Shortly after you have been notified of your loved one’s death you will receive a phone call from your casualty assistance representative to arrange a visit. She will ask if you have any immediate problems, confirm your mailing address, and arrange to meet with you at the earliest time and place convenient to you. It is important that you meet with your casualty assistance representative as soon as possible, usually within twenty-four hours of his or her call. The first visit will be brief, probably less than an hour. The main purpose of this first visit is to exchange information. In some cases your casualty assistance representative may ask to meet with you in private. It may feel like a tremendous amount of information to deal with, coming so quickly after learning of the death of your loved one. You may want assistance from a counselor, a doctor, an interpreter, or even a member of your church. Your casualty assistance representative can help you connect with these support providers. Of course you may have other family members present if you desire.

You will be asked to provide an address where you may be reached for the next forty-five days. If this is not the same as your current mailing address, you should provide both your current and future addresses. These addresses will be used to provide you with information from your casualty assistance representative, the Department of Defense, and other concerned parties. Please, let your casualty assistance representative know immediately if this information changes.