CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Recently, the Clarksville online news Web site http://www.clarksvilleonline.com ran a story about a military family member from Fort Campbell, Tenn., who reported two men, claiming to be casualty notification officers, visited her home and falsely notifed her that her deployed Soldier had been killed.
The impersonators were dressed in an Army green service dress uniform and civilian clergyman attire.
The family member did not allow the two men into her home and immediately contacted the family support section and the authorities on Fort. Campbell.
"Although this incident occurred on an Army post in Tennessee, this does not mean that something like this can't happen on Charleston AFB or in the surrounding area," said Special Agent Gil Rivera, Air Force Office of Special Investigations Detachment 310. "The fact that people are taking advantage of deployed military families is something to be aware of. Deploying service members should make sure their families know how the casualty assistance program works and how they would be notified in the event that something does happen."
Before a deployment, Airmen receive briefings by the 437th Force Support Squadron Airmen and Family Readiness Center to prepare them and their families for the deployment. The briefings have a two-fold purpose; they not only educate the deploying Airmen but they also provide insight for the family members about exactly what the A&FRC is and the services offered.
"One of the goals of the A&FRC is to educate deploying Airmen and their families about how the casualty program works and how they would be notified if something did happen," said Ms. Kathy Perry, 437 FSS casualty assistance representative. "The information is provided at the briefings and it's also provided with members of the Phoenix Spouses Program. This way, if something does happen, they are aware of exactly what to expect, how the team would be dressed and who would comprise the notification team."
In accordance with Air Force Instruction 36-3002, Casualty Services, the Air Force provides a dignified, compassionate and humane notification to family members and other persons as promptly as possible after a member is placed in a casualty status.
The casualty notification process begins when the Air Force Personnel Center in Randolph AFB, Texas, directs the closest Air Force base to the residence to handle the notification. If the family members reside on or near the home installation, then the member's wing, group, squadron commander or an appointed officer would handle the notification.
Ms. Perry said that the notification team will always be in a government vehicle and they will always be in their service dress uniforms. Additionally, she said that if there is ever any doubt on the identity of anyone appearing at their residence they should contact the A&FRC immediately.
The notification team is comprised of a field-grade officer, a medical representative capable of rendering medical assistance if needed, and a chaplain preferably of the same faith as that of the family, Ms. Perry said.
If an Airman or their family experience a similar situation, they should report the incident through their sponsors organization and AFOSI.
For more information on casualty notification procedures, contact your unit leadership, or the A&FRC at 963-6334.