Identifiers

In talking with Bill, the recipient of a QOV last Saturday, the subject of no last names on our labels came up.  He understood completely.  I asked him if he could put it in writing the explanation of why to answer the question I get repeatedly, why we are not allowed to put last names on the quilts.  Not only for VA hospitals, he told me.  This is how he put it:

    For the military, personal identifiable information (PII) must be safeguarded.  PII can consist of, but is not limited to full name, rank/title, social security number, telephone number, address and/or any individual item of information that can distinguish one person from another.

    PII is safeguarded to prevent identity theft, individual targeting, harassment.

    While it is sad that we have to practice this level of operational security on the homefront, bad people normally take the path of least resistance to accomplish their goals.

Thank you, Bill.