SECAF visits wounded warriors in Europe

  • Published
  • By Capt. Greg Hignite
  • U.S. Air Forces in Europe Public Affairs
LANDSTUHL REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER, Germany (AFNS) --  The Air Force's top leader dedicated time Oct. 10 to visit wounded warriors here to thank them for their service and encourage a speedy recovery as part of his first overseas trip since being confirmed as the secretary of the Air Force.

Secretary Michael B. Donley spent time meeting with wounded servicemembers to learn about their experiences and pay tribute to their tremendous sacrifices.  Army Col. (Dr.) Brian Lein, the hospital commander, accompanied the secretary on the visit. 

"I want to thank you for your service," he said to a wounded Soldier recovering in the intensive care unit. "You're certainly carrying the burden for the United States and I appreciate your sacrifice." 

The Soldier was wounded in Mosul, Iraq, days earlier and was medically evacuated here for care. 

Dr. Lein attributed the rising survivability rate to the tremendous synchronized, multi-service effort of safely transporting warriors from the warzone. Over the years, medical specialists in the military services have developed a seamless handoff of patients, ensuring the most critically injured patients quickly receive top-notch medical care, he said.

The secretary also met an Army National Guard Soldier wounded recently in a Baghdad, Iraq, neighborhood. The military policeman had high praise for the care he was receiving and acknowledged that the team of medical professionals both here and downrange go about their jobs without much fanfare.

"The medical care has been amazing," the Soldier said. "This is a side of the business you don't get to see.  It has been remarkable."

The secretary also took time to meet with Air Force medical professionals working at the hospital. About 10 percent of the staff, approximately 300 Airmen, work in all areas of the facility. 

Capt. Erika McCarthy, a critical care air transit team member working in the intensive care unit, took time to explain her job to the secretary and how it fits into the bigger picture of wounded warrior care.

Captain McCarthy has a unique mission in that she regularly takes her job skyward, flying around Europe and into the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, safely transporting the most fragile patients out of harm's way. 

"Not everyone gets to have a 10-minute chat with the secretary of the Air Force," she said. "It was great to have him visit so he can learn about what we do."

The number of war-injured servicemembers treated here since the launch of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2001 is staggering. More than 51,000 Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines, along with Department of Defense civilians and contractors, have passed through the facility. As the numbers of war-wounded servicemembers rose over the years, so too did the level of support from the community.

During the visit, the secretary went the Chaplain's Closet and met with volunteers sorting clothes, sundries and personal care items donated from around the world. The closet provides wounded warriors a touch of home by allowing them to "shop" the closet for anything they may need to help in their transition into the hospital.

The Chaplain's Closet is staffed by volunteers who make it their mission to help those who have given so much. Gloria Kruge, a volunteer and retired veteran now living in Gettysburg, Pa., travelled to Germany to spend 30 days here sorting and distributing donated goods.

"Anything for the troops," Ms. Kruge told Secretary Donley. "They have given so much. It's the least we can do," she said.

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