VIRGINIA NATIONAL GUARD CONTRACTOR COMPUTER STOLEN National Guard laptop computer stolen - WFRV Green Bay: Northeast Wisconsin News, Weather and Sports:

National Guard laptop computer stolen

ARLINGTON, Va., - Members of the Army National Guard who could be affected by the theft of a laptop containing their personal data, will be notified through an official letter, National Guard officials said today.

"I immediately requested a list of any Wisconsin soldiers that may be affected," said Brig. Gen. Don Dunbar, Adjutant General of Wisconsin and commander of the Wisconsin National Guard. "We are working closely with National Guard Bureau to identify soldiers and minimize associated risks."

About 131,000 former and current Army Guard members could be affected by the data loss, which occurred July 27 when a personal laptop owned by an Army Guard contractor was stolen.

The stolen laptop contained personal information on soldiers enrolled in the Army National Guard Bonus and Incentives Program. The type of data includes names, Social Security Numbers, incentive payment amounts and payment dates.

The Army Guard will inform those Guard members who are determined to be impacted by this incident by mailing a letter to them. Notification of all individuals should be completed by next week.

The National Guard Bureau has set up a special Web page and phone number related to the data compromise. The website is http://www.ng.mil/features/identity/default.aspx . The toll-free call center number is 877-481-4957, and will be available from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., Monday through Friday beginning August 5.