Air Force Reserve medical flight keeps members qualified

  • Published
  • By Maj. Carla M. Gleason
  • 477th Fighter Group, public affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  Preventative health assessments are an annual chore for most, but for members of the 477th Aerospace Medicine Flight, they are a critical function that keeps members qualified to continue to contribute the Air Force mission.

"We make sure our Airmen are healthy down-range by taking care of them first here," said Capt. Kimberly Kubick, a nurse practitioner in the flight. Kubick noted effective medical care is more than reviewing records or health assessments. "It's important to get to know the patient. And that's my favorite part of medicine anyway, getting to know each and every Airman; being in that trusted position."

PHAs conducted during the May unit training assembly, gave flight members an opportunity to put their training and technical skills to work. On any given UTA weekend, flight members conduct record reviews, labs, optometry appointments, in-person assessments and more. The individual care and attention provided doesn't go unnoticed.

"In my case, for example, I have to have a health summary performed every year," said Master Sgt. Carlos Lagman, a patient from the 477th Force Support Squadron. "Because our doctors have longevity here, they know my case and they are familiar with my records. We have a personal relationship that helps smooth the process."

Technical Sgt. Danielle Foster, non-commissioned officer in charge of PHAs, spent the morning directing the patient process making sure each individual moved through the process smoothly.

"Unit monitors schedule individual members and once the individual arrives in the clinic, I direct the entire process, from the various services they need, their visit with the doctor and I review their individual health assessment." In addition, Foster ensures the medics have all the equipment paperwork and facilities they need to answer the additional patient questions and fulfill all of their needs.

"Originally I joined the Air Force to help with college expenses, but being in the medical field gave me an appreciation with what medics do in the Air Force," Foster said. So she stayed, eventually transferring from the active duty into the Air Force Reserve. As a traditional reservist here, Foster works with the unit one weekend each month. On the civilian side, she manages a non-profit organization that helps recently incarcerated individuals, find housing, support and medical services.

"My military and civilian jobs are different worlds, but my experience as an Air Force medic gives me first responder skills and greater knowledge of services on the outside that helps me in my civilian duties as well," she said.

For lab technicians Senior Airmen Randy Corwin and Dakata Nicolson, it's something more subjective that keeps them smiling even on long, busy Saturday PHAs.

"The best part of this job is working alongside great people, co-workers, and a great environment," said Nicolson with Corwin nodding in agreement as the two process labs for active duty members to ship out later that week. "The medicine flight does a lot of events together as a unit and it gives it a family feel here."

"You can tell the people here actually care," said Corwin, whose wife is an active duty Airman also serving on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.

Care works both ways and the 477th Aerospace Medicine Flight keeps that care going month after month.