(This was sent to all IMAs and PIRRs 7 April 2020.  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. 5
 
I want to kick this off by telling you HOW MUCH we at HQ RIO marvel at what you bring to the fight.  During this critical time I am extremely grateful to be in a position to serve great Citizen Airmen like you.  We are working hard for you, we are here for you, and we appreciate you.  Now, the buzz…
 
BE IN TOUCH WITH YOUR SUPERVISOR
As you can imagine, the Air Force is closely tracking the health of its people.  I sent this letter to all commanders and supervisors of our IRs reminding them to check in with you, but it’s never a bad idea for you to initiate that contact as well.  You do not need to be in status to contact your unit, connect with the resources you need or offer your assistance.  It is mandatory for you to notify your unit of assignment if you test positive for COVID-19.  It does not matter if you are in a duty status or non-duty status.  You are highly encourage to report if your dependents test positive as well.  Also, remember that any new COVID-19 related guidance is posted on our IR COVID-19 Update page, including information regarding the possibility of mobilizations and how to volunteer if you’d like to help.

PROTECT YOUR HOME COMPUTERS FROM VIRUSES
This is especially important now since so many of us are telecommuting for our civilian and military jobs.  The Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) has made available McAfee Antivirus software for your personal computer for FREE.  This is a great benefit, so take advantage of it!

BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR A MYPERS MESSAGE ABOUT BAH RECERTIFICATION
When you go on orders, you not only earn your base pay but you are also entitled to BAH and BAS.  Your BAH rate is determined by your home address and your status (with or without dependents).  By regulation you are required to validate your information every three years, and 2020 is the year for HQ RIO.  At some point during the year, you’ll receive an email prompting you to recertify your information for your BAH rate.  It’s really important that you read about the recertification so you know when to expect the notification, what you need to do, and what happens if you fail to do it.  Unfortunately, if you do not complete the recertification this year you will lose that benefit and retroactive payments are NOT allowed. 

LET'S END THE BUZZ ON A POSITIVE NOTE -- CONGRATS TO OUR IR OF THE YEAR WINNERS!
The winners for Individual Reservist of the Year were recently announced.  My hearty congratulations to these amazing Airmen.  Click HERE to see the release and the names and units of the award winners.  I’m honored to serve with such great people!
 
That’s the buzz for now.  Thanks for ALL you do!

v/r,
Col Amy Boehle, HQ RIO Commander