The American Red Cross is a direct line between families and their loved ones who serve in the military.

The Red Cross cuts through the red tape which sometimes wraps around communication lines making it difficult to reach those who labor in the Armed Forces.

If a family member of a soldier has an emergency such as sickness, injury or death, and the soldier is serving in either another state or country, the Red Cross can be contacted and they-- the only verified organization accepted by the military-- then contact the commanding officer of the soldier notifying him/her that an emergency has occurred.

"It is then up to the military to clear the soldier for emergency leave," said Carol Head, director of Logan's local chapter.

Head says that sometimes a family just wants to find their loved one who is serving in the Armed Forces but has lost contact with them.

"We can put a trace on the soldier both nationally as well as internationally and find out where that particular soldier is," said Head, who also said that doesn't mean the family member can contact them. "There may be security issues surrounding that soldier and that is why they have been unable to contact their families."

Head said that can, however, let the family know that their loved one is doing fine, which is really what they wish to know.

The Red Cross sometimes even provides financial support to families of those serving in the Armed Forces. If for instance a soldier has died far from home and the family needs to go to where their loved one died but doesn't have funding to get there, the Red Cross pays for travel.

"We currently do not have that service here in Logan County," said Head, "but we would eventually like to see it become available."