916th medics pack for pending mission

  • Published
  • By Maj. Shannon Mann
  • 916th Public Affairs Office
Imagine showing up for work at 7a.m. and 1,000 people are there to greet you.

For most people this might seem overwhelming, but for reservists from the 916th Aerospace Medicine Squadron it's just another day at the office while deployed..

Physicians, dentists, nurses and medical technicians depart in August for Central America where they'll take part in a Medical Readiness Exercise, MEDRETE. Their mission is to support the local population by providing a wide-array of health services, but their also there to support goodwill among nations.

As part of this goodwill they'll be distributing small toys, school supplies, coloring books and crayons that they are collecting through July 22.

It helps a small child keep their mind off the exam when you can offer them a toy or crayon, said one Airman.

Col. William Bobbitt, 916th AMDS commander, said the days will be very long and very hot for his people. The last time his team did a similiar mission they treated 60 percent more patients then they were told they could handle. Bobbitt and his team are expecting to see 1,000 people a day for roughly nine days.

But the hard work, long hours and sweltering heat aren't just reserved for when they arrive in-theater. On July 16-17, these reservists came to Seymour Johnson to take on the daunting task of sorting, dividing and packing medications that they will take with them. The 916th Logistics Readiness Squadron held dozens of boxes and medications that the medical team had to place in individual bags to be given out during their two-week deployment. The Airmen worked long hours ensuring the right medications and right amounts went into the right bags.

Bobbitt explained it wasn't only medications that helped treat diseases and illnesses, but they would also provide information on maintaining a healthier lifestyle.

"Everyone knows how important this mission is," said Bobbitt. "You get to change a life."