Wing hosts IRR Muster

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Katie Spencer
  • 459th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. --  The 459th Air Refueling Wing hosted an Individual Ready Reserve muster here, Aug. 11. The purpose of the event was to check the eligibility status of IRR members within 150 miles of the base and inform them of all their current Reserve benefits.

Musters serve as an opportunity for Inactive Reserve members to update their personnel and medical records, ensuring full readiness in case of a recall to duty.

Individuals were briefed on member entitlements, such as the Post 9/11 GI Bill, Reserve Tri-care benefits and Reserve service possibilities, such as: being a Traditional Reservist, Individual Mobilization Augmentee or Air Reserve Technician.

"The muster serves as a two-fold benefit," said Maj. Adria Hammond, commander, 459th Military Personnel Flight. "It helps the Reserve to keep a good pool of reservists ready in case of a recall, and the individuals can learn about benefits they might not be taking advantage of or know about."

118 individuals attended the muster and for six-year IRR member Stephen Shanks, the program served helpful for a possible future in the Reserve.

"This kind of event is important," said Shanks. "It gives me a chance to find out what positions are open for a possible re-enlistment and the benefits of being a Veteran."

The IRR muster is an annual event and the last time the 459 ARW hosted one was in 2011.