Airmen must keep v-REDs, SGLI forms current

Published June 16, 2008
By Corey Dahl
21st Space Wing Public Affairs

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Spring and summer tend to bring a lot of life changes - permanent changes of station, weddings and births.

As a result, base leaders here are reminding Airmen to make sure those changes are reflected in their Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance and virtual Record of Emergency Data.

"I recommend that Airmen update their forms at least twice a year," said Master Sgt. Constance Smith, superintendent of customer support with the 21st Military Personnel Flight. "It's really important for Airmen to look back and consider the common life changes that have occurred - their address changed, they got married, they had a kid - and make the appropriate changes."

SGLI forms allow Airmen to designate their beneficiaries in case of death. Marriage, divorce, births and deaths can all change an Airman's preferred beneficiaries, but the forms, if not updated, may not reflect those changes, Sergeant Smith said.

The same goes for v-REDs. The virtual form allows Airmen to designate the next-of-kin family members who should be notified in the event of an emergency or accident. In case of death, the v-RED is also used to determine who receives an Airman's unpaid pay, allowances and death gratuity, who will take care of the Airman's remains, and the location of the Airman's will and other documents.

Forms that are not current or that lack information - such as correct names or accurate addresses and telephone numbers - can delay the notification of loved ones, Sergeant Smith said.

Updating SGLI and v-RED forms is easy. The v-RED can be updated 24 hours a day, online using the Air Force Personnel Center's virtual MPF at http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil. For new users, the process takes about 10 minutes, Sergeant Smith said. For returnees, it should take about five.

SGLI forms can be updated at the MPF office in Building 350. Personellists can help Airmen explore their options, fill out the forms and act as the required signature witness. To save even more time, Airmen can print out blank SGLI forms at http://www.va.gov, fill them out at home and then simply stop by the MPF to sign them in front of a personellist.

Units that would like more information about v-REDs, SGLI forms and other related topics can also request a casualty briefing. Unit commanders or first sergeants can schedule one by calling Sergeant Smith at 556-7400.