F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- “Bringing medical to us speaks volumes about the support and all-in attitude the 90th Missile Wing collectively embodies,” said Major Dexter Binion, commander of the 90th Ground Combat Training Squadron, based at Camp Guernsey.
Members from the 90th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron traveled north October 28, 2021 to Camp Guernsey to provide medical attention to defenders in the 90 GCTS.
The 90 GCTS is assigned to F.E. Warren Air Force Base, but is located 98 miles north at Camp Guernsey. The squadron provides high intensity security, pre-deployment and force protection training to security forces members. The distance between the two installations can make it difficult for defenders to find time for medical appointments amid their busy training schedules.
To help defenders get the medical attention they need during their time at Camp Guernsey, members from the 90 OMRS brought a mobile dental and physical therapy clinic to them.
The 90 OMRS dental clinic provided x-rays and cleanings to defenders to ensure they stay mission ready.
“If our folks’ dental hygiene isn’t good to go, it can take them out of the fight,” said Binion. “That ultimately weakens our front lines and degrades our mission.”
On top of providing medical attention to the airmen at Camp Guernsey, this trip also provided training and experience to the dental technicians of the 90 OMRS. According to Senior Airman Reginald Adams, a dental tech in the 90 OMRS, most of the flight has not used the clinic's portable equipment before.
“It’s nice to get out and be able to get this training and learn,” said Adams. “It’s nice to get hands on.”
Airmen of the 90 OMRS also provided physical therapy to the defenders. Injuries can be easy with the rigorous training schedule the defenders of the 90 GCTS experience. Those injuries are important to get treated to continue to be fit to fight.
“We have noted that a lot of musculoskeletal injuries come to us out of Camp Guernsey,” said Major Lizz Buss, physical therapist in the 90 OMRS. “They have to travel an hour and a half to get physical therapy, so we’re hoping to come up here and do a little prevention education and also treat some patients.”
This was the first time an event like this took place at Camp Guernsey, but both squadrons would like to make it a quarterly or annual event.
“We have got nothing but support from 90 GCTS,” said Major Andrew Ellis, dental flight commander, 90 OMRS. “They are psyched to have us, and we are happy to be here helping.”