Aug. 31, 2017 This Month in AFMS History: Malcolm Grow and the 1934 Alaskan Flight Before Maj. Gen. (Dr.) Malcolm C. Grow became the first surgeon general of the U.S. Air Force, he was already well-known for his medical activities. Grow was a recognized leader in creating unique equipment, such as armored vests and electric gloves, to help the flyers during World War II. He was
Aug. 31, 2017 Creation of the first Central Medical Establishment in World War II In the early days of World War II, Eighth Air Force Surgeon, Col. Malcolm C. Grow, grew concerned about the mental and physical well-being of aircrews within the command. To address these concerns, he first created a ‘Care of the Flyer’ section on his staff. Shortly thereafter, with the help of Col.
May 12, 2017 First Flight Nurse of the Year Award On May 5, 1968, the Aerospace Medical Association established the “Flight Nurse of the Year award. The first recipient, Maj. Virginia M. Alena, received a trophy, a wrist watch, and a $500 honorarium from the sponsor of the award, Douglas Aircraft Company. She was recognized for her work as the
April 18, 2017 This month in AFMS History: Operation Little Switch On April 20, 1953, Operation Little Switch marked the first successful efforts toward ending hostilities in Korea and ultimately set in motion the Korean War Armistice.
Jan. 26, 2017 40 Years Ago: Last Nurse Survivor of Bataan Still on Active Duty Retires Air Force Lt. Col. Helen M. Hennessey retired Jan. 31, 1967, after 27 years of military service. Hennessey was the last remaining active duty Air Force nurse to have been amongst those who served at the Battle of Bataan in 1941. Hennessey joined the Army in November 1940 and was assigned to the
March 30, 2016 Honoring WWII AF flight nurse During World War II, an American flight nurse was captured, becoming the only female U.S. military member held prisoner of war in the European Theater. Her name was Lt. Reba Z. Whittle. In 1943, Whittle joined the Army Air Forces School of Air Evacuation, where she trained as a flight nurse. It
Feb. 3, 2016 History remembers Lt. Abbie Sweetwine: “The Angel of Platform 6” Among the nearly 100 Air Force personnel who responded to a call for help was a group of eight medics from the nearby 494th Medical Group at Royal Air Force South Ruslip, composed of seven doctors and one nurse - 2nd Lt. Abbie Sweetwine.
April 2, 2015 From flight nurse to chief of medical doctrine, Air Force major’s career soars As an Air Force flight nurse, Maj. Julie Skinner found adventure and rewards she never could have imagined as a civilian registered nurse on the ground.
March 13, 2014 Winged Angels: USAAF flight nurses in WWII Before World War II, the U.S. military showed little interest in using aircraft and flight nurses to evacuate wounded soldiers to rear areas.
Aug. 26, 2011 9/11: Former AF surgeon recalls Pentagon post-attack response The Air Force surgeon who led the medical response after the Pentagon attack 10 years ago said a couple of readiness firsts in the months before mitigated what could have been a much worse outcome.