RCC here to help

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Magen M. Reeves
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  For Jean Irvin, Malmstrom's recovery care coordinator with the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program, taking care of service members who have become ill, injured or wounded during their time in service is her calling.

"I work with service members who have become very seriously ill, injured or wounded, and are going through a medical evaluation board," said Irvin.

In the Air Force, taking care of those who serve and their families is a critical priority to sustaining mission success on a national level. 

Malmstrom offers numerous services to Airmen and dependents both past and present, from granting retirees base access to the commissary, to educating and providing guidance to service members who are going through difficult times in their career.

Irvin works with service members and their families before, during and after a member goes through a medical board separation and returns to the civilian sector.

"They are with us for life," said Irvin. "We are always going to take care of them and help them in the future."

Irvin, along with many members of Team Malmstrom, make it their mission to ensure that service members are taken care of.

Irvin works as the middleman between the service member and their families, and Malmstrom's command section and leadership team. This relationship is important, as it enables support organizations and base leadership to work together to stabilize Airmen, support them, and in some cases, even save their lives.

"We meet with commanders once a week and talk about active cases that we have," said Irvin. "I will contact the commander if anything needs addressing."

According to Irvin, if Malmstrom didn't have support programs for Airmen in need, the service members could potentially suffer.

"If you didn't have these programs service members would be less knowledgeable on separations because they are on their own," said Irvin. "Airmen could get out and be on the street jobless. We don't want homeless vets. We help line them up with a job, educate them and help them pay for college."

Ensuring that service members have all that they need to be successful after they are discharged is just a small part of the taking care of Airmen and families concept at Malmstrom.

"We ensure that we aren't missing a beat," said Irvin.