CENTAF commander applauds theater hospital Airmen

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Mareshah Haynes
  • 332nd Expeditionary Air Wing Public Affairs
BALAD AIR BASE, Iraq (AFPN) --  The U.S. Central Command Air Forces commander and command chief had high praises for the Airmen manning the Air Force Theater Hospital during their tour here Jan. 26.

Lt. Gen. Gary North and Chief Master Sgt. Richard Small recognized several of the hospital's top performers and showed their appreciation for those doing key missions that keep Airmen alive and in the fight.

The CENTAF commander also thanked many of the Soldiers who work side by side with Airmen in the hospital. In particular, he visited personnel assigned to the veterinary clinic, who are responsible for providing health care to military working dogs in theater.

When General North asked about the hardest surgery the veterinary clinic had performed, Army Capt. Matthew Johnson, a veterinarian, recounted an incident involving a working dog named Diesel.

The dog suffered a gunshot wound to the shoulder, which shattered his shoulder blade, and had lost a moderate amount of blood. 

"We performed reconstructive surgery on the shoulder and he was walking again within 72 hours," Captain Johnson said. 

Before departing, General North highlighted the importance of the mission all Airmen are doing today in support of the war on terrorism.

"The Air Force Theater Hospital provides the service every military person has come to expect and respect," he said. "If it wasn't for the men and women who staff it, people wouldn't have the confidence to do their jobs and know they'll get the treatment they need if they should get hurt.

"The mission they're doing is incredibly important for Iraq, Afghanistan and the Horn of Africa," he said. "We can't fail. There are thousands of Airmen in the (area of responsibility) and they're the best the Air Force has ever had. There has been no time like now, where our skill sets have been more important. Document lessons learned and pass that combat experience off to Airmen who are coming into the AOR." 

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