Emergency Communications: The Red Cross keeps military personnel in touch with their families following the death or serious illness of a family member or the birth of a child or in response to other family emergencies. Counseling: The Red Cross offers counseling, information, referrals and other social services to military families. Emergency Financial Assistance: Financial assistance is provided to service members who have demonstrated need for funds for things such as emergency travel, burial assistance, or urgent health and welfare needs such as food or shelter. These funds are made available by the military aid societies.