The American Red Cross

The Red Cross is uniquely equipped to provide an exclusive worldwide communications and support network that serves as a lifeline between military servicemembers and their families. For the American soldier and his/her family, the Red Cross is the connection to home. It will relay urgent family information such as a family crisis, a death in the family, a financial emergency, or the birth of a child.

The Armed Forces Emergency Services (AFES) provides military personnel and their commanders with fast, reliable information to help them make decisions regarding a family crisis. Contact your local Red Cross representative to send an emergency message to a soldier.

Legal Matters

I will never surrender of my own free will. If in command, I will never surrender the members of my command while they still have the means to resist.

Your Will

A will is a legal document that tells how you want your property divided after your death. If you die "in testate" (without a will), the probate court of the state will decide how to divide your assets. A will allows you to determine how you want to divide your property. Your legal assistance office can help you create a will or make sure that your existing will meets legal standards. Keep a copy of your will with you, and secure the original in a safe place.

Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI)

Army National Guard members are eligible for $250,000 of life insurance coverage automatically for a reasonable monthly fee. You have the right to choose your beneficiary or beneficiaries. If you want to refuse or reduce these benefits, you must put it in writing. You can use SGLI as the base for your total life insurance planning, depending on your family’s need.

Power Of Attorney (POA)

A POA is a document that allows the person whom you designate as the legal authority to act on your behalf when you are not able to act yourself. For example, if you are away at training and a medical decision must be made to save your child, the person given power of attorney can make the decision for you. You should choose someone you trust completely to make decisions as you would. There are three main types of POA: General––the person you name can act in all matters. Limited––the person you name can act only on specific matters. Medical––the person you name can act only to get medical treatment for family members who are under 18.

Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA)

This Act legally protects your civilian job while you are on duty or training with the Army National Guard. Take the time to discuss the possibilities of mobilization with your civilian employer as far in advance as possible. Coordinate with your employer for completion of an Agreement of Restoration, which is a document that states your employer will rehire you after mobilization. The Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Act This Act does not relieve Army National Guard members from civil obligations, but it does protect them from legal action during active duty such as mobilization or deployment.

The Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Act

This Act does not relieve Army National Guard members from civil obligations, but it does protect them from legal action during active duty such as mobilization or deployment.