Physical Evaluation Board Liaison Officer

Senior Airman Tamara Brown, 30th Medical Support Squadron Physical Evaluation Board Liaison Officer, poses for a photo, Dec. 15, 2015, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. With military members continuing to focus on operations around the globe, maintaining a stringent level of physical and mental readiness is an Air Force requirement. For those individuals who find themselves no longer fit for duty however, one Airman is charged with providing a seamless transition into the civilian world – the Physical Evaluation Board Liaison Officer. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Shane Phipps/Released)

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Airman eases medical evaluation boards

Published Dec. 17, 2015
By Senior Airman Shane M. Phipps
30th Space Wing Public Affairs

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- With military members continuing to focus on operations around the globe, maintaining a stringent level of physical and mental readiness is an Air Force requirement.

For those individuals who find themselves no longer fit for duty however, one Airman is charged with providing a seamless transition into the civilian world - the Physical Evaluation Board Liaison Officer.

"I really try to help make it easier for members as they are faced with the potential of transitioning out of the Air Force," said Senior Airman Tamara Brown, 30th Medical Support Squadron PEBLO. "This includes taking the time to ensure they are educated on all of their options, and understand every aspect of the process."

The PEBLO is responsible for educating the service member if their condition is inconsistent with retention standards, or deploy-ability. This position carefully orchestrates the flow of essential information between the separating Airman and outside organizations.

"The position requires collaboration with the member, their leadership, Primary Care Managers, network providers, Veteran's Affairs, and the Air Force Personnel Center," said Master Sgt. Infinity Smith, TRICARE Operations and Patient Administration, flight chief. "This position is reserved for only the highest caliber of Airmen, demanding an advanced level of responsibility, and organizational and communication skills."

Due to the potential for medical separations to be a difficult adjustment, Brown takes her job extremely serious.

"I really take my job to heart because I care a lot about my brothers and sisters-in-arms. As an Airman myself, it's really important for me to gather all medical documentation so that the team is able to determine the member's fitness for duty. If they have a condition that is treatable, it's imperative that they receive the medical care needed in order to continue their career," said Brown. "I want to make sure that they have everything they need to help ease an already stressful situation."

Though having been in the Air Force less than three years, Brown has forged a sterling reputation among her leaders.

"Senior Airman Brown is an outstanding Airman," said 1st Lt. Anna Lain, TRICARE Operations and Patient Administration flight commander. "She is a hard-charger and gets the job done. She's highly organized, reliable and is constantly setting and achieving her goals. She began as the Release of Information program clerk, and curtailed the wait-time from seven days down to one. She rapidly demonstrated that no task was too difficult to accomplish and was selected to fill a Noncommissioned Officer position as the PEBLO. She has definitely affirmed our confidence in her job performance."

Despite significant praise from her leadership, Brown remains humble and sees her work as more than just an occupation - but an opportunity to truly care for others.

"With this job, you really can't look at people like they're just a number, you have to treat them with the respect and care they deserve. That is the most important thing to me."