HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. -- Almost a dozen Citizen Airmen from the 482nd Medical Squadron were mobilized this week in response to the on-going Coronavirus pandemic.
Nurses and medical technicians departed on April 22 to join other reservists that were earlier called upon to provide medical support to Americans in the New York City area. This second mobilization brings to total 770 Reserve members currently fighting COVID-19.
Lt. Col. Rebekah Kramer, a nurse assigned to the MDS, has been working in New York City since the original call-up was made in early April.
“Each one of our deployed medical personnel have discontinued their own personal lives to provide much needed medical attention to infected individuals during this pandemic,” said Col. Steven Clough, 482nd MDS commander. “The Mako Medics have the experience and desire to take their skill set where ever they are needed at a moment’s notice.”
Behind the scenes, members of the 482nd Fighter Wing worked fast to process the deploying members, ensuring they had the appropriate personal protective equipment, travel arrangements, and logistical requirements were met.
“I would also like to direct a great deal of gratitude towards the Homestead 482nd Operations Group and Logistical Readiness Squadron. Their professionalism and concerted efforts allowed our medical deployers to be in-place within a 24 to 48 hour timeframe - certainly an all-team production,” Clough said.
“I’ve never been more proud of our Reserve Citizen Airmen and how they’ve stepped up to support Americans, said Lt. Gen. Richard Scobee, AFRC commander and Chief of the Air Force Reserve. “The Air Force Reserve is designed to provide critical rapid response and this capability is on full display as we provide support where it’s needed most.”