Assisting in times of need
PITTSBURGH IAP ARS -- The 911th Airlift Wing Casualty Assistance Office provides families with
benefits for Active Duty, Reservists and Guardsmen who die while in active
duty status. Martin W. Patterson, casualty assistance and survivor benefits
counselor, 911th Force Support Squadron, assists survivors and families in a
five state radius with applications for Veterans Affairs Benefits, ensuring
all entitlements are paid as well as remain in constant contact with the
next-of-kin to provide continuing care. Patterson regularly travels to other
installations to conduct training on general casualty assistance awareness
and provides information to members and their spouses at Yellow Ribbon
events, which are held before and after deployments. (U.S. Air Force photo
by Airman 1st Class Justyne Obeldobel/Released)