Lackland medics keep steady deployment pace

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Kimberly Spencer
  • 59th Medical Wing Public Affairs
LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFPN) --  More than 100 Airmen from the 59th Medical Wing departed Wilford Hall Medical Center here earlier this week for various locations throughout Southwest Asia, including the Air Force Theater Hospital at Balad Air Base, Iraq.

Others will follow throughout September, with a final count of more than 200 people deployed.

"Operation Iraqi Freedom continues to set the pace for our deployers, and our Airmen remain as dedicated as ever," said Brig. Gen. (Dr.) David Young, 59th Medical Wing commander. "Here at the wing our deployments are continuous. While one (air and space expeditionary force) is deploying, one is returning home and one is preparing to go. Balad is our largest commitment, but we also have deployers at numerous in-theater locations and supporting humanitarian civic assistance missions."

"The mission to Balad showcases the great people and training that epitomizes and validates the Air Force Medical Service model of training," said Col. Marc Sager, 59th MDW administrator. "Only Wilford Hall has the resources and specialists to support this most crucial tasking. I am proud to be a part of the latest group providing comprehensive care to our nation's warriors."

There are about 3,200 members throughout the wing being tracked by the Readiness Division at all times. 

"We have a solid process for preparation and are highly regarded in the theater for hitting the ground running," said Maj. Ron Little, deputy chief of the 59th MDW Readiness Division.

The 59th MDW command chief emphasized the importance of remembering the families of those deployed.

"I want to remind individuals to support our Wingman Program," said Chief Master Sgt. Richard Hollins. "It takes all of us pulling together to keep it working at its best. The families of our deployed Airmen are an important part of our Air Force family, and we want to do our best to ensure they are taken care of while their loved one is deployed."

The program matches coworkers of deployed Airman with their families to ensure they receive up-to-date information and any help needed while their loved ones are away.

Families also have access to the extensive resources of the Family Support Center, which offers assistance with day-to-day tasks and coping strategies.

"By knowing that their families are taken care of in their absence, our personnel can better perform their duties overseas," Chief Hollins said.

While Airmen are deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, the 59th MDW will continue its commitment to local patient care.

"Our personnel continuously fill mobility positions in all health specialty fields," said General Young. "This deployment will be no different, and should have minimal impact on the services we provide to our patients. If we cannot provide a particular service, the patient will be able to get quality care through Tricare."

There have been more than 2,300 members of the 59th MDW deployed since 9-11.