Casualty assistance reps help next of kin after member's death Published March 26, 2012 By Jon Hanson Air Force Personnel, Services and Manpower Public Affairs JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas -- War movies often portray the ominous scene of military members, in full dress, approaching the home of a fallen member with the grave task of notifying the family. These scenes actually do occur and are the solemn responsibility of the casualty notification team, typically comprised of a commander, chaplain and medical personnel. Preparation and training are key to providing prompt, accurate and dignified notification at the same time giving efficient, thorough and compassionate assistance to the next of kin. The responsibility of ensuring the casualty notification team is prepared with the appropriate information belongs to the casualty assistance representative, or CAR. The CAR works the notification from the moment they get the call from Air Force Casualty Services at the Air Force Personnel Center until the family requests no further assistance. The CAR steps in after the notification team departs. The magnitude of this responsibility requires Airmen with unique skill sets. "My goal is to ensure CARs are trained and ready to provide our Airmen and their survivors the assistance they need when families are facing a life-changing event," said Susie Parson, chief of benefits and entitlements with Air Force Casualty Services. "This includes providing CARs a support network that can handle their unique issues. We are here for them, so they can focus on the needs of the family." Each primary CAR receives survivor benefit plan and casualty training. The training includes specifics on notification, reporting and assistance. A tough job Casualty assistance preparation requires more than just learning policies. CARs work in a very emotionally charged environment and have to maintain composure while allowing the family to grieve. All the while they must be able to manage their own emotions. "We train them to recognize the signs of grief and compassion fatigue," Parson said. "We want them to understand their personal limits and to engage with professionals who can help them, such as chaplains or life consultants at Airman and Family Readiness Centers." The Air Force Casualty Services Branch emphasizes the need to advocate networking between casualty assistance representatives. The networking allows the CARs to share experiences and better improve their program as well as talk about a difficult case or situation in a "safe" environment. "I tell each of them they need to make sure they take care of themselves," Parson said. "For them to not take things personally and internalize; most of all to ask for help when they need it." Member preparation CARs have the tremendous responsibility for assisting the Air Force family. That care and assistance actually begins with the Airmen themselves, by ensuring their personal data is current. "Review your vRED (virtual Record of Emergency Data) and SGLI (Servicemembers Group Life Insurance) and ensure you understand the important designations you are making," Parson said. "If you don't understand, see your CAR and they will explain these very important choices you are making." There are things everyone can take care of now. Talk to your spouse or parents about topics such as "Do you have a will? Where is it? Do you prefer burial or cremation and where would you prefer to be buried? "Then talk to your family and advise them of your decisions. Let them know where you keep important documents such as wills, trusts and deeds," she said. "Discuss disposition of remains and address your wishes. This will help avoid unnecessary strife, delays and possible litigation and undue hardship for your family." For additional information visit the Air Force Casualty Services Web page at http://www.afpc.af.mil/library/casualty.asp. For other personnel issues go the Air Force Personnel Services website at https://gum-crm.csd.disa.mil.