Into the fight: Medical Group answers short-notice call to battle COVID-19

Photo By Master Sgt. Helen Miller | U.S. Air Force 2nd Lt. Kathleen Alejandro, a member of 96th Medical Group, based out of Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., has a “fit test” for her N95 during orientation at the North Dakota Department of Health, Bismarck, N.D., Nov. 22, 2020. A “fit test” tests the seal between the respirator’s face piece and the wearer’s face. After completing the “fit test” and receiving all of the proper protective gear, the U.S. Air Force nurses will integrate into the North Dakota hospitals as part of the Department of Defense’s ongoing joint service virus response efforts. U.S. Northern Command, through U.S. Army North, remains committed to providing flexible Department of Defense support to the Federal Emergency Management Agency in support of the whole-of-America COVID-19 response. (U.S. Army Photo by Master Sgt. Helen Miller)  

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, FLORIDA, UNITED STATES

11.30.2020

Story by Samuel King Jr.              

96th Test Wing

Instead of Thanksgiving holiday eats and shopping, 21 96th Medical Group Airmen deployed in support of stateside COVID-19 operations.

The deployment to North Dakota, a current COVID-19 death-rate hotspot, was short notice to say the least, at only four days.

“A short notice CONUS deployment tasking in support of the NORTHCOM combatant commander to fight a pandemic is unprecedented for this medical group,” said Col. Matthew Hanson, 96th MDG commander.

As soon as the tasking came down, the deployers and their readiness teams came together to meet the requirement, prepare themselves to go and mitigate the personnel gaps left behind, according to Col. Michelle Anton, 96th Healthcare Operations Squadron.

During those few days, the deployers and their teams tackled a host of variables and obstacles that sprang up. Rapid medical clearances, last-minute personnel swaps, unexpected reporting requirements, life-support training classes and procurement of sub-zero parkas were just a few of the issues the teams encountered and overcame.

The deployers were split into two flights leaving Eglin heading North. Capt. Ronald Golemboski, a 96th HCOS nurse, was on the first flight. Golemboski, who’d deployed to combat zones in previous deployments, said this particular mission just felt different.

“This time, we can’t shoot or even see the enemy. We will gown up in our PPE (personal protective equipment) and do our best,” the captain said.

Capt. Rachael Auger, a 96th HCOS pediatric nurse, was one of 12 Airmen on the later flight. She said she hoped the team would get information quickly once they arrived, so they could get settled and be ready to begin the mission.

The deployed nurses will be divided by their specialty. The critical care nurses will be spread out across the state’s larger city hospitals, while the clinical nurses will move to help the rural locations.

These Airmen bound for North Dakota were the second group with a COVID-19 tasking in as many weeks with a smaller band deploying to El Paso, Texas.

“I’m so proud of the battle-tested team of highly skilled medical professionals caring for the people of Texas and North Dakota,” said Hanson. “They have answered their nation’s call and are ready and equipped to fight this new enemy that threatens the health and safety of all Americans. We wish them Godspeed.”

• Date Taken: 11.30.2020
• Date Posted: 11.30.2020 21:15
• Story ID: 383976
• Location: EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, FLORIDA, US