Commander stalling me

G

groundrush

PEB Forum Regular Member
I'm a SSgt in the USAF, 10.5 years in.

I have an MEB that has been completed on my back due to 2 failed surgeries, the last being a L5/S1 disc replacement. EMG shows nerve damage down my right leg and I have about 50% loss of ROM. They're ready to send it on the the IPEB. All they are waiting on is the commander's letter. It was sent to him on 18 Jan 08 with a 5 day suspense. He still has not sent it, despite several statements that it was done, or would be soon. He's LYING to me. My PEBLO says he can't do anything. What do I do? Every time I press my commander for the letter I get a false promise that it will be done. Has anyone else seen this behavior? MY unit is VERY anal about things being done on time, so I am appalled that my commander is blatantly busting a suspense by 2 months!
I've tried everything to get this done, and I'm out of ideas. Anyone have any clues? Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.
 
I don't know about the Air Force, but in the Navy there is an E-9 assigned as the liason between enlisted and officers, and has a direct link to the CO. If the Air Force has something like that, I'd try to get in touch with that person.

What about the Chaplain?
 
Yes, we have that too, but he and the few others I tried were so worthless I skipped them and started addressing the commander himself. And it's pretty bad when the CO is the one that's full of it.
 
Welcome!

In my opinion, it is best if the pressure does come from the MEB section. This limits the likelihood of the Commander holding it against you in writing the letter (retaliation is wrong, but it happens).

The PEBLO, if willing, can put pressure. A letter stating it is a second request, listing the first suspense, and copying the wing or group personnel section will almost certainly light a fire. An easier hand would be without the courtesy copy. Even less so would be a phone call or e-mail as a gentle reminder. I would try to see if the PEBLO isn't willing to try one of those approaches. The Deputy Director of Clinical Services is the head of the MEB processs at the MTF. That is usually an O-5 job, so if the MEB is getting stale, he or she may take an interest in the late suspense, too.

As Builtgypsy stated, the Senior NCO's can sometimes put in gentle reminders, too. Using the chain of command is another route. IG, Chaplain, and Congressional Inquiries round out your options.

I recommend trying the least confrontational routes first, then escalate.

One final thought I have is sometimes Commander's are not comfortable writing things that go outside of command. Maybe they are not the best writers, who knows? But one technique that sometimes works is to ask if you can submit a draft for his review and signature. It is a win-win, you get input into the letter, he has less work.

Best of luck.
 
Groundrush,

With the use of digital signatures and e-mails for most correspondence it is entirely possible that your commander sent the letter to the PEBLO and the PEBLO simple hasn't discovered this yet. Don't throw him under a bus just yet. A PEBLO is a person as well and they do make mistakes. I believe that your PEBLO isn't doing you any favors if they are using you to get the letter in the first place. It is the PEBLO's responsibility to get.

In the end, you may find the delay works in your favor as the new NDAA 08 rules are digested and applied by the boards. They will only get better as regulations/policies catch up with the law.

Good luck and let us know.

AF Cop
 
The way I see it, it is not you who is responsible for the letter. So if someone asks you about it, refer them to your commander or PEBLO. In the mean time you can knock out some more appointments & see more specialist & your getting paid still.

X
 
Maybe you could get your shirt to write it. I know my commander does not want me to seperate, and he did not want to write the letter, so he had the shirt write it for him and he just signed it. It was comforting to me to find out that despite my commander being against me seperating what he has to say in my particular situation does not make that much of a difference.
I know the only reason my paperwork was completed in a timely manner is thanks to my shirt.
 
Just wanted to post an update that the commander finally wrote the letter. It was a very well written letter and I agree with it 100%. I'd almost say it was worth the wait, but I waited too long. :)

So the package was sent to AFPC on 1 Apr (hope I didn't get fooled.) I should hear something in 6-8 weeks, my PEBLO said. I'll be sure to post back when I get a decision.

Thanks for everyone's input so far.
 
xeno said:
The way I see it, it is not you who is responsible for the letter. So if someone asks you about it, refer them to your commander or PEBLO. In the mean time you can knock out some more appointments & see more specialist & your getting paid still.

