F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- Wounded warrior care awareness spreads nationwide throughout November. Senior Airman Rigel Bridge, 90th Medical Group physical medicine journeyman, is doing his part to ensure wounded military members get the proper physical therapy they need to heal year round, not just in November.
There have been more than 45,000 service members wounded in America’s recent conflicts, including more than 6,300 Air Force members.
F.E. Warren AFB does their part to take care of the wounded nearby.
"Due to our access, we currently only provide services to active duty members and civilians working on base," said Bridge.
One of the missions for the physical therapy unit is to help the injured Airmen enhance their lives after an injury.
"What we do is execute the plan from the doctor by increasing mobility, stretching the joint and strengthening muscle," said Bridge. "The final goal is to get them back to normal."
A goal becomes what Bridge pushes the Airman towards, something attainable to achieve. Bridge explains the goal can be something seemingly simple such as cooking with a spouse or picking up a child.
Bridge is dedicated to motivating patients towards progress.
"SrA Bridge's compassion and drive fuels some of the most impressive patient care I have ever seen," said Master Sgt. Rolando Guerrero, 90th MDG physical medicine flight chief.
Due to the recent renovation of the medical clinic, the physical therapy team has seen a positive influence on their patients. This is in part to the close proximity of the primary care providers and the ability to work on patient care together.
"We have a good network here," said Bridge. "The medical group is a family, not just my unit. We all work together to get the job done."
To set up an appointment with physical therapy call the 90th MDG appointment line at 307-773-3461.