Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 7/13/2008

Question
I PCSed to Schofield Barracks about three months ago from Ft. Drum NY. I have a daughter that is in EFMP and although they have a major hospital here I don't feel that her needs are being met.
My contract demands that I spend three years here. I've been deployed twice already, but I'm not trying to get out of any deployment. I just don't want to leave my wife in a situation where the help she may need won't be available. Is it possible to get out of this contract? I don't want out of the military, just want to go to a duty station that can support the needs of my family.
                                Chris Gifford

Answer
Dear Chris --

Is your daughter registered in the exceptional family member program?  If not, get her registered right away.  If she is registered, then you need to get the hospital to certify that they can and will handle her medical needs, no matter what the issue is.  If the hospital cannot certify that they can achieve that, then you can request a compassionate reassignment to a post that has the medical facilities you need for your daughter.

You should involve your chain of command in resolving your issues with your daughter's care.  They should support you in ensuring her needs can be met at your current duty assignment, or help you get get reassigned to a location that can take care of those needs.

Good luck to you.  Please write back, if there are other issues that arise.