X
Click to expand...
Xeno,
Can send me the lfull links istead of the shortcuts, I keep getting (page not found).
Thanks


Here are some good quick links:

Lots of question have already been answered, you can search the forum for already posted info, via: Search

Commander letters & appeal letters

VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD)

VA Compensation formula when retired with >=20 years

Compensation Q & A

MEB Q&A

IPEB Q&A

FPEB Q&A
 
But one technique that sometimes works is to ask if you can submit a draft for his review and signature. It is a win-win, you get input into the letter, he has less work.
Click to expand...

I agree 100%. I see that groundrush finally had the letter accomplished, but for others...don't wait, make things easy on guys/gals that more things to do than hours in the day (Commanders)- find the official format for the letter and draft it yourself to push up. It will most certainly get completed much quicker!;)
 
In the AF Guard "The Good Old Boy Network" shit, if you are medically unable to perform your assigned duties (Aircraft Armament Specialist) and do FOD walks, this command treats you like Shit. Many service members don't ask to get sick or incure medical issues. The foreign enemy will treat you better than some commanders and military units. The statement about being "A Wingman" is alot of bullshit. I am so glad and proud that I have earned two college degrees BA/MBA from a great university; all thanks to the UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS. Good luck with everyone and their Commanders Letter because I haven't seen mine or been told that my commander even wrote one.

Crome
Semper Fi
 
To all...on my last posting regarding letter from unit commanders. I was responding to the topic tread and so choices of words my have not be so good but no excuse. I will keep it level and clean. Maybe sometimes reading these different topics and experiencing some of these issue make a person real put write what they are feeling. But in all...this type of forum is great for all Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines to obtain information, guidance and get important information about their specific situation.

Crome
Semper Fi
 
Crome,

The frustration and feelings are understood. As a result, while I don't really have a problem with some "salty" language to get those feelings across- let's acknowledge that this topic is serious and very personal, at the same time, limiting the salty language is appreciated.

Glad that we exist to help those who need the information and community here!
 
crome45, I agree with you about "The Good Old Boy Network" thing but it isn't just the Air National Guard. I've got over 30 yrs in 3 branches (not Marines, they would take me because I had to much time in service) with the AD, Res, and NG. I've never had any real trouble until my last assignment, ADAF, which has last 12 yrs, I couldn't get off this base no matter how hard I tried. As I read so many of these posts, it seems most people are treated badly while they await the MEB. I also believe most, including leadership, don't know a lot about the system and don't care because they don't feel it will ever effect them. While I was going through the MEB, I found myself doing thing just to get away from the abuse that only caused more issues for myself. The best thing that we can do is encourage others to be strong and give them support because sooner or latter (most likely later) this will end.
 
Jeep Freak said:
crome45, I agree with you about "The Good Old Boy Network" thing but it isn't just the Air National Guard. I've got over 30 yrs in 3 branches (not Marines, they would take me because I had to much time in service) with the AD, Res, and NG. I've never had any real trouble until my last assignment, ADAF, which has last 12 yrs, I couldn't get off this base no matter how hard I tried. As I read so many of these posts, it seems most people are treated badly while they await the MEB. I also believe most, including leadership, don't know a lot about the system and don't care because they don't feel it will ever effect them. While I was going through the MEB, I found myself doing thing just to get away from the abuse that only caused more issues for myself. The best thing that we can do is encourage others to be strong and give them support because sooner or latter (most likely later) this will end.
Click to expand...

Jeep Freak, I appreciate your comments on this tread topic. I also continue to do the same as you indicated; finding things to get away from the abuse. As for me, my duties and job is vital to our mission. I wasn't able to perform or due my duties as I wanted to because of my medical diagnosis and the AF polices and regulations indicating me not being able to perform my duties. More over...some individual within my unit somewhat say it under their breath "oh it is ok you can do this and you can do that (ignoring all of the Safety issues). Mind you that these individuals aren't doctors or hold a professional license within any medical profession. But they are trying to get you to do work and ignore the medical profile that you are on. The bottom line is this, if you are are not good to them work wise and are on a MEB, they treat you like the enemy and trash. You are an "outcast" but they want you to continue be supportive for their cause and they aren't supportive in your causes. I am a highly educated person and educated in life. I see the total picture clearly. Thank you for sharing your comments and thoughts.

Crome
Semper Fi
 
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