Marine Families Invited to I.R.R. Muster Screening in Phoenix, Ariz.

Photo By Lt.Cmdr. Amy Forsythe | VFW representatives were on hand at the Muster Screening in Phoenix, Jan. 23. MOBCOM and Veterans Administration partners teamed up to provide resources and information for recently separated Marines in the Phoenix area.  

PHOENIX, UNITED STATES

01.23.2010

Story by Staff Sgt. Amy Forsythe 

Marine Forces Reserve (MARFORRES)

More than 500 Marines and their family members attended a muster screening in Phoenix, Ariz., Jan. 23. Mobilization Command, based in Kansas City, Mo., is stepping up their efforts to reach out to Marines who have recently left active duty. This was the first muster screening where spouses and family members were invited.

"I didn't think there was going to be that many people here," said Edgar Bissonette, who recently left active duty and now works at the local sheriff's department. Bissonette, a 25-year-old from northern Arizona, drove about two hours to attend the muster. He knew he'd be getting muster orders in the mail because he was told during his transition briefs before leaving active duty. All attendees were compensated approximately $205 for attending the two-hour seminar.

MOBCOM conducts about 10 musters annually in major U.S. cities to ensure Marines are getting the most out of their veteran's benefits. On average, about 60 percent of the Marines who receive orders attend the regional seminars, according to Staff Sgt. Andrew Stevens, MOBCOM muster coordinator.

MOBCOM representatives are also there to conduct a medical and records screening for potential continued service should they be called back to active duty during their four-year tour in the Individual Ready Reserves.

MOBCOM has teamed up with various veteran advocate groups and regional businesses to offer information and resources to attendees. Representatives from the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Wounded Warrior Regiment, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserves and various other organizations were on hand to answer questions and assist IRR Marines with any issues they may be having since leaving active duty.

Many of the service members have returned to their hometowns and are now working or attending college in the local area. But just because they've left active duty, doesn't mean they have to go at it alone. A Navy medical team was on hand to conduct a Post-Deployment Health Re-assessment to update each member's medical status. Post-deployment health issues can surface long after service members leave active duty. The muster screenings can re-connect Marines with the appropriate resources they may have forgotten about since transitioning.

Veterans Affairs health benefits and G.I. Bill entitlements drew the majority of the questions from the audience ranging from eligibility requirements to how to enroll. Many of the spouses and family members are learning about these resources for the first time during the seminar. They can now establish contacts within their local area and build networks of support. Other VA partners who had booths set up at the Marriott Hotel near the Phoenix Airport included: Marine For Life, American Legion, State of Arizona Corrections and the local office for Troops to Teachers.

Continued military obligations and possible opportunities to serve in the U.S. Marine Reserves were also outlined in the two-hour seminar. When Marines leave active duty after their first four years, they have four years remaining time to be served in the IRR. MOBCOM's goal is to conduct enough muster screenings so that every Marine will receive orders to attend within the first 12-to-24 months after leaving active duty.
It's unlikely that any IRR Marines will be called back to active duty, but it is mandatory for the service member to provide MOBCOM updated contact information and any changes in their marital status or health conditions. However, muster screenings are vital to keeping the Marine Corps' total force ready for any contingency.

If you have any questions about your requirements or how to attend a muster screening, contact MOBCOM at [phone].

• Date Taken: 01.23.2010
• Date Posted: 02.04.2010 00:17
• Story ID: 44878
• Location: PHOENIX, US