National Disabilities Month: Talk to recovery care coordinator

  • Published
  • Submitted by Airman and Family Readiness Center staff
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  William Pryor, a contractor assigned to the 341st Force Support Squadron, is one of 96 Recovery Care Coordinators in the Department of Defense who help seriously ill, injured, or wounded service members and their families navigate through a complex system of medical care, benefits, and government and non-profit resources.Pryor also supports the families of the fallen.

In November 2008, the Department of Defense Office of Transition Policy and Care Coordination established the RCC Program. RCCs help guide service members through their recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration back to military duty or to the civilian community.

When recovering service members or family members come to him, he sit meets with them to discuss a plan. Whatever their goals are, he provides all the points of contacts to get those goals accomplished, and he tracks their progress. For example, he will find them a veteran's service organization to help file their VA claim. He'll make them an appointment at the Airman and Family Readiness Center for pre-separation or financial counseling, the Transition Assistance Program or whatever they need. He is there to assist in all aspects.

Since starting in July 2010, Pryor's work load has steadily climbed as the military community becomes more aware of the RCC Program and of the service it provides. He now averages two to three new clients a week.

The RCC program covers all service members, regardless of branch of service, status or rank.

RCCs are also available to assist the seriously sick, ill or injured; not just the wounded warrior. If you have a question -- any question - he is there to help.

"There are a multitude of resources available for sick, injure, and wounded service members and a variety of programs catered to the families of the fallen creating an avalanche of information, " Pryor said. "There is so much out there to help you, I don't want you to try and figure it out yourself. Let me do it for you. Come tell me what your needs are and we work through it together."

For more information, call Pryor at 731-4392.