(This was sent to all IMAs and PIRRs 16 Sep 2021. If you did not receive it in your personal email, please log in to the vMPF and make sure you have a good personal email in that system.)

RIO Buzz                                                                                                     Vol. 32

There is a lot going on for all of us here at HQ RIO and I’m sure for you as well.  Don’t forget to take a little time for yourself!  In the meantime, here’s the latest Buzz …

ALL RESERVISTS NEED TO BE VACCINATED FOR COVID-19 BY 2 DEC
Hopefully you’ve seen the message sent out earlier this week regarding Gen Scobee’s directive for all Air Force reservists to be vaccinated by 2 Dec.  The full message can be seen HERE. 
The guidance linked above contains the details about the date, the civilian option for you to receive your vaccine, options for exemption or refusal, and instructions for submitting paperwork to update your medical records.  We encourage you to be in status when you get the vaccine, either at an MTF or from a civilian provider.  A points-only IDT is a great way to be in status to receive your vaccine.  If you’ve not received your vaccine or haven’t sent the paperwork in to update your medical records, please do so as soon as possible.
 
SEVERE FUNDING ISSUES FOR FY22 EXPECTED TO CAUSE FURTHER SERVICE DELAYS
If you’ve submitted anything for pay or travel reimbursement in the last couple of months, you’ve likely noticed it is taking longer for your tickets to be processed.  Many of our technicians who process your submissions are not permanently assigned to HQ RIO; they’re on RPA orders.  As we move into FY22, the RPA funding picture is tough, to put it mildly.  It’s very possible that most of our RPA-funded technicians will not have orders come 1 Oct.  Should that happen, you can unfortunately expect your wait times for pay/travel reimbursement, medical case processing and orders requests to be longer than we would like.  We hope this doesn’t happen, but it is a very real possibility, and I want you to be aware so you can plan accordingly. 
There is hope that funding will flow after we get past the Continuing Resolution for the military budget.  If and when that happens, we will hire and train technicians as quickly as we can to get back on track.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO BETA TEST THE SYSTEM THAT WILL IMPROVE UTAPS?
HQ AFRC has partnered with Kessel Run to develop a new UTAPS interface that can be more accessible, easier to use, and mobile-friendly.  They are seeking Beta Testers to help refine the prototype before it is deployed to the field.  You can learn more HERE. If you’re interested, you can sign up HERE (this link won’t work on government networks).

NEW:  THE URC RECOGNITION PROGRAM
I am excited to announce the Unit Reserve Coordinator (URC) Recognition Program designed to recognize URCs that go above and beyond in their duties supporting you. 
URCs can be nominated by their supervisor, RIO Detachments and…YOU!  Nominations are a simple narrative (1-2 sentences) detailing the great work they’ve done supporting IRs during the award period.  We’ve made it easy to nominate those who are making it easy to serve.
Your servicing Detachment can provide the submission deadlines and other criteria.  You can also read more about the program HERE. 
 
Thanks for ALL you do!

v/r,
Col Amy Boehle, HQ RIO Commander