DGMC's dynamic duo supports Air Force's greatest asset - Battle-ready Airmen warriors

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Austin Delacruz, Jr.
  • 60th Medical Operations Squadron
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  From feet to head, that's how David Grant USAF Medical Center nurtures the Air Force's greatest asset; the battle-ready Airman warrior. 

The 60th Aerospace Medicine Squadron's Flight Medicine and Force Health Management departments at DGMC ensure expeditionary forces are medically ready for worldwide operations. Their goal is to optimize human weapon systems through performance enhancement, preventive and occupational health programs, environmental risk assessment, health promotion and eye care. It's their job to ensure Team Travis Airmen are fit and healthy, ready to deploy, fight and win any war, anytime, anywhere around the globe. 

The 60 AMDS supports diverse aviation missions and also provides health care to approximately 88,000 beneficiaries. Currently, 60 AMDS serves the continental United States and the Pacific Air Forces with the largest Department of Defense treatment and research hyperbaric chamber and an Aeromedical Staging Facility. 

"We need to ensure Airmen are physically fit and in optimal health before deployment for two main reasons: first, Airmen may not have the same access to medical and dental care in deployed environments, and secondly, their teams are counting on their skills to complete a mission," explained Dr. (Lt. Col.) Lyrad Riley, 60 AMDS Flight Medicine commander. 

"When someone is sent home because their asthma acts up or they can't lift, their team may be left short-handed. We all count on each other," Dr. Riley said. "Here at home station, we need to optimize mental and physical health to be ready for the demands of any contingency." 

According to Dr. Riley, the regular care that's provided is like the routine maintenance on an aircraft, increasing dependability and durability of our most critical weapon system, the individual Airman. 

Dr. Riley pointed out, "The above is true for all Airmen. Specifically addressing our clinic's aviation and special duty population." "We have even higher standards and additional monitoring because the stakes are higher -- controlling multi-million dollar aircraft, performing hazardous duty in hyperbaric chambers or with special weapons," he said. 

Dr. Riley emphasized the significant role health and readiness plays in winning any war. "Technology is great, and we're a technology-heavy service, but none of it works without the Airman at the controls," Dr. Riley explained. "And while the combat injuries make the headlines, most of the 'casualties' of past conflicts have been non-battle injuries and illnesses; typically 80 percent of the holes in our ranks are from disease and non-battle injuries." 

Top wing and base leadership, squadron and flight commanders and senior non-commissioned officers are at the core in making sure Team Travis is fit-to-fight. 

"Flight Medicine and Force Health Management use Medically Mobility Ready metrics, formerly known as Individual Medical Readiness metrics, to report the readiness posture to wing leadership," stated Tech. Sgt. Kristine Brown, 60 AMDS non-commissioned officer in charge of Flight Medicine and Force Health Management. "MMR consists of compliance to elements such as annual Preventive Health Assessments, laboratory works, immunizations dental and profile restrictions." 

According to Sergeant Brown, Team Travis' fitness rate is between 93 to 95 percent, which is comparable to other AMC bases. Overall, Travis' average MMR rating is between 80 to 83 percent as compared to Air Mobility Command's standard of 80 percent. 

"Developing and caring for our Airmen and their families is a top priority," said Michael Donley, Secretary of the Air Force, in his Nov. 10 Letter to Airmen, echoing the designation of November as Warrior Care Month by the Secretary of Defense, Dr. Robert Gates. 

The 60 AMDS has always been an integral part of this continuous effort of improving and striving to provide top-notch care of our warriors and their families. As a result, the web-based health assessment questionnaire was fully implemented during the first quarter of 2008 which streamlined the PHA process. This self-report tool for assessment is scored, interpreted and reported by the computer, ensuring efficient, high-quality preventive care for the members. 

Prior to deployment, the 60 AMDS Public Health office screens all deployers for need of preventive medications which are then prescribed by the flight surgeons. This process has been designed to save the deployer's time by not having to make an appointment with their primary care providers. Deployers are allowed to use the Flight Medicine clinic's walk-in hours for this purpose. 

Upon return from deployment, an independent duty medical technician reviews the members' Post-Deployment Health Reassessment questionnaires in a timely manner and addresses any and all concerns brought about by the deployment. 

"Flight Medicine and Public Health/Force Health Management work hand-in-hand to ensure that all medical issues prior to and after deployment are dealt with appropriately and without delay," said Sergeant Brown. 

Dr. Riley expressed his reassurance and encouragement to Team Travis. "We, in the Flight Medicine Clinic, will do everything we can to help you be fit and perform your mission safely -- immunizations, identifying needs for medication or glasses. We are committed to taking care of your families while you are taking care of business," he said. 

"However, individual Airmen can do more than the medics ever can to optimize their health by doing three simple things: do not smoke, engage in aerobic exercise for at least 40 minutes at least three times a week and finally, eat right: five to six fruits and vegetables per day, lots of whole grains and low-fat dairy, light on the meat and infrequent fried and processed food with saturated fats." 

"The Air Force keeps the promise by providing the very best medical care available," said Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney McKinley in his Nov. 14 edition of The Enlisted Perspective. 

Indeed, 60 AMDS Flight Medicine and Force Health Management departments have done that and will continue to take care of our Airmen warriors - from home, to the frontline and back.