AF medical service celebrates 60 years

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Vanessa Young
  • Defense Media Activity-San Antonio
SAN ANTONIO (AFNS) --  Air Force medical service officials commemorated 60 years of service here June 25.

Air Force Surgeon General Lt. Gen. (Dr.) James G. Roudebush hosted the event at the San Antonio Marriott Riverwalk to honor the medical service's contributions over the last 60 years and to highlight the way ahead.

"The Air Force medical service has been an integral part of the United States Air Force. The medical service has been there -- right care, right time, right place -- for our Airmen and their families, for our Airmen in harm's way and for our nation," General Roudebush said. "We've earned that trust every day; that's what we're celebrating here today."

Since the inception of the Air Force medical service, medics have improved the quality of health for aircrew, the aeromedical evacuation process and the aerobic and cardiovascular components of physical fitness for all Airmen. The medical service has also contributed greatly to Air Force humanitarian operations and homeland disaster support.

In the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita; Air Force medics ensured safe evacuation of 2,609 patients. On Sept. 3, 2005, Air Force total force teams moved 580 litters and 300 ambulatory patients; the largest single day of transports since World War II.

"I think the most important thing in celebrating the 60th anniversary is the chance to look back and see how far medicine has evolved over the years and to see how strongly we will remain committed to the Air Force mission and particularly the Air Force expeditionary mission," said retired Lt. Gen. (Dr.) George Peach Taylor Jr, a former Air Force surgeon general.

The medical service directly supports Air Force operations and theater aeromedical evacuations of joint and combined forces. As of April 2009, 62,000 patients have been transported in support of operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Along with providing care and aeromedical evacuation to Airmen down range, Air Force medics are also providing guidance and training to various countries' medical professionals in support of coalition efforts.

According to Dr. Jim Nanney, a former chief historian for the medical service, the medical service has continually adapted to each conflict, mission and environment and continues to provide excellent support to all servicemembers. This versatility and skill has contributed to their success and their ability to sustain high-quality care.

"We have changed. We have evolved. We have moved forward," General Roudebush said. "We are a learning organization in our current parlors, but the fact is that we have never taken a step backward and we are eager and able to take every step forward."