7 Jan 2022

Critically ill COVID patient delivers baby while on heart-lung bypass

A Marine Corps spouse and mother of five was 28 weeks pregnant when she caught a “mild case” of COVID-19 in June 2021. Ashley Savidge Hernandez felt tired but wasn’t too concerned until she began to have trouble catching her breath. Alarmed for their baby, retired U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Carlos Hernandez drove his wife to Brooke Army Medical Center’s emergency room just to be safe. Ashley had no idea she and her baby were about to embark on a month-long battle for their survival.

3 Jan 2022

DAF authorizes pass for COVID booster

“We strongly encourage all Airmen, Guardians, and DAF federal employees to receive a booster. As COVID-19 cases continue to surge, we need to do everything possible to protect ourselves, our families, and our communities—that means getting a booster,” said Under Secretary of the Air Force Gina Ortiz Jones.

3 Jan 2022

At the forefront: 137th AES commander reflects on lessons learned during major wartime, disaster and pandemic aeromedical responses

Col. Darcy Tate was the first woman in her family to join the Air Force, enlisting in the Air National Guard in 1988. Since then, her career has taken her to the forefront of some of the most major military and aeromedical response events in recent U.S. history. She is now one of two women who are commanders at Will Rogers Air National Guard Base. Her time at the base and in the military showed her the potential she had to succeed in a career she loved, and now she can support others in doing the same.

27 Dec 2021

Air Force discusses future of medicine at annual workshop

Leaders across the Air Force Medical Service met virtually and in-person for an annual Senior Leadership Workshop in Leesburg, Virginia, December 7-9, sharing ideas focused on recalibrating operational readiness.

10 Dec 2021

NY National Guard sends 120 troops to fill gaps in long term care staffing

The New York National Guard has deployed 120 Army medics and Air Force medical technicians to 12 nursing homes and long term care facilities located across the state to help ease staffing shortages. The mission was directed by New York Governor Kathy Hochul and announced on Dec. 1, 2021.

10 Dec 2021

Incirlik Airmen certify on TCCC

The 39th Medical Group conducted Tactical Combat Casualty Care training, the newly required Department of Defense medical care program to qualify medical professionals and 39th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal members December 4-5, 2021.

6 Dec 2021

Department of the Air Force reaches 95% Total Force vaccination rate

This final deadline for Department of the Air Force service members to be fully vaccinated resulted in more than 95% of the total force having at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose.

22 Nov 2021

ARNORTH military hospital support to FEMA begins in Colorado, Minnesota, expands in Montana

At the request of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, approximately 100 military medical personnel will deploy in five, 20-person teams- one team to Colorado, two teams to Montana and two teams to Minnesota- to support civilian healthcare workers treating COVID-19 patients in local hospitals.

17 Nov 2021

For the last time

U.S. Air Force Capt. Katie Lunning was halfway through her first deployment as a Critical Care Air Transport Team nurse when evacuation operations out of Afghanistan began.

16 Nov 2021

Air Force medics continue COVID-19 response in civilian hospitals

As more Americans receive the COVID-19 vaccine, reducing the chances of severe illness and hospitalizations, there are still areas in the country that require additional support. Air Force medics continue to augment care, supporting civilian hospitals in hotspots across the country.