Reservists bring wounded home

  • Published
  • By Capt Jose A. Cardenas
  • 445th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFPN) --  When more than 10,000 U.S. and multinational troops entered Fallujah on Nov. 8 to root out insurgents, two reservists from here prepared to move the wounded from Iraq.

Maj. Greg Koewler and Master Sgt. Greg Thompson of the 445th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron are deployed to Balad Air Base, 50 miles north of Fallujah.

“We’re working with active Air Force, Marines, Navy and Army -- British and Australian troops as well,” said Sergeant Thompson, a crew management noncommissioned officer. “Morale is high; everyone is helping everyone.”

Air Force Reserve Command’s 445th Airlift Wing is playing a key medivac role as the war on terrorism intensifies. Wing C-141 Starlifter aircraft launch from here to Ramstein Air Base, Germany, several times a week to bring back wounded, sick or injured troops. On any given day, three to five C-141s are going to or coming from the Middle East. Other aircraft from the wing airlift patients to the States.

As of Oct. 31, C-141 aircrews from here and two other Reserve units flew 700 missions and completed more than 17,220 requests to move patients since Jan. 1, 2003. Reservists fly all of the C-141 missions supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Reserve, Air National Guard and active-duty medical people provide patient care on these missions.

Major Koewler is the crew manager of medical operations. He knew what he was getting into when he volunteered to go to Balad AB.

“This is my second deployment, and it has been a good experience,” said the major, who has been with the 445th AES for about eight years. “We are learning a lot from each other and our counterparts stationed with us. We are the link between the crews and the mission.”

The major and sergeant coordinate flights and crews based on the status of the troops who are being transported. It takes two to three hours for final preparation before a flight.

“I do not regret volunteering, but at the same time I am ready to go home,” he said. “I felt I needed to take my turn and step up to the mission.”

Troops requiring care are treated in hardened medical facilities and stabilized before their flight to Europe for further care. The C-141 is capable of carrying 103 litter patients and the medical people needed to care for them.

“We have been pretty busy moving significant (numbers) of casualties and wounded,” said Sergeant Thompson. “I have been deployed many times, and I feel very good about doing my part. I enjoy being part of helping the troops make it home.” (Courtesy of Air Force Reserve Command News Service)