The Legal Office workers who handle claims usually do their jobs behind-the-scenes. Their customers appreciate what they do but others probably don't notice.
They got the opportunity to step into the limelight Thursday when they accepted the Judge Advocate General's Excellence in Claims Award for fiscal 2008. AMCOM deputy commander Ronnie Chronister made the presentation at their office in the basement of building 111.
"You don't ask for a lot, you don't get a lot of visibility but you all do a remarkable job," Chronister said.
Garrison commander Col. Bob Pastorelli said their work is appreciated by the community. "Thank you for all you've done," he said.
Maj. Kathleen Kelly, deputy staff judge advocate, said 51 offices competed for the award and Redstone was among 30 recognized.
"Thanks to everyone for being here today," Kelly said. "Because when good things are done, people need to be recognized."
Claims chief Erika McPherson, who also serves as the claims attorney, spoke on behalf of her division within the legal office.
"I really, really appreciate the staff and the great work they do each and every day," she said.
In fiscal 2008, the claims division collected more than $180,785 with $11,567 for property recovery. Affirmative claims are collected from insurance companies and persons that have caused injuries to servicemembers, their family or government property. Property claims are returned to the installation and medical money is returned to Tricare or to Fox Army Health Center. Recovery for Tricare exceeded $156,115; and another $12,450 was returned to Fox.
Personnel claims reimburse for household goods and other items that are lost or damaged while Soldiers and civilians are in their service role. For household goods, the Army pursues the carriers to recover the money. The division had a carrier recovery rate of 96 percent in fiscal 2008 and collected $32,000.
The division assists about 600 claimants annually.
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