332nd Air Expeditionary Wing

Story by Senior Airman Andria Allmond

JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq -- Senior Airman Jessica Dumas of the 332nd Expeditionary Medical Group is the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing's Tuskegee Airman of the Week for Nov. 8-14, 2009.

"Airman Dumas has really given back to her country and to the Air Force," said Brig. Gen. Craig Franklin, 332nd AEW commander. After congratulating the new winner in front of wing leadership, Franklin presented Dumas with the award and a commander's coin at wing headquarters Nov. 20.

The only urology technician in-theater, Dumas provided specialized care to 193 patients -- saving approximately $2 million in aeromedical evacuation expenses. A native of Grand Rapids, Mich., she served as the "surgeon's right hand" during 41 operating room procedures totaling 84 hours. Also, by maintaining a sterile field and aiding the closure of surgical sites, she helped save 14 trauma patients.

Deployed here from Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, she also augmented the immunizations team by helping inoculate 361 Airmen against the flu virus.

"My work gives me satisfaction in knowing that when I perform my duties, I give my all to improve my patients' quality of life," said Dumas. "Specifically, as a surgical assistant the services I provide enable wounded coalition forces to return home to their families whole and well."

She also serves as a Combined Federal Campaign-Overseas representative and coordinated two charity drives.

In her free time, she participates in the JBB honor guard and serves as chairman for the medical group's morale events.

"There are all kinds of ways to support the mission," she said. "Volunteerism is one of those ways. Getting involved helps the time pass in a productive way. This base would not be what it is today without volunteers."

Dumas was nominated by her supervisor, Senior Master Sgt. Michele Borel, 332nd EMDG surgical services flight chief.

"Airman Dumas is smart and independently motivated," said Borel. "Her first day here, she demonstrated a willingness to accept challenges. She immediately got involved with group and wing activities and remained dedicated to her responsibilities as a urology journeyman, all while furthering her knowledge of various medical-surgical procedures."

The 332nd AEW Tuskegee Airman of the Week is open to Airmen between the ranks of E-1 and E-5, and is selected based on an Airman's on and off duty accomplishments.

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