Page 5 - Desert Lightning News, Nellis-Creech AFB Edition, May 1, 2020

4 May 1, 2020 veterans’ news Desert lightning news s. nevaDa Desert lightning news s. nevaDa news May 1, 2020 5
www.aerotechnews.com/nellisafb Facebook.com/NellisDesertLightningNews www.aerotechnews.com/nellisafb Facebook.com/NellisDesertLightningNews

Nevada’s COVID-19 ‘patient zero’ celebrates DOD allows remote extension of iD cards

release from North Las Vegas VA Medical Center by Jim Garamone Army Pfc. Ryan Individuals must continue to visit an

DOD News C hi s h o lm u s e s ID card office for first-time CAC issu-
personal protective ance, for replacement of a CAC that has
Ronald Pipkins, Nevada’s first patient two consecutive negative COVID tests Is your military ID card expiring, but equipment and already expired, and for CAC PIN resets.
to test positive for COVID-19, left the in early April, Pipkins has undergone with social distancing and various stay- practices social ID card issuance offices will not reis-
North Las Vegas VA medical center to the intense rehabilitation with VASNHS at-home orders in effect, you aren’t sure distancing while sue an ID card simply because of printed
cheers of VA Southern Nevada Health- physical and occupational therapists. whether you’ll be able to renew it? checking a motorist’s changes, the most common being a
care System staff on April 20. “My recovery has been really strong,” The Department of Defense has ID at Fort Bliss, name change or promotion.
Nearly two months after testing Pipkins said. “It’s all coming together changed the process to allow service Texas, March 27, DOD can remotely issue first-time
positive with the virus, and three weeks and once I get to rehab, I know that I’ll members and civilians to temporarily 2020. The Defense uniformed services IDs — for example,
since awakening from a coma, Pipkins is pick up the pace.” extend the life of their cards as the nation Department has dependent or retiree IDs. DOD also
transferring to a local medical rehabilita- And while Pipkins is excited to con- battles the COVID-19 pandemic. These changed the process can remotely replace lost or stolen
tion facility. tinue on his road to recovery, he appreci- extended cards that appear expired on to allow service uniformed services dependent and re-
“It feels fantastic,” Pipkins said. “I hate ates the life-saving care he’s received at their face can continue to be used for m em b er s a nd tiree IDs. Remotely-issued uniformed
to leave, I made a lot of friends, but I’ve the North Las Vegas VA medical center. access to benefits, including health care civilians to extend services ID cards will be issued with an
got to go and see my family.” “I’m grateful I’m at the VA because the and entry to installations and buildings the life of their ID expiration date not to exceed one year
Pipkins has inspired staff and veterans people here have waited on me hand and and to systems and networks. cards as the nation from the date it’s issued. This does not
alike with his strength and perseverance, foot,” Pipkin said. “The staff here are very Matthew P. Donovan, undersecretary battles the COVID-19 apply to CACs.
even receiving recognition over a phone professional and I’m really proud of the of defense for personnel and readiness, Army photograph by Staff Sgt. Kris Bonet pandemic. The minimum age for initial family
call from Nev. Gov. Steve Sisolak. service I’ve received here.” and the Joseph D. Kernan, undersec- member IDs has increased from 10 to 14.
“I never thought I’d be famous just Pipkins urges Americans to not take retary of defense for intelligence and Continued use of reserve-component
for being alive,” Pipkins said. “But I COVID-19 lightly. “Listen to the health security, released the policy changes issuing office. Normally, DOD issues tion may have the certificates updated uniformed services ID cards to obtain
hope that I can make people realize how professionals. A lot of people think it in memos published April 7 and April between 18,000 and 20,000 ID cards using ID Card Office Online to allow for active duty benefits is authorized for
serious this virus is. I wish no one would won’t get them, but if it gets you, you will 16. The temporary policies are in place each day at more than 1,600 sites around continued use for logical access through mobilized reservists and their eligible
get this disease. This is a terrible virus Courtesy photos feel some very painful things happening through Sept. 30. the world. Sept. 30, according to an April 16 Dono- dependents.
because once it gets ahold of you, it really Medical Center March 2 for pneumonia. tive. He spent much of the last month on to your body. So I tell you, ‘put on the The changes allow people to adhere to Under these new COVID-19 response van memo. However, officials emphasize For more information go to DOD
tries to take you out.” After developing a fever, he was tested a ventilator in a medically induced coma mask. Going to work is not as important social distancing practices by updating processes, common access cards, known that individuals must extend their certifi- Response to COVID-19 — DOD ID
The 55-year-old Marine Corps veteran for COVID-19, and within 24 hours, his while battling the illness. as living. It’s better to be broke and alive or renewing their ID cards from their as CACs, that expire on or after April 16, cates before the printed expiration date Cards and Benefits at https://www.cac.
was admitted to the North Las Vegas VA results came back as a presumptive posi- After regaining consciousness and than to have money and be dying.’” homes with no need to visit an ID card 2020, and are within 30 days of expira- on their CAC. mil/Coronavirus/.

MADE FOR

THE MILITARY

For nearly 100 years, we’ve served military

members. We not only understand your
needs — we share your values. You’ll see

it in our products and services tailored
for military life.

Join USAA

USAA.COM/JOIN or call 800-531-8521
™