RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
Nobody can predict the twists and turns that life can take, but with a little bit of preparation Airmen can make the best of any situation.
The Air Force Personnel Center has designated March as Personnel Records Readiness Month. Military members should use this opportunity to review such items as their virtual record of emergency data, or vRed, and personal information in the Virtual Military Personnel Flight.
The commander of AFPC, Maj. Gen. Anthony Przybyslawski, said every Airman needs to take charge when it comes to their records and they need to inform someone when there are errors.
"Things change in our lives and we need to make sure the Air Force is aware of those changes," he said. "Everyone has a personal responsibility to make sure their records are complete, accurate and up-to-date."
If tragedy strikes, having your records in good shape is one less heartache in what can be a turbulent time.
The general spoke of one military member who was injured while serving in Iraq. The Airman had not updated his virtual record of emergency data to reflect that he no longer wanted his mother notified in case of an emergency. She was in bad health and he didn't want to tax her health with stressful news. Thankfully, the Airman was conscious after his injury and was able to prevent officials from contacting her.
While updating emergency data is important, updating records of every kind is just as key. For example, the general said nearly every promotion cycle there are people missing items in their records that could help them get promoted.
General Przybyslawski said most records can be checked and fixed online and that AFPC is constantly looking for ways to improve the process. He said the emphasis of maintaining records is an example of the military family watching out for each other.
For more information on records readiness contact the MPF records section at 963-3942.