Deployed Air Force Reserve NCO fulfills many roles in military, civilian healthcare

Courtesy Photo | SOUTHWEST ASIA - Air Force Reserve Tech. Sgt. Jamie-Lynn Winkler is currently a medical technician and shift leader attached to the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing's Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility and deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). When she is not mobilized overseas, the airman is a registered nurse in the intensive care unit (ICU) at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, where she's worked for four years, in her hometown of Buffalo, N.Y. The airman is also a volunteer firefighter and paramedic for Big Tree Volunteer Fire Company in Hamburg, N.Y.  

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06.20.2006

Courtesy Story

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve

Photos by Senior Master Sgt. Darenda Rogers
Story by Spc. Jennifer Sardam, ESGR Forward Team

SOUTHWEST ASIA - "I give them the skills and abilities to save a life one day, and it could be theirs or mine," explained Air Force Reserve Tech. Sgt. Jamie-Lynn Winkler, who teaches a Combat Lifesaver (CLS) course here at a forward-deployed location. The airman is currently a medical technician and shift leader attached to the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing's Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility and deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF).

OEF is the official name given to military operations from Afghanistan to the Horn of Africa (HOA) in support of the Global War on Terror.

Winkler exudes visible excitement for her work here in the enthusiastic, rapid-fire way she describes what it means to her. "It's not only something I do, but I believe in what I teach," she remarked.

Active duty and reserve component members from all branches of the U.S. armed forces are deployed under the U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) to support the war against global terrorism outside the borders of the United States. USCENTCOM is the unified command responsible for U.S. security interests and assets in 27 nations stretching from the HOA, through the Arabian Gulf region, and into Central Asia.

This is Winkler's first deployment to the USCENTCOM area of operations. When she is not mobilized overseas, the airman is a registered nurse in the intensive care unit (ICU) at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, where she's worked for four years, in her hometown of Buffalo, N.Y. She is also based stateside as a military medical technician with the 914th Aeromedical Staging Squadron (ASTS) out of Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, Niagara Falls, N.Y.

But this go-getter doesn't stop there. The airman is also a volunteer firefighter and paramedic for Big Tree Volunteer Fire Company in Hamburg, N.Y.

Winkler added that Big Tree backed her up quite a few times by sending her needed supplies - most recently two trauma bags.

It's hard to believe that before Winkler found her passion in the healthcare field, she was studying for a future in information technology. But she confessed that after she entered the military as a medic, she was "hooked" and decided to focus on preparing for a career in nursing.

She credits her almost 11 year in the military for helping her in many other ways. "It's taught me to organize and manage things in my private and professional life," she said. "[In the Air Force Reserve] you learn how to be both a leader and a follower." She listed teaching, public speaking, confliction resolution, time management skills and a positive attitude as the other attributes she has gained from serving her nation.

Today, more than 1.2 million members of the National Guard and Reserve continue to perform an increasing number of unique missions that require extraordinary actions on the part of everyday citizens. Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is the primary resource for information about the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, commonly known as USERRA. This federal law allows Winkler and other mobilized reserve component members to retain their rights, when the deployment concludes.

Established in 1972, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a DoD agency, provides free USERRA education, consultation, and if necessary, mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve employees. The mission of ESGR is to gain and maintain active support from all public and private employers for the men and women of the National Guard and Reserve. More information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities is available at www.esgr.mil, or by calling the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve at [phone]

Winkler admitted that she misses her job in the ICU, in addition to her coworkers at home. She said they keep her going with a "collaborated effort of well wishes."

However, she is adamant about staying in theater and proud to uphold her role to support the country. "I defend the freedoms that were given to me," she said, adding that she "has been honored and lucky enough to be selected for a second deployment."

Winkler's family and community continue to "back me 110 percent," and make it easy for her to do her job so far from home. "A neighbor checks my house once a month," she said gratefully. "I even have a family watching my dog."

She has already lined up opportunities to repay the community's goodwill when she returns. "I'll be doing assemblies at two local schools," explained Winkler, 'talking to first through fifth-graders about the military."

The noncommissioned officer's (NCO) hard work recently paid off when she won the NCO of the Month Award from the wing for instructing the CLS course. She is the first one from the 386th Expeditionary Medical Group to win the wing award.

"I love what I do," she exclaimed. "I"d give my days off to do it."

ESGR

• Date Taken: 06.20.2006
• Date Posted: 06.20.2006 14:05
• Story ID: 6893
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)