Photo By Capt. Robert Gallimore | Sgt. 1st Class Sean Gordon of 212th Combat Support Hospital’s ground maintenance...... read more read more
By Capt. Daniel Boone and Capt. Mary Andrea Ugaddan
212th CSH Public Affairs
MIESAU, Germany – Four hundred family members and Soldiers converged at the Live Surgical Exercise training site on Miesau Ammo Depot as the 212th Combat Support Hospital opened its gates to welcome children and spouses to a Family Day April 19 in celebration of the Month of the Military Child.
The Live Surgical Exercise, or LIVEX, is the 212th CSH’s semiannual capstone training event, where multinational and multi-component participants were integrated with the 212th CSH to test patient flow and tactical standard operating procedures. On Day 7 of the Live Surgical Exercise, or LIVEX, the 212th took the time for Families to see the fully functional field hospital and let Soldiers showcase their craft.
The event kicked off with a sumptuous barbecue prepared from the CSH’s containerized kitchen. Families dined together and enjoyed the hot chow. Soldiers and their families were allowed to walk through the hospital and its grounds, giving the children a glimpse of their Soldier’s workspace and of what their day-to-day environment consisted. Samuel Ortiz, age 8, who experienced separation from his dad due to military duties and a deployment as a medic, stated: “I felt like I was taken to a war zone and I got to see what my daddy does in it. The tents were cool and so are the Soldiers!”
The 212th CSH’s Staff Sgt. Arvin Aledia, an intensive care unit nurse, had the opportunity to show his 11th-grade daughter about intravenous catheters and the procedures for insertion. It seemed like a small task but it was an excellent opportunity for Military Children to get a better understanding of their parent’s job and skills.
Crystal Ortiz, a military spouse for 9 years, expressed appreciation for this experience: “I enjoyed getting the chance to experience not only what and where my husband works, but also being able to have him and other great Soldiers show us what equipment they use and how to use it.”
Seeing the field hospital and the Tactical Operations Center gave 18-year old Wes Howard and his mom, Heather, a better insight into their Soldier’s passion for his work: “It was great to finally be able to picture where my husband has been working all these years! It was great to see all the families coming out to view the hospital, too! ”
Meanwhile, fun stations were set up for kids to explore on the hospital grounds. There was a light medium tactical vehicle where children were able to perform radio calls in it. A field litter ambulance was on display where younger kids enjoyed hopping in and laying in the beds. There was even a forklift demonstration where the children were in awe as it lifted a generator high up into the air.
Noah Baynes, age 10, said: “My favorite was going in the radio truck and pretending to drive. Also, I liked the surgery room.” For his sister, Emma, age 8, it was: “Going in the big truck and trying the beds in the hospital.”
For other children, it was the simple joys that made an impression on them. “This hospital is amazing and a great place to play hide and go seek!” stated 8-year old Zoe Fredach.
Staff Sgt. Alaynna Davis also shared: “My kids are pretty easy to please. They said the best place was the pharmacy and the prescription jellybeans!” Whose child doesn’t love jellybeans?
Following this year’s theme for Month of the Military Child: “Proud, Ready and Resilient”, the 212th children were recognized as “Everyday Heroes” in a memorable awards ceremony. Working with the Family Readiness Group, 212th CSH Commander, Col. Myron McDaniels and Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Howard presented the children with dog tags on which “Military Strong” was inscribed as well as Certificates of Appreciation for their steadfast love and support of their Soldier parent. The event concluded with a group photo of the Soldiers and families in the exercise.
The Family Day definitely left an indelible impact not only on children and families but also on the 212th CSH Soldiers.
As Capt. Melissa Kalis noted: “I enjoyed showing my girls the area I work in, the operating room. I have never done a show and tell of my job with my children. I had fun, they liked the surgical instrument table and they were intrigued. I felt a sense of pride in my job, sharing that with my daughters. It’s important that our children know what we do all day long while we are away from them.”
| Date Taken: | 05.07.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 05.07.2015 11:13 |
| Story ID: | 162564 |
| Location: | BRUCHMUHLBACH-MIESAU, RHEINLAND-PFALZ, DE |
| Web Views: | 78 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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