Page 19 - May 2020

Working to win the fight we’re in
Hello, my fraternal brothers and sisters. The Army Reserve is dealing with the impact of COVID-19
on battle assemblies and all scheduled unit activities. In early March and in front of his formation of 200,000 soldiers and civilians, Commanding General of the Army Reserve (CAR/CG) Lieutenant General Charles D.
Luckey said of COVID-19, “We’d expected a different fight, in a different place, against a different foe...but this is the fight we’re in, and
we’re here to win it.” Keep in mind that many of the policies con- cerning COVID-19 originate from the Department of Defense.
The secretary of defense has implemented a 60-day stop move- ment directive, the Army has temporarily halted — from March 16 through May 11 — most permanent change of station trav- el for soldiers and Department of the Army civilians and family members traveling to, from or through locations designated by the CDC as Travel Health Notice Level 3 (the highest level). These countries have widespread ongoing transmission of the virus and no restrictions on entry into the United States. The DoD interna- tional travel ban expires on May 24.
The CAR/CG authorized, for the first time in Army Reserve history, the use of virtual battle assemblies for all Army Reserve Troop Program Unit Commands. Scheduled battle assemblies and other travel are suspended until further notice to ensure that commanders can act to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of soldiers, families and communities. Collective training events originally scheduled for March, April and May are also suspend- ed, canceled or postponed.
The Army is looking for former active and reserve component soldiers who meet the eligibility criteria and are interested in supporting our nation during the COVID-19 pandem- ic, specifically from the medical occupational specialties; however, anyone interested in supporting can apply for consideration. Send an email that contains your name, address, contact phone, MOS/Branch and email address
Recording Secretary
MILITARY RERPeOporRt T
JERRY CRUZ
to: usarmy.knox.hrc.mbx.rpmd-ord-hq@mail.mil.
My fraternal brothers and sisters, if you have been ex- posed to COVID-19 while on duty, notify a supervisor and re- quest that an exposure report and an injury on duty report be completed. Ensure that these reports are detailed and include RD numbers, event numbers, CB numbers, IR number, etc. As soon as possible afterward, seek medical treatment and follow all written medical advice. If your supervisor refuses to complete re- ports, get the supervisor’s name and star, the name of witnesses of the refusal, date and time of the refusal and contact FOP Lodge 7. Please seek treatment using your medical provider, and follow your doctor’s advice. The Lodge has filed a class action grievance,
and you will be added.
Lastly, I suggest you wear a mask during your tour of duty,
gloves when you need them, and wash your hands often with soap and water. Hey, it is no worse than MOPP Level 3.
Retirees, please seek medical attention if you have any symp- toms similar to those of COVID-19. You deserve to have a long, heathy retirement.
If you have questions or comments, please send me an email at LTC_Cruz@wowway.com.
CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ MAY 2020 19