An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Homestead inactive reserve muster gathers veterans

  • Published
  • By Jake Shaw
  • 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla --  The 482nd Fighter Wing volunteered to conduct a muster here April 14, 2007, for 80 Individual Ready Reservists.

IRRs are mostly military personnel who no longer serve on active duty but have a military service obligation remaining. The IRR Muster Program ensures the Air Force can "reach out and touch" the IRR population when necessary.

Under a Title 10 mandate, the Air Force Reserve Personnel Center in Denver annually orders IRR Airmen to report to a military installation within 150 miles of their residence. Upon arrival, their records are updated and they receive a basic medical screening and several briefings. IRRs are paid for the muster.

After arriving at the Homestead muster, the South Florida veterans were welcomed by Col. T. Glenn Davis, 482nd Maintenance Group commander, who thanked them for participating. He also gave them an update on opportunities available if they were interested in joining the 482nd Fighter Wing.

After the welcome brief, the veterans talked with representatives from the Miami Veteran's Center, received their medical screenings, updated ID cards, employment and education information, and talked with Air Force Reserve recruiters who also attended the muster to provide information on the Reserve.

"This is not a recruiting event," said Senior Master Sgt. Alex Vazquez, 482nd Fighter Wing senior recruiter. "People leave the military for various reasons, and we are here today to let them know about the options available to them in case their life situation has changed recently."

For many of the attendees, their life situations had changed, and given the current military situation, there were mixed feelings about the muster.

"I wasn't surprised when I got the letter in the mail informing me of today's muster, because I understand why we're doing this. This will help make the mobilization process easier if it's necessary," said Nathan Christar, a former senior airman who spent four years as a security forces member. "This is what we all signed up for."

"There's no chance I'll sign up today, but I have no problem showing up to fulfill my obligation," he added.

Jordan Roman, a former senior airman who spent four years as a crew chief before leaving the military about one year ago, felt differently about the muster.

"I was shocked to get a letter in the mail telling me to come to a muster at the base," Mr. Roman said. "But I showed up despite my shock and concern, and I'm glad I did. I asked a lot of questions and got some good information and now I'm thinking about joining the unit here."

Capt. Paul Hubenthal, 482nd Fighter Wing Military Personnel chief, summed up the day's event for all who attended.

"Today we provided an easy opportunity for IRRs to fulfill their responsibilities, and we also paid them for showing up. I believe we delivered a service to everyone and gave them some good information, despite much of the apprehension they expressed about participating in this event."

According to Sergeant Vazquez, of 80 attendees, 20 expressed interest in joining the Air Force Reserve. (Air Force Reserve Command News Service)