Time to Muster Published April 27, 2010 By Master Sgt. Randy Mallard 17th Training Wing Public Affairs GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- After four years in the Air Force you're finally getting out and you think you're done completely with the military. Wait one minute. You still have a four year commitment to the Individual Ready Reserve and you have to attend an annual Muster. About 40 IRR members met their annual Muster obligation on Goodfellow April 23 as they rallied at the Event Center. IRR members are required to Muster once a year not only to make sure their personal information is up to date, but it's an opportunity for them to receive information on IRR benefits that many don't know they still have. "Conducting a muster allows us to reach out and touch our IRR population," said Master Sgt. Stephanie Carter, Superintendent of Career Development. "It also provides an opportunity for members to update their records and to receive briefings on benefits they are eligible for while assigned to the IRR." The IRR members at this Muster received briefings from the Veterans Administration. Jill Johansen from the VA and several other VA representatives came from the VA hospital in Big Spring, Texas, to provide the latest information on the benefits that IRR members are entitled. The success of the Muster was evident as Sergeant Carter said that some members weren't even aware they had medical benefits still available to them through the VA. Air Force Reserve recruiters were also on hand at the Muster. The Goodfellow In Service Reserve Recruiter, Master Sgt. Dean Fitzpatrick, briefed the attendees on the Air Force Reserve and the benefits of joining. He said he wanted those attending to know what the Reserves do and what it had to offer both on the job and the benefits the Reserve offers. After the briefings, everyone had a chance to speak to the VA representatives and Recruiters. The Muster concluded with the IRR members processing through a medical screening. "Our Muster was a huge success," stated Sergeant Carter. "The process went very smooth and we received numerous positive comments."
