Outdated emergency data jeopardizes family benefits Published Jan. 13, 2010 By Angela Cutrer Keesler News staff KEESLER AFB, Ms. -- The virtual Record of Emergency Data is a service member's emergency contact information. Used by the military to notify next of kin, it designates beneficiaries for monetary benefits if the service member is captured, deemed missing or is interned. The form is mandatory for military members. "Air Force members should want to have peace of mind knowing that in the unfortunate incident of their death or incapacitation, the individuals they designate as beneficiaries are actually receiving compensation," said Murlene Jones, legal contact representative in Keesler's casualty office. "I would encourage all members to double check their vRED to ensure it is correct." All military members are required to update the form anytime there's a change of information. The form is maintained in each military service member's unit personnel records group and is accessible electronically through the virtual military personnel flight. It's the responsibility of the service member to update the form and ensure the information stays current. Service members jeopardize the future of their beneficiaries if they don't maintain current information, including the possibilities of delayed notification to next of kin and payment of benefits to wrong beneficiaries. In case of a service member's death officials at the casualty/survivor benefits office in Sablich Center can guide any surviving family members through the process if they're designated on the form. If they aren't, the office can't release any information. "This form is important because it designates beneficiaries if you become a casualty," said Daniel Ransom, recovery care coordinator, Air Force Recovery Care for Wounded, Ill and Injured program at Keesler. Mr. Ransom assists service members with nonclinical needs. Not keeping the form current can have catastrophic and needless consequences. "Since I took this position in August, there have been two specific incidents of service members' family members I have been assisting where it was found that the vRED was improperly filled out," said Mr. Ransom. "One of the issues was fixed relatively easily; however, the other involved an incapacitated service member who had failed to update the form, which, in turn, caused an enormous issue." For more information, call 376-8336 or 8335.