red Cross at 913-321-6314.

Sincerely,
Jason Williby
American Red Cross