Need to know what to do

[Marilyn]

…My twin sister passed away on July 20. My son was out to sea. I called the red cross to see if they would let him know or if he could come home for the funeral. Red cross said that since he is not her immediate family, that ther was nothing they could do. Is this true. Could he had came home for the funeral.

[judy r]

Yes this is true,,,sadly an aunt is not considered immediate family...in fact Grandparents are not either. The Red Cross is great about getting service people home when they can...so if you need them in the future do not wait to call. Remeber to keep your son's SS # handy along with the name of his ship or his duty station this speeds things up. My sympathy to you and your family.

[Dianne]

Yes, sorry, my son tells me it's true. An Aunt is not immediate family.

[fly 2]

Yes this is true. Very sad to hear this. It is only family that our get to come home. My sympathy to you and your family..

[dawn]

I am so sorry for your loss. I think maybe what you were told is true. My daughter recently left for deployment. At the time of her departure, my mother was very ill. We talked about how I should notify her if something happened. She told me they would let her know, but that I shouldn't be optimistic about her coming to the service because she probably wouldn't be allowed to come home.

[1 son + 1 daughter = 2 for Navy]

This is very frustrating for you I'm sure. Since my own sister gave birth to twins some 12 years ago I have come to understand the difference between siblings and twins. Twins are so much closer than siblings. Your lose must be very personal to you and quite possible to your son also. I can easily see the comfort it would have been to have your son by your side at this time. So I want to thank you for the sacrifice you personally made on this occasion, for the greater good of our country. Continue to stand strong, I'm behind you. two4Navy

[T's mom]

so sorry for your loss first of all.Second yes its true.My ex mother in law passed away last year.My son grand mother and they wouldn't let him come home.They were so close.Hes her first grand kid and she spoiled him.
The red cross is wonderful and they will do everything they can to help.

[Ruth VH]

My son was just done with boot camp with my mother passed away. I contacted the Red Cross and they notified him for me. Since he was in the States and between BC and A-School, he was allowed to come home. I would think that the Red Cross would at least notify him for you but who am I to say? I'm sorry for your loss, Psalm 23.

[Paula]

So sorry to hear, my thoughts are with you & your family.

[Suzanne]

I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers are being offered for your twin sister and your entire family.

[Melissa T.]

An aunt is not immediate family so he won't be able to come home. I am very sorry for your loss and your family will be in my prayers.

[Valerie (Wes's Mom)]

Marilyn, I am so sorry for your loss. I just wanted to say that my son was in A school in March when we were notified that my mother would not survive for more than a day or 2. We called the Red Cross to notify him. He spoke with his chief and the chaplain and they sent him home. He made it 1/2 hour before she passed away. It doesn't sound like this is normal from what I am reading, but I was truly grateful. My heart and prayers go out to you, being a twin also, I know how hard this must be for you.

Valerie