(446th AW PA) - The Air Force constantly develops resources and programs to aid Airmen, physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually. However, a lot of Airmen don't get as much exposure to these resources when they might need them most.

Fortunately, Airmen assigned to Joint Base Lewis-McChord who've been wounded during deployments have a resource that can give them guidance and help them with peace of mind.

Air Force Recovery Care Coordinators, such as Mr. James McCracken, assigned to the 62nd Medical Squadron here, are the Air Force Warrior and Survivor Care Office's focal point for non-clinical care and case management for seriously wounded, ill, and injured Airmen and their families.

"I'm available as a resource and advocate to, the active duty, Reserve, and Guard," McCracken said. "Sometimes in the (medical evaluation board) process, many things aren't explained or disclosed about just how the process works or what other benefits are available for you."

Lt. Col. Cory Myers, 446th Aerospace Medicine Squadron medical case manager, said RCCs can be of great use for Citizen Airmen.

"They do their best to ensure all resources are utilized in assisting Reservists with their needs and that their care is not delayed when possible," Myers, of Tacoma, said. "They're a valuable resource for us all."

According to McCracken, some Airmen may be turned off from approaching RCCs with their medical issues because of fear.

"The biggest issue is people don't want to put their careers in jeopardy if they're sick, ill, or injured," McCracken, of Rainier, said. "They don't want to admit it's a problem, because it could potentially end their career. But not all injuries will do that. It's a big assumption. If they knew the truth, they would be able to handle it. That's why I'm here."

Myers, who sometimes works hand-in-hand with McCracken, said the relationship between the Reserve and the RCCs is great.

"We support each other in supporting those who need our services," Myers said. "We work closely to ensure our Reservists receive the care and entitlements they deserve while they navigate through a very complex and time-consuming medical board process."

McCracken, a retired Air National Guard master sergeant, formally assigned with the Western Air Defense Sector at McChord, said getting more Airmen aware of RCCs is also a challenge.

"I think a lot of people don't know about the benefits out there when they're injured in combat and the organizations that support wounded warriors," McCracken said. "They hit a brick wall during the board process and don't know what to do. I can knock down some doors and investigate issues, because I'm not part of a chain of command."

A few of the organizations RCCs work with to advocate for wounded Airmen are Air Force Wounded Warrior, Veterans' Affairs, and the Social Security Administration.

Another purpose of the RCC is to provide factual information for uniformed Airmen who are dealing with cases or care.

Misinformation is the downside to this mission, McCracken said. People can provide bad direction and advise, and military members and families pick up on it fast. The RCC can be the person to provide answers and, in many cases, relief.

Even in the case where an illness or injury may potentially end an Airman's military career, the RCC's work doesn't end.

"We can't always fix their career," McCracken said. "But in those cases, we can provide a road map to a future. My main support is for the Airman. That's my main mission."

McCracken covers the Washington, Oregon, and Alaska regions for sick, ill, and injured Airmen.

"Think of the RCC as the Airman and family's own command center - someone who helps make sure their needs are being met by the right person in the right place and on time," McCracken said.

For more information on how Air Force Recovery Care Coordinators can assist Airmen, contact James McCracken at (253) 982-8580 or by email at james.mccracken.2.ctr@us.af.mil. The RCC offices are located in the McChord Clinic, Room 1-08G1, between Bioenvironmental Engineering and Public Health.

Photo: James McCracken, an Air Force Recovery Care Coordinator at McChord Field, is responsible for being the focal point for non-clinical care management for seriously wounded, ill, and injured Airmen and their families. McCracken, a retired master sergeant, is an advocate and resource for all Air Force components – Reserve, Guard and active-duty.