Response from CSM Deborah Collins

Tue, Jul 29, 2008 at 4:13 PM

Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Caveats: NONE

Mrs. Griffin: MG Wofford ask that I respond to you before close of business today on the INCAP situation for your husband, SSG Michael Griffin. The entire staff - 39th Read Detachment Commander and Staff, MEDCOM, CPT Lowery, our Full Time PA, Personnel Office and many more have been engaged in figuring out where we are and the steps we need to take to resolve this situation.

This is [sic] the actions pending in order to resolve the INCAP pay issue. Ms O'Connell is formally requesting a statement of your husbands lost civilian wages from Magnolia Healthcare center this afternoon. Ms O'Connell is also calling the Military Medical Support Office in Great Lakes, IL this afternoon to get authorization for a Doctor's visit with Dr. Daniels (Ortho). This may take a day or two. Your husband will need to visit Dr. Daniels to evaluate his current medical status on the right Soldier. The results of this visit will then be sent to MEDCOM (Medical Command) and to CPT Lowery for review/signature on the DA Form 7574-1 (Military Physician's Statement of Soldier's Incapacitation/Fitness For Duty). There is a requirement for a Military Physician's review and assessment. These documents will have to added to the Extension Packet that goes to National Guard Bureau. COL
McCarroll has contacted National Guard Bureau to see if we can get the extension of the INCAP expedited for approval.

Now having stated all these things, your husband should be hearing something concerning appointments, etc. before week's end.

Now, the next and probably more pressing issue at this time is the lack of receipt of pay for 3 months. I know you were referred to Operation Homefront, but you did not state if they provided you any assistance, but there is also another means. You can apply for assistance through the Arkansas Reserve Component Emergency Relief Fund. This issue can be tied to
mobilization/deployment, therefore making you eligible. I am attaching a web link to the application and description of the process. I am the POC for processing the application. Once we receive the application and supporting documentation (copies of bills) the application is generally processed in 24-48 Hours. If you have any questions about the process or anything else please do not hesitate to contact me. My numbers are listed below.
http://www.arguard.org/aarcerf.htm

This is an unfortunate situation and I regret that there is more than enough blame to pass around. But we know there is a problem now, and the staff has taken actions to put the resolution in motion. Unfortunately, it is just not a quick enough as some of us would prefer (including myself).


Deborah J. Collins
State Command Sergeant Major
Arkansas National Guard