Hoosier Airmen provide medical care in Aloha state

Published Aug. 30, 2013
By Senior Airman Jami K. Lancette
434th ARW Public Affairs

GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- When many Hoosiers head to the Aloha state, they are going for rest and relaxation, but not one team of Grissom reservists who made their trip about work and service.

Seven 434th Aerospace Medicine Squadron medics recently went on a two-week training and outreach mission to Hawaii as they took part in a joint-services humanitarian aid mission, serving people in medically deprived areas with basic medical attention.

The medics hit the ground running in two locations on the Hawaiian Islands of Maui and Lana'i, said Maj. John Kutcka, 434th AMDS administrative officer.

"(Lana'i and other areas) are actually some of the most medically underserved areas in the country because of their remoteness," Kutcka explained. "There was no optical care and only one dentist."

The team served a wide-range of people from all walks of life that came to see medical staff and receive treatment. Some even traveled great distances just to receive care, which had an emotional impact on the 434th AMDS team.

Staff Sgt. Anna Macleod, 434th AMDS medical technician, recalled an elderly person that walked three-and-a-half hours just to get checked out.

"The best part of the trip for me would be seeing people come get their first vision exam and then two days later having a brand new pair of glasses made by the military," said Staff Sgt. Kandi Delee, 434th AMDS aerospace medical technician. "They actually sent the prescriptions to our unit in Maui who then made them and shipped them right back to us."

Not only did the medics provide medical care, they also focused on prevention through knowledge as they offered educational sessions for those with concerns, said Tech. Sgt. Shannon Fuller, 434th AMDS health services management technician.

And, their service wasn't just limited to a clinic as the team branched out and volunteered their spare time with various community projects.

"We assisted with erosion control and cleared an area so the local kids could use it as a camp," recalled Macleod. "We even had people that were fixing vehicles and a veterinarian that was helping the animal population."

While appreciate for their services wasn't required or even expected, the 434th AMDS team said it was felt in great abundance, making the trip even more memorable.

"I can't say enough of the reaction and unbelievable appreciation that the local people showed us," said Kutcka. "You can't put into words their gratitude towards us."

The 434th AMDS is part of the 434th Air Refueling Wing, the largest KC- 135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Airmen and aircraft from the 434th ARW routinely deploy around the world in support of the Air Force mission and U.S. strategic objectives.

Stay connected with the 434th ARW on Facebook and Twitter.

News Search

Hoosier Airmen provide medical care in Aloha state

Hoosier Airmen provide medical care in Aloha state

Public Affairs Staff