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Reservists ensure Guard Airmen medically ready

  • Published
  • By Jerry Bynum
  • 624th Regional Support Group Public Affairs
Total force integration was put into practice here recently when Reserve Citizen Airmen from the 624th Aerospace Medicine Flight helped Air National Guard Airmen from the 254th Air Base Group meet medical requirements.

Guardsmen and Reservists in Guam have built a successful relationship by working together when other resources aren’t available during weekend duty to meet Airmen’s needs.

“We have a great working relationship with the Air Force Reserve,” said Brig. Gen. Johnny Lizama, Guam National Guard assistant adjutant general – Air. “We can work together regardless of the mission or need, and we’re better because of that cooperation.”

Airmen who needed physical health assessments and individual medical readiness requirements were seen by 624th AMDF medical staff who provided dental exams, immunizations, laboratory work and medical provider visits. While managing their own Reserve requirements, the 624th AMDF was able to facilitate 84 appointments during the weekend.

“Medical readiness is absolutely critical for our Airmen’s ability to deploy at a moment’s notice,” said Col. Timothy Puzan, ANGs 254th Air Base Group commander. “We typically don’t have this type of medical access through the active-duty medical staff during our unit training assemblies, and the Reserves give us that flexibility. It’s a win for the total force team.”

Individual medical readiness requirements must be met in order for members to be placed in a deployable status. Working together in a TFI environment means standards are the same, regardless of the Air Force component. No matter the Airmen’s status, they’re able to have their requirements met because of uniformity.

This collaboration allows Guard Airmen to have their unique medical requirements met, and provides an opportunity for Reservists to gain experience, improve expertise and increase overall effectiveness.

“This is what being on the same team is all about,” said Tech. Sgt. Vincent Nelson, 624th AMDF dental services non-commissioned officer in charge. “Guard Airmen get the care they need in order to be worldwide qualified, while our Reserve Citizen Airmen get valuable hands-on specialty experience.”

All Airmen train to the same standards and capabilities, which permits flexibly between the various Air Force components. This allows units to interact and work together, maximizes resources and improves proficiency.

“Working together is mutually beneficial for the Air Force Reserve, the Air National Guard, and the total force,” said Lt. Col. John Tudela, 624th AMDF commander. “Our teamwork ensures Airmen’s IMR requirements are met so they’re ready when needed. We’re one Air Force contributing to the larger mission.”

The 624th AMDF, which is part of the 624th Regional Support Group, provides medical support to Air Force component organizations to ensure wartime readiness. The unit supports the 624th RSGs mission to deliver mission essential capability through combat readiness, quality management and peacetime deployments to any area of responsibility while deploying qualified medical professionals in support of contingency operations worldwide.