Provides financial assistance in a critical time of need, the American Red Cross has been helping families with life-changing events since the late 1800’s. If you experience a death, emergency illness, critical accident, or birth of a new child, the Red Cross can be there to offer support and assist in contacting active duty military if needed. Your unit commander will then decide if leave needs to be granted for the marine to return home. The Red Cross can also offer financial assistance if needed.