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Airman helping to lead way during Colombia mission

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Kimberly Spencer
  • 59th Medical Wing Public Affairs
LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFPN) --  Airman 1st Class Edgardo Sanchez de Jesus never gave up hope when he was told he was too young and inexperienced to go on a mission to teach the International Aeromedical Evacuation Critical Care Transport Course.

The course, which is taught upon request from interested nations, is designed to assist countries in developing a system for transport of multiple and critically ill casualties. So far it has been taught in six different countries -- Chile, Mexico, Turkey, the Republic of Georgia, Bangladesh and Colombia.

"The goal is for graduates to repeat the course, with less U.S. assistance, within their own country," said Col. William Beninati, one of the original developers of the course. Colonel Beninati is the 59th Surgical Operations Group commander for the 59th Medical Wing at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.

The course material is owned by the Defense Institute for Medical Operations on Brooks City-Base, Texas. The school has a list of instructors from throughout the Air Force to contact for missions.

"I knew if my chance ever came, I would do everything I could to prove that a young Airman could do this. I love teaching and helping people, and that's what these missions are all about," said Airman Sanchez de Jesus, a cardiopulmonary technician with the 759th Surgical Operations Squadron.

Airman Sanchez' chance came Aug. 1 when a mission to Colombia lost a Spanish speaking participant at the last minute. He would serve not only as an instructor, but also as an interpreter.

"With the help of the 59th MDW leadership, we were able to fill the needed slot at the 11th hour," said Albert Strawn, DIMO clinical mission specialist.

"Airman Sanchez de Jesus is one of our best. He has shown an affinity for education and can be seen off duty helping with the Cardiopulmonary Phase II Training Program," said Col. Jill Sterling, the 759th Surgical Operations Squadron commander. "So, he was a natural choice to represent the Air Force and the U.S. on this program. It was well worth the shuffle to get him out the door on a last-minute notice, because I have heard nothing but accolades, particularly from DIMO, about his superb preparation and engaging teaching style."

Those sentiments were echoed by Colonel Beninati.

"I first met Airman Sanchez de Jesus when he volunteered to fill this position on short notice. Having taught these courses before, I could tell immediately that he had the professionalism, maturity and energy to make a great instructor, and he proved this to be correct," said Colonel Beninati.

The five-person team went to Colombia to teach 39 Colombian military members from Aug. 3 to 12. The course provided instruction for 16 physicians, 11 nurses and 12 pararescue members.

"At first I was a little stressed, because I was the new man on the team. I was worried that my fellow team members would not have confidence in me, but I worked hard studying my lectures and lesson plans and made sure I was as prepared as I could possibly be," said the young Airman.

With the help of 759th MSGG members, Airman Sanchez was able to dedicate the final few days prior to leaving to take care of visa and force protection requirements. He then dedicated hours of his remaining spare time to studying the course material in order to help with translation.

The team for this mission consisted of Master Sgt. Marcus Vigil, an instructor and the NCO in charge of DIMO, and Capt. Angle Rivas-Rivera, a CCATT nurse from the Brooks City-Base School of Aerospace Medicine; two physicians from Andrews AFB, Md., Lt. Col. Todd Carter and Maj. Eric Suescun; and Airman Sanchez.

"These courses are a great learning exchange," said Colonel Beninati. "Many of the participants have experience overcoming unique challenges of their transport environment. We learn from their ingenuity."

Airman Sanchez de Jesus said he considers the mission a great learning experience for him as well.

"It was a joy to teach people who are eager to learn the best methods to give their patients the very best care. I was proud to be representing the 59th MDW and the U.S. Air Force," Airman Sanchez de Jesus said.

"The mission went great. Not only was (Airman Sanchez de Jesus) extremely well prepared to teach, but he worked extremely hard all week long," said Sergeant Vigil. "He kept asking, 'What else can I do?'"

Airman Sanchez de Jesus said he hopes his accomplishments will pave the way for other Airmen to be able to be included on future trips.

"I believe missions such as these are extremely important to our national strategy, and I am very proud to see how capably and enthusiastically Airman Sanchez de Jesus seized this opportunity," said Colonel Sterling.

"The talent we have in our young enlisted members to succeed at a complex challenge like this is what makes the Air Force medical service unstoppable," said Colonel Beninati.