How likely is it for me to get approved for compassionate reassignment due to my mother having a brain tumor and no other family to help?

2019-05-09T16:39:28-04:00

My mother found out she has an acoustic neuroma and will need surgery to have it removed. She can barely hear or see and having memory issues. Her and my dad have been separated and he’s a jailbird on drugs. My brother is an addict and my sister has no job or car. My mother’s dad is legally blind and cannot drive or care for her. She has no family at all to help her but me.

Response by MSG James Cary made May 9 at 2019 5:09 PM

2019-05-09T17:09:10-04:00

Do not embarrass yourself by asking for help or any sympathetic reassurance from either Red Cross or AER, both offered me a donut when my father died and I was in Germany with 6 months left on my tour. The officers in my Chain of Command saw no direct benefit to their carriers so there was no help from them. Luckily my Mom had access to a Bank CD she cashed in and paid my way round trip with me on regular leave. I suggest you get a lawyer and get a legal letter which validates your claims you list and get that correspondence to a Senator who may take time away from golf to read it and assist you.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2019 5:28 PM

2019-05-09T17:28:07-04:00

You have a valid case. You can find guidance on the compassionate reassignment page of HRC. Direct family members are allowed to be considered for CR cases.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made May 9 at 2019 6:29 PM

2019-05-09T18:29:39-04:00

It’s part due diligence on to provide proper support for the request and part individual commanders personalities and decisions.

The more you support the request with facts not emotions, list out each living family member and providing details as to why they are not able to provide the support for your mother.

Medical opinions from your mothers doctors stating unequivocally she cannot care for her self and needs a caretaker.

A family care plan from you in the event you are deployed, have a 24 hour duty, go to NTC for 30 days.

An 18 month timeline showing how you plan on providing for your mother's care when you’re compassionate reassignment stabilization is likely to be up and you are given orders to PCS

Response by SSG Byron Howard Sr made May 9 at 2019 11:28 PM

2019-05-09T23:28:00-04:00

The red Cross let me down in Korea but I would see what they can do.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2019 7:04 PM

2019-05-14T19:04:47-04:00

One of my battles talked to the retention/reassignment NCO, and he gave him all the info he needed. A good place to start.

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2019 9:26 PM

2019-05-20T21:26:18-04:00

I want to see the solution to this. I am on the Navy side of things. I would imagine it's possible in the Army. In the Navy we might TAD some one.

As a chaplain I have sent and received messages from the Red Cross. The American Red Cross is only supposed to be used in an emergency setting. For example, mom died today or is expected to die with in the next 72 hours. If she is going through medical treatment the Red Cross won't be helpful.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2019 12:06 PM

2019-05-23T12:06:36-04:00

CPL Brandy Reno

All are valid points from everyone that commented to your question. May I also suggest that you keep your chain of command in the loop and be honest to them about your intentions. Make sure your First Sergeant and Commander is fully aware and able to relate when called by your BN CDR ans CSM. From my experience as a previous First Sergeant, I hate being blind sided and not being told the whole story. They will need to be on your side and support you with your plans. Good luck and I hope that your mom gets better sooner than later.