Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Foster | Hawaii National Guardsmen assigned to Task Force Medical assist the Department of...... read more read more
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Beyond the Front Lines
By SSG Thomas A. Foster
The Hawaii National Guard continues to serve its communities as the COVID-19 pandemic remains a threat. Without hesitation or reservations, many in the healthcare realm have answered the call to be on the frontlines. That includes Col. Mark Young, commander of TF-MED and the 298th Regiment, Multi-Functional Training Regiment in Waimanalo.
“As the Commander of Task Force Medical (TF-MED), I am honored to serve with an exceptionally agile and dedicated team of medical professionals,” said Col. Young. “TF-MED consists of highly trained and credentialed doctors, dentists, nurses, physician’s assistants, medical technicians, therapists, and medics.”
Another organization on the frontlines is the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH). Through their partnership with the Hawaii National Guard (HING), both groups have been conducting testing in Hawaii’s communities.
“A few weeks ago, we learned that a family in public housing was diagnosed with COVID,” said Elizabeth MacNeill, the DOH Tuberculosis Control Branch Chief. “We figured that community members in public housing may not have access to the education and screening for COVID. They have lost jobs and probably medical coverage too.”
But where there are challenges for those affected, both organizations see the opportunity to serve.
“We are going door-to-door educating residents on COVID,” said Gloria Fernandez, a Public Health Nurse with DOH. “We are correcting any misinformation and getting out the proper information.”
These visits provide, but are not limited to; COVID-19 swabbing, temperature screening, education and prevention, and other supportive services on multiple islands.
TF-MED also performed 217 COVID-19 swab tests and 552 medical screenings on residents living on Maui, Lanai, and Molokai. The support continues as long as there is a need throughout the State.
“Partnering with Guard has been wonderful,” Fernandez said. “Great to work with a group of people with a large and unique skill set. Great working with the Guard doing community things rather than just seeing them doing their ‘Soldier duties.’”
MacNeill echoed those sentiments saying, “The Hawaii National Guard has been outstanding. They have been eager to embrace the roles they’ve been asked to assume.”
Senior Airman Danielle Demello joined the Guard so she could provide her daughter a good education. Demello, a single mom, works as an emergency medical technician (EMT) for American Medical Response (AMR) and this opportunity has given her the tools and skills needed for current operations.
“I am swabbing citizens who need to be tested,” said Demello, a search-and-extraction medic with the Hawaii Air National Guard’s 154th Medical Group, Detachment 1, assigned to TF-MED.
This is what makes the Guardsmen unique, it’s not just their commitment; but their civilian backgrounds and experience as well.
“I am also a registered nurse for my civilian job,” said Capt. Ernette Visitacion, 154th Medical Group, Detachment 1, Hawaii Air National Guard assigned to TF-MED. “I joined the Air Guard after Sept. 11, 2001, because I wanted to have a positive impact on my community.”
The numbers prove their efforts are working. As the amount of communities with the frontline workers visit to educate the public on COVID-19 goes up, the numbers of positives in those areas remain low.
“Over 400 households have been contacted during the partnership events.” MacNeill stated. “We think of this as more of prevention. Not seeing a lot of COVID in the community, but we want everyone to be prepared. The plan is to do all the public housing on Oahu.”
It’s important for all to remain vigilant in supporting the health and safety of the various communities, counties and the State. The State of Hawaii has transitioned into Phase 2: Re-opening. Meanwhile TF-MED continues its partnership with DOH in the fight to mitigate the spread of the virus.
TF-MED is grateful for the opportunities to serve and remains ready to support the State of Hawaii. HING members work and live in every community across the islands and have a proven track record of success supporting civilian authorities.
“The response from our partners and community have been met with a genuine appreciation for the Hawaii National Guard for making our state a safer place,” said Young.
As of June 1, 2020, about 800 HING Soldiers and Airmen support COVID-19 missions in the State of Hawaii.
| Date Taken: | 06.25.2020 |
| Date Posted: | 06.27.2020 13:46 |
| Story ID: | 372862 |
| Location: | HAWAII, US |
| Web Views: | 94 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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