In the event of an emergency, critical accident, illness or death in a service member's immediate family, you should alert your local Red Cross. The Acadiana Area Chapter of the American Red Cross is equipped to verify the situation and relay emergency leave request, if necessary, to the proper military authorities. It is then up to the commanding officer to decide whether or not to grant leave.

When a financial emergency arises in the home of a service member, the service member can apply for a no-interest loan or grant through Red Cross. These funds are made available by the military aid societies. They may be authorized for other emergencies as well and are disbursed on the basis of need. Referrals to specialized sources of help are also available to service members.