By Ana Gonzalez, Communication & Marketing Volunteer

The Red Cross Service to Armed Forces (SAF) program helps members of the military and their families with emergency communications, emergency financial assistance, counseling service and referrals. 

One of the growing components of the chapter’s SAF program is the U.S. Dept. of Defense-sponsored Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program. This program is specific to Reserve and National Guard military members and their families providing information, referrals, and services.

Yellow Ribbon events prepare activated Reserves and National Guard servicemembers for predeployment, mobilization, and reintegration, while also providing support to the families when their loved ones are deployed. The program also assists in reintegrating soldiers with their families, communities and employers upon redeployment or release from active duty.

Eric Brubaker, program manager, Service to the Armed Forces, American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles, said the program is increasingly needed with the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

In the past six months, the Red Cross has promoted the program at two events, including a recent event that was held at the Westin Hotel in Los Angeles, with more than 200 attendees representing the service members and families of eight units.

The Yellow Ribbon program helps soldiers and families deal with the day-to-day, practical impacts of deployment on the household. The American Red Cross is proud to be an integral part of this program,

For more information about SAF or Yellow Ribbon, please contact Candice Dietz, program coordinator, Service to the Armed Forces at DietzC@arcla.org or call (310) 943-5289.