445th Airlift Wing reservists participate in Operation Arctic Care

  • Published
  • By Stacy Vaughn
  • 445th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, Ohio --  Two reservists from the 445th Aeromedical Staging Squadron and the 445th Aerospace Medicine Squadron deployed with 200 other servicemembers from across the nation to Bethel, Alaska, in March as part of a Joint Forces medical readiness and logistics initiative called Operation Arctic Care.

Sponsored by the Innovative Readiness Training Program under the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs, Operation Arctic Care provided much needed no-cost health care, health education and veterinary services to underserved populations within Alaska's Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region.

The reservists fell into their respected teams with the other servicemembers. Each team, a total of 11, included a mix of doctors, dentists, optometrists and Army veterinarians.

After arriving in Alaska, the teams were forward deployed via Army National Guard UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters with equipment and supplies to the following villages on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta: Alakanuk, Atmauthluak, Chevak, Hooper Bay, Kalskag, Kwethluk, Kwigillingok, Mountain Village, Newtok, Quinhagak and Toksook Bay.

The Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region consists of remote and relatively sparse populations, separated by great distances from essential medical services. The result is a profoundly underserved population.

Tech. Sgt. Letroy Mays, 445th AMDS, said his team set up a full-fledged medical clinic in Kwethluk and provided wellness check-ups to those who normally did not have the opportunity to visit a clinic because of the remoteness of the area where they live. As a medical technician, his role was to assist the doctor on his team.

"We worked 12-hour shifts in order to accommodate all of the villagers. Of the 689 villagers in Kwethluk, we provided medical support to 325," Sergeant Mays said. "My medical technical skills were taken to a new level with this experience because I also did infant and childcare immunizations."

Sergeant Mays said the most rewarding experience of the entire operation was the career day and education briefs that they gave to the local school for grades K-1 to 12th. He had the opportunity to speak to the students about preventive health care and the dangers of bullying.

"Speaking about service to our Nation and leading a healthy lifestyle afforded us a forum to get many of the children to realize opportunities exist when you lead a healthy productive life," he said.

Maj. Margaret Myslinsky, 445th ASTS, also had the opportunity to talk with the local school children in Quinhagak. "Our team taught classes on nutrition and bullying. The Navy seamen taught basic life support to the teachers," Major Myslinsky said. She said while her team was at the school, they did fluoridation on the 216 school children and gave them eye exams. 

"We were primary care physicians and provided care to 260 patients, out of a population of more than 600 that live in and around Quinhagak. 

Both Major Myslinsky and Sergeant Mays agreed that Operation Arctic Care was an important learning experience that they'll never forget. 

"Operation Arctic Care is a positive experience to interact with Native Alaskans and deliver the best medical service for those who do not ordinarily seek traditional healthcare. Getting people to trust you, and building relationships with the village leaders, and other healthcare providers was a critical factor for generating appointments for the dental, optometry and ambulatory care clinics," Sergeant Mays said. "I recommend that all healthcare providers give one tour of service to Arctic Care and give to communities which are expanding and equipping themselves for the future." 

"Operation Arctic Care was a wonderful experience and brought new insight into cold weather training, life in austere conditions, and the healthcare system in Alaska, which is very unique for the Native Alaskans," Major Myslinsky said.