445th Aerospace Medicine Squadron keeps patients healthy

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Julie Weckerlein
  • 445th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  When it comes to health, the 445th Aerospace Medicine Squadron keeps Airmen ready for the mission.

From performing eye exams to administering immunizations to maintaining health records, the 445th AMDS services the entire 445th Airlift Wing and all the units that fall under it.

Reservists are required to have an annual medical and dental exam, known as the Reserve Component Periodic Health Assessment, in order to maintain medical readiness for deployment and world-wide duty. 445th Airlift Wing Airmen must schedule their RCPHA's months in advance as exams are done once a month during a Unit Training Assembly weekend. RCPHA's cover everything from a review of medical records to immunizations and any other specialized services as needed.

Like many units of the 445th Airlift Wing, aerospace medical Airmen travel all over the world to participate in both training exercises and real-world missions. Last year, a few members of the squadron traveled to Alaska to help set up medical clinics at remote Alaskan villages.

"My team set up a full-fledged medical clinic in Quinhaga (Alaska) to provide medical service to those who do not have the opportunity to visit a clinic because of the remoteness of where they live," said Tech. Sgt. Letroy Mays at the time of the exercise.

His experience wasn't unique, though. 445th AMDS, which falls directly under 445th Airlift Wing headquarters, has sent Airmen to parts of Africa and South America to provide medical services. Medical Airmen also deploy around the world.