ARPC officials conduct annual muster

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  • By Mike Molina
  • Editor
DENVER --  More than 120 men and women gathered at the Air Reserve Personnel Center here as part of the Individual Ready Reserve muster program July 17.

The program is mandated by law and requires the Air Force to connect with some of the more than 47,000 Airmen who have served and still have a military service obligation but are no longer participating.

"We're not here to mobilize you," said Brig. Gen. Kevin Pottinger, ARPC commander, as he welcomed the group. "There's a requirement that once a year we get in touch with you, in case we had to use you."

Muster participants get their records updated, receive a basic medical screening and hear about the benefits they are still eligible for.

"Many of them don't know that they can get an identification card," said Master Sgt. Stephanie Carter from ARPC's Personnel Readiness Division. "They hear about everything from veterans and education benefits to shopping at the commissary."
 
The muster is also an opportunity for Air Force Reserve recruiters to give their pitch. 

"What I'm trying to do is let you know what the military is offering now," General Pottinger said. "If you want to come back in, we can make it happen."

Tech. Sgt. Dominique Ortiz, Air Force Reserve recruiter, told the group about part-time opportunities as a drilling reservist, and Master Sgt. Jason Payne, lead Air Reserve Technician recruiter for the southwest, briefed the audience about full-time ART opportunities.

"Some of you are just about at the top of that escalator," Sergeant Payne said. "I believe the Air Force Reserve is the help you may need to get to the top."

After attending the muster, Daniel Lent agreed -- it might be time for him to re-enlist. 

The 33-year old husband and father of two served 11 years on active duty with Air Force security forces. Mr. Lent works full-time for a private contract security firm at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, and is a full-time student at Colorado University. 

"I work from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., then I go to school all day," Mr. Lent said. "The benefits that the (Air Force) Reserve is offering are much more enticing than what I'm getting now."

After getting out of the Air Force in 2007, Mr. Lent said he's also lost touch with many of his Air Force colleagues. 

"I miss the camaraderie, and I miss the job," he said.
 
Pam Gabarron of Brighton said she also misses the Air Force.

The 38-year old special education teacher served five years on active duty before transferring to the Reserve. In 2005, she said she stopped participating, but is considering a return. 

"This is my second year coming to the muster," Ms. Gabarron said. "This is good information. You can hear what's current, and what's changed; and it's good to hear what your options are."

The muster at ARPC will be the only one here this year, but ARPC officials also manage and will assist with 13 musters at Air Force bases nationwide in 2009.