When war, upheaval, or natural disaster disrupts normal communication, the Red Cross springs into action, bringing hope and help to those whose world has spun out of control.

The tracing, message, and reunion services that the Red Cross provides for thousands of families separated by war each year are set forth in the Geneva Conventions—treaties signed by nearly all nations to set standards for humane treatment of people. In its Congressional Charter of 1905, the American Red Cross is also charged with assisting victims of international disaster. The American Red Cross understands that humanitarian assistance encompasses the emotional as well as the physical well-being of those affected by international conflict and disaster. When separated families lose contact, they feel worlds removed from one another and they suffer.
The Heartland Chapter Red Cross supports this unique and important aspect of the Red Cross mission and initiates international services through its Offutt Air Force Base Red Cross Office, (402) 294-5032.

The international social services of the Red Cross include:

Locating missing loved ones. The American Red Cross works with other national societies to trace family members in the midst of war, civil unrest, or disaster in other countries. Depending on the circumstances, searches may continue for months or even years and may end with the confirmed death of a relative. Yet, many who grieve also express relief at learning the fate of a loved one.

Exchanging family messages. When regular channels of communication are severed during war or catastrophe, Red Cross provides a conduit for separated family members to exchange messages. Sometimes the messages will originate with a recent immigrant or refugee in the community who has lost touch with his immediate family. Because of the Red Cross global network, civilians, prisoners of war, detainees, and their loved ones are less alone.

Making international disaster relief inquiries. When earthquakes, tsunamis, or other violent storms disrupt communications, families in the U.S. who are worried about the welfare of relatives in a disaster-stricken area can call the Red Cross. When the national Red Cross society of the affected country is able to accept inquiries, information will be channeled back through the local Red Cross.

Making health and welfare inquiries during peacetime. Even in peacetime, whenever normal communication is disrupted, Red Cross makes every effort to obtain information about the welfare of loved ones until normal communication is restored.

Securing ICRC travel documents. When people who are displaced, stateless, or refugees lack the necessary documents to resettle permanently in a country where they are welcome, the American Red Cross works with the ICRC to handle requests for appropriate travel documents.

Providing information and referral services. The Red Cross provides timely, helpful information on a broad range of other services, including requests for international health and welfare reports, family reunification and other international casework services, as well as referrals to other public and private agencies. The Heartland Chapter accepts requests for ICRC Certificates of Captivity, important documents used by former civilian detainees and prisoners of war to verify or substantiate their claims.

If you would like additional information about the international social services the Heartland Chapter offers this community, please call the Offutt Branch location of the Red Cross, 294-5032.

You may wish to learn how you can get involved with worldwide humanitarian projects such as raising funds to eradicate the spread of measles in Africa.
Thanks to dedicated volunteers, the humanitarian work of the Red Cross begins at home.

© Copyright 2005 The American Red Cross. All Rights Reserved.