Emergency Communication Services

In keeping pace with the changing military, the American Red Cross Emergency Services uses the latest technology in computers and telecommunications to deliver around-the-clock emergency communication services to active duty military personnel and their families. When you call the Red Cross Three Rivers Chapter, a message can be sent anywhere in the world almost immediately. We provide emergency information for domestic service members, those on ships at sea, those located at embassies or service members stationed at isolated military units.

If you are an active military member or the spouse of an active member, you can receive assistance by directly calling the toll free, family emergency number. This number 1-877-272-7238. All others should call their local Red Cross chapter to initiate assistance and contact. You can find your closest chapter by going to Find Your Local Red Cross and entering your zip code in the box provided. The Three Rivers Chapter AFES representative can be reached by calling the chapter headquarters at 530-673-1460 or the Beale AFB station at 530-634-2078. There is a Red Cross representative in the office on Thursdays from 0900 hours to 1600 hours. Otherwise, you can leave a voice mail or call our headquarters office at the above number.  When you make the call, you should be prepared with the following information to facilitate appropriate action:

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

Emergency Financial Assistance

The Red Cross may coordinate financial assistance through military aid societies. This help can be either an interest-free loan or a grant, and can be for travel expenses when a personal or family crisis arises which requires the presence of the service member or their family. Financial aid may also be provided when there is a demonstrated need for funds for burial assistance or urgent health and welfare needs such as food and shelter. Information can be obtained by calling your base operator, local Red Cross or Red Cross base station. The Three Rivers Chapter AFES representative can be reached by calling the chapter headquarters at 530-673-1460 or the Beale AFB station at 530-634-2078. There is a Red Cross representative in the office on Thursdays from 0900 hours to 1600 hours. Otherwise, you can leave a voice mail or call our headquarters office at the above number.

Counseling

The American Red Cross offers confidential services to active military members, National Guard and Reserve personnel and members of their families. Counseling, guidance, information, referrals and other social services are available through our network of offices located on military installations and through chapters in local communities. The Red Cross Three Rivers Chapter military station is located in the Family Support Center on Beale AFB. This allows us easy access to support information. The number for the Family Support Center is 530-634-2063. The Red Cross military station number is 530-634-2078, or you can reach the Red Cross Three Rivers Chapter at 530-673-1460. There is a Red Cross representative in the office on Thursdays from 0900 hours to 1600 hours. Otherwise, you can leave a voice mail or call our headquarters office at the above number.

If a hardship exists within a service member's immediate family, which cannot be resolved by emergency leave, the Red Cross can counsel the family or service member regarding reassignment closer to home or provide information for requesting a hardship discharge. The Red Cross helps the service member understand the procedures and documentation needed. Final decisions on these requests are made by military authorities.

Services for Veterans

The American Red Cross provides assistance and information to veterans about the Department of Veterans Affairs. Red Cross workers assist veterans in the procedures for the preparation and development of documentation for obtaining evidence to support a claim for financial benefits through the Board of Veterans Appeals. The telephone number for the Yuba/Sutter Department of Veterans Affairs is 530-749-4967.

Also, through the Veterans Administration Volunteer Services, Red Cross volunteers ranging in age from teenagers to retirees provide a number of support services to patients in VA hospitals. Services provided by Red Cross volunteers may include physical rehabilitation, social work, general ward assistance, nursing, administration and information and library work. For further information and assistance, veterans and their families should contact their local Red Cross chapters. Red Cross chapters are listed in local telephone books and on the American Red Cross web site at Find Your Local Red Cross. Enter your zip code and your closest chapter will be located.

If you live in Western Nevada, Sierra, Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Plumas, Sutter or Yuba Counties, you can call (530) 673-1460.

There is more information about  AFES on the National American Red Cross site.