Why the Red Cross serves the Men and Women of the Armed Forces

The American Red Cross, a voluntary health and welfare organization established in 1881, received its first congressional charter in June 1900 and was reincorporated by an act of Congress on January 5, 1905.  Two purposes of the organization relate to activities with the armed forces.  

As specified by the charter, these purposes are (1) "to furnish volunteer aid to the sick and wounded of the Armed Forces in times of war..." and (2) "to act in matters of voluntary relief and in accord with the military authorities as a medium of communication between the people of the United States of America and their Armed Forces..."

While these purposes are specific, the Red Cross is not limited to them.  Over the years, as changing situations have presented changing needs, the organization has expanded its activities.  Amendments to the Red Cross charter, new federal laws, and military directives have given the Red Cross the authority to expand its programs for the benefit of members of the armed forces and their families, both in peace and in war.

While the Red Cross receives a substantial amount of logistical support from the DOD and its branches, the organization is not funded by the federal government, but by voluntary donations to Untied Way and the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) and by direct contribution where federated fund raising does not exist. 

 Red Cross service to members of the armed forces is fully authorized by the Congress (through Public Law 131, 83rd Congress), by the Department of the Defense (through DOD Directive 1330.5), and by the various branches of the military establishment (through AR 930-5, AFR 211-11, and SECNAV Instr. 5760.1C).  As the basic authority and the implementing directives have been changed in the past to meet existing needs, so additional changes may be necessary in the future.  

The mission of the Red Cross with regard to the armed forces is to support and supplement those activities of the military that affect the health, welfare, and morale of service personnel, and their families.