Contact information for key programs and services at this installation.
If you need emergency assistance, you can expect to get help from your installation, your branch of service resources. There are programs to support you in a variety of situations, including victim assistance, emergencies en route and service-specific relief societies. Below, you’ll find types of assistance, contact information, and detailed procedures and guidance to help you through any tough circumstances that you or your family may face.
The Air Force Aid Society (AFAS) provides interest-free loans and grants to active duty Air Force members and their families, Retired Air Force members, dependents of deceased Air Force members, as well as Air National Guard and Reserve personnel serving on extended active duty.
Assistance is given in situations such as:
All requests are considered on a case-by-case basis. Generally speaking, the AFAS does not provide financial assistance for custody disputes, paying of legal bills or court fees. These are special cases and must have HQ AFAS approval. To learn more about AFAS assistance, contact your Military and Family Readiness Center at DSN 314-238-3406 or After Hours: 877-272-7337. Applications for AFAS assistance are now made directly through the AFAS website. All emergency travel is now actioned via the American Red Cross. American Red Cross can only provide loans, and AFAS will review for conversion to a grant once all documentation is received.
AFAS emergency assistance after normal duty hours (after 5 p.m. on weekdays), on weekends and holidays is provided through the American Red Cross in the United States. Members can contact the American Red Cross at www.redcross.org or call 877-272-7337.
The assistance is limited to actual emergencies that cannot wait for normal duty hours. If additional funds for food, lodging, etc. are required along with airfare, these funds (if approved) will be sent via Western Union, where and when available, to the destination location. During duty hours Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. members requiring emergency financial assistance should contact the M&FRC at DSN 314-238-3406 or +11-44-(0)1638-54-3406.
The American Red Cross U.K. through its service to the Armed Forces branch provides support to members of the US Armed Forces, veterans, retirees, DoD civilians, and their families.
They ensure people:
Services Include:
Emergency Communication Messages (ECM): For emergencies of the Service Member (SM) in which a spouse, dependent, or immediate family member suffer from illness, injury, or death while the SM is OCONUS, TDY, or deployed. The SM will call the Red Cross to initiate an ECM to go on emergency leave.
Contact information:
Training Services: These training courses are blended learning with online and in-person training, and stay active for 2 years.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Before you leave make sure you have all important papers with you - not packed with your household goods (including pet records). Make sure you have important phone numbers (your new squadron commanders' support staff, transportation info, your sponsor, etc.). Your sponsor can be invaluable in case of an emergency while in transit.
The Military and Family Readiness Center serves its community as an information and referral agency. Please refer any questions to them at DSN 314-238-3406, or commercial 011-44-1638-54-3406.
If you have tried to make contact with your sponsor, supervisor and first sergeant without success, and you need urgent assistance, please call Command Post at 01638 542121 (within the UK), or 011-44-16-3854-2121 from outside the UK. They are available 24 hours a day and will contact your sponsor or first sergeant for you anytime, night or day.
If you have missed your planned transportation after arrival in the U.K. (perhaps due to your flight being delayed), then please call Outdoor Recreation at 01638 544283, or RAF Lakenheath Outdoor Recreation at 01638 522146 (during duty hours), or one of the taxi companies authorized to access the base for assistance. Expect at least a 2-hour wait for transportation from the Lakenheath/Mildenhall area to pick you up at Heathrow airport. *Disclaimer: Any companies listed are suggestions only, and not federally endorsed by the DOD:
Salvation Army
No Salvation Army is available in the area; however, there are charity shops on base and in the local area for discounted items.
Emergency Phone Numbers
It is important to note that the emergency phone number for off base is 999. If calling for RAF Mildenhall emergency services call 01638 547999 from your cell phone. For RAF Lakenheath emergency services call 01638 527911.
Release 2024.03.06.1