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Casualty services

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman BrieAnna Stillman
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  Many times the death of a loved one is unplanned and comes without notice. Sometimes we know the time is near, but there is so much that needs to be done behind the scenes in preparation for such a significant life change.

Debbie Atkins, 20th Force Support Squadron casualty officer, helps Airmen and their families during times of mourning to ensure all financial matters are taken care of.

“No matter what, to get on in this world you need money and I am the person that helps the family get their just benefits and make sure they are at least financially stable during a stressful time,” said Atkins

Atkins assists all Team Shaw members from Active Duty to retirees in notifying their next of kin as well as notifying the Airmen themselves if they have a family member who has passed.
According to USA Today the first five things that should be done after the passing of a loved one is: request death certificates, probate the estate, notify financial institutions, contact service providers and notify government agencies.

Atkins said she enjoys being able to help people with everything that needs to be done and wants Team Shaw to understand the importance of updating information such as your virtual record of emergency data and service members’ group life insurance to ensure the proper agencies are notified and all affairs are in order should they deploy to a hostile environment or pass.

“Each person is valuable and it’s important to honor what each person has done and to show the family how important they are to our team and the Air Force as a whole,” said Capt. Amanda Essary, 20th FSS sustainment service flight commander.

It is momentous to ensure Airmen, retirees and their families are taken care of from the clothing worn inside the casket being perfect, to the Air Force providing proper benefits to protect Airmen and their families from further distress.

For more information on casualty services contact Ms. Atkins at 803-895-1592.