CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Every week an Airman or his dependent comes into my office with a problem related to a service their dependents have received on base at the clinic, services facility, Base Exchange or commissary. Usually these issues are easy to resolve, but if the Airman is deployed and it is their dependent we are helping it can be a real challenge. Often the problem is the result of the Airman not ensuring that his family's information is up to date.
First, every Airman should go to the new Force Support Center in the Military Personnel Flight and check their Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System information to ensure your dependents are enrolled properly.
Second, check your dependents' TRICARE status. You may find out they are enrolled in the wrong region or in the wrong plan. Yes, the clinic will take care of your family even if you are deployed, but your spouse will have to go to the TRICARE office to work out the details and this is a hassle that they don't need when you are not around.
Third, check your dependents' ID card expiration dates. If you are deployed or on temporary duty when your dependents' identification card expires it is a real challenge for them to get a new ID card. Without a current ID card there is not much they can do on the base if they can get on.
Fourth, everyone should make sure your Family Care Plan {AF Form 357} is up to date including your powers of attorney. I've found that it is helpful information for the squadron to have if your spouse becomes ill and we need a place for your children until your spouse is well enough to take care of them again.
Fifth, if you have children in the base day care center make sure that your contact numbers are up to date and ensure that they have the right squadron listed. In fact, add your First Sergeant's number as the last person to contact if no one else can be contacted.
Sixth, make sure your virtual record of emergency data is up-to-date, so if something does happen to you, your family can be contacted without delay. These are just a few things that come to mind when I think of taking care of my family. Without having these things up to date it is very hard for the Air Force to take care of your family regardless if your deployed or not.
As I do my job I often find that it is the Airman's vigilance and not the Air Force that lets the families down. So, as we go through this next deployment rotation let's make a real effort to take care of our families by taking the time to ensure that the Air Force has the necessary information to take care of you and your family.