Month of the Military Child: Support for Military Kids Critical

With parents on the frontline of this pandemic, the Red Cross continues to provide virtual support for the entire U.S. military family

At the Red Cross, we know that support for military families develops strong, resilient military kids.

April 01, 2021

APRIL 1, 2021 - WASHINGTON, D.C. - Over the last year, families all over the world have been tested – emotionally and physically – by COVID-19. Frontline workers like our U.S. service members have not stopped throughout this pandemic and this service takes a toll on them as well as their kids. That’s why during this April’s Month of the Miltary Child, celebrating and supporting military children is more important than ever.

“All members of a military family serve, including military children who often experience frequent moves, multiple schools, parental separation and, in some cases, the loss of a parent,” said Emily Osment, Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces Communications Manager “At the American Red Cross, we know that support for military families as a whole helps develop strong, resilient military kids.”

Throughout this last year, U.S. military families have faced personal hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Military children across the country have experienced extended separation from parents due to extra long deployments, military spouses have lost their jobs resulting in financial insecurity, and entire families have been separated from their extended support systems even though life has not paused during the pandemic. In light of that, extra support has been needed to safeguard military kids and families from the added emotional, financial and physical stress felt by many.

Across the globe, U.S. military kids and parents can find a variety of resources through the Red Cross to get additional support:

Virtual mental wellness courses offered by mental health professionals are available for kids and parents to combat feelings of stress. A variety of courses are available to help military families connect during this difficult time, including tips for service members on how to smoothly reconnect with their children when they return from deployments and planning for how to manage extended periods of separation.
Families facing financial hardship can apply for financial assistance through the Red Cross in conjunction with the Military Aid Societies by calling the Red Cross Hero Care Network toll-free at 1-877-272-7337 or by contacting their local Red Cross or visiting
If a military child or spouse experiences an emergency, they can send an emergency message to the deployed parent to alert them through our Red Cross Hero Care Network by calling toll-free at 1-877-272-7337 or by downloading and sending a message through the Red Cross Hero Care App.

Former military spouse and mom-of-two Melissa Allen shares, “I tear up every time I think about the Red Cross. Yes, I’m resourceful but I would have never been able to get all of the information I needed for my family. The Red Cross is the nucleus of knowledge for me - they always offer support.”

WHAT YOU CAN DO

If you are a military mom or dad seeking support for your family, we encourage you to connect with us by visiting our website at redcross.org or by calling your local Red Cross. You can also learn more by downloading the Red Cross Hero Care App, available for all devices.

If you would like to volunteer to help support military kids and parents in need, please visit redcross.org/volunteer to sign up.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.