Quality of Life Program On Hold for U.S. Service Members Overseas
News Release: November 27, 2002
Contact: Janice Osborne, Manager-Media & Community Affairs
(610) 865-4400, ext. 262
An overwhelming response and security concerns have prompted a temporary halt to the American Red Cross Quality of Life Program focused on providing items to U.S. service members overseas.
Nationwide, several thousand pounds of items including individually wrapped hard candies and cookies, coffee, tea, puzzle books and playing cards were donated to the Red Cross for distribution to military installations in Afghanistan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Kosovo and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
However, this tremendous outpouring has also caused the U.S. military to share concerns with the Red Cross regarding security issues.
“While the military greatly appreciates the items being sent to the Red Cross staff to distribute to members of the military in the deployment locations, they are concerned with the security and safety of some of the boxes being sent,” said Cordelia Miller, director of emergency services at the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley. “Because of these concerns effective immediately and until further notice, no additional items – including letters from school students or other organizations -- are being collected for shipment to the troops overseas.
“It’s unfortunate that we’re unable to reach out to our troops in our usual fashion, but we must put the safety of our troops first.”
Through the American Red Cross Armed Forces Emergency Services (AFES), the Red Cross provides reporting and communication services through a network which links members of the military any place in the world with their loved ones. Last year, the local Red Cross sent 288 emergency communications to military personnel across the country and around the world. In addition, the Red Cross helps military members and their families cope with separation and other special needs related to service in the armed forces. The local Red Cross provided counseling and referrals to 1,250 military individuals and families last year.
The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley serves more than 660,000 residents in Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties. Last year the Red Cross provided health and safety education training and emergency relief services to nearly 20,000 Greater Lehigh Valley residents.
