Sky Soldier medics always ready, uniform or not

The scene of an accident in Austria where medical personnel from the 173rd Airborne Brigade rendered assistance.

FELDBACH, AUSTRIA
12.08.2017
Story by Spc. Kyle Harvey
173rd Airborne Brigade 

Two United States Army Surgeons were first on the scene of a tragic accident on Highway B66 in western Austria, aiding a man in the fight for his life.
A farm tractor heading northbound on B66, a two-lane highway, attempted to turn left but overlooked the semi-truck that was traveling toward it in the on-coming lane and was struck head on.
The two United States Army Officers, Major Adrian Arnett, the Battalion Surgeon for the Brigade Support Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade and Major Andrew Galdi, the Senior Physician Assistant for the 173rd Airborne Brigade, were driving with their families near Feldbach, Austria on the morning of November 22nd when they came upon the crash.
Communicating to each other through hand held radios and quickly realizing that this event had just occurred, the two rushed to the aid of the victim.
“…there’s no question that we were going to get out and help…” said Maj. Arnett
The Army Doctors retrieved aid bags from their cars and ran to the mangled wreckage. Upon reaching the victim, Maj. Arnett found a pulse in the man’s neck while Maj. Galdi assessed his other injuries.
Observing the oil and gasoline leaking from the tractor, Maj. Galdi made the decision to cut the cloth door from the farm tractor in order to pull the man from the wreckage. A gnarled steering wheel and cab interior held onto the large man, forcing both of these Soldiers to muster all of their strength in order to pull him free.
“Once we layed him on his back, we checked him again, and he’s not breathing. His pulse was irregular and pretty faint,” said Maj. Arnett.
Discovering the victim was no longer breathing on his own and had lost consciousness, the 173rd Docs rapidly began chest compressions, as well as administered a breathing bag. To keep the man’s body oxygenated and blood flowing to his vital organs.
“We were using the basics of what you get from Bayonet First Responder or Combat Life Saver Class; how to stop Hemorrhages, how to maintain someone’s airway, just being familiar with that and practice with that. I think every soldier should have those skills in their arsenal, said Major Arnett.
Roughly 30 minutes into their rescue, first response Austrian Emergency Services arrived.
“They have a significant amount of equipment, but not the clearance to use it, so that’s where it was beneficial for us because we could use all the equipment without them having to take the time to call an Austrian doctor to the scene," said Major Arnett.
The Austrian Emergency Services provided them with an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), an Oropharyngeal Airway (OPA), along with much needed fluids given to the patient.
Continuous chest compressions, defibrillation, and other Advanced Cardiac Life Support techniques were conducted for the next 15 minutes until the 69-year-old-man eventually passed. "We are always saddened when a patient passes, but are comforted that we provided hope where there was none".
It was later determined that the injuries sustained in the accident were to the severity that he could not be saved. This did not stop the 173rd Airborne Brigade surgeons from making every effort to save him, because this is what they are trained to do. “I think a lot of people probably drove by and thought I wish I could have done something, and I hope that when people have those skills and the ability to help, they put those into effect!” said Maj. Arnett
Majors Arnett and Galdi epitomized Personal Courage and Selfless Service, two of the Army’s Core Values, on this day.
The 173rd Airborne Brigade prides itself on training and maintaining the pinnacle of the Airborne Soldier no matter what the MOS marker on their ERB reads, from doctors to cooks and truck drivers to infantryman. This instance is a prime example of the doctors and medics in this brigade who are always ready to jump into the action with their counterparts and treat, with confidence, whatever may happen to those men and women under their care.
Maj. Galdi said, “What you carry on you, knowing the equipment, knowing how to use it, and knowing the indications when to use that equipment, and utilizing Bayonet First Responder which is our version of our CLS is going to prepare you for this”.
The Brigade cultivates a mentality of toughness and bravery which is highly respected by our NATO allies and feared by our foes. Training daily to keep war fighting skills sharp so that when the time comes, Sky Soldiers are prepared for any obstacle they will face. There’s not a mag pouch or drop of CLP a Sky Soldier takes for granted. These Paratroopers learn, train and maintain their arms and equipment to be constantly prepped for any occasion.

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Santa visits Hohenfels’ tree lighting ceremony

Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive with a little help from the Hohenfels Training Area's Fire Department on a snowy afternoon to assist with the Joint Multinational Readiness Center's Tree Lighting Ceremony Dec. 8, 2017. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. David Overson)

HOHENFELS, BY, GERMANY
12.11.2017
Story by Staff Sgt. David Overson
Joint Multinational Readiness Center 

HOHENFELS, Germany – Most children anxiously await the arrival of Santa on Christmas Eve. However, for the boys and girls living on or near the U.S. Army’s Hohenfels Training Area, Germany, Christmas came early. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived aboard a fire truck to help light the Joint Multinational Readiness Center’s community Christmas tree Dec. 8, 2017.

Santa also brought the proverbial, and literal “white Christmas” with him. It started heavily snowing while everyone awaited his arrival. Nevertheless, those in attendance waited with giant smiles and bated breath.

Hohenfels Fire Chief, Stoeckl Guenter, was more than happy to assist getting Santa and Mrs. Claus to the tree lighting ceremony.

“We received a call earlier in the afternoon by Santa,” said Guenter. “He was worried that he might be late and wanted to see if we could give him a ride. Obviously when Santa calls, you pick up the phone and do anything you can to help.”

Santa and Mrs. Claus were more than happy to help kick start the community’s holiday season.

“When I heard the Joint Multinational Readiness Center was having a tree lighting ceremony, I just knew I had to be here,” said Santa. “Mrs. Claus and I love spending time with U.S. Army Soldiers and their families. It’s also important to point out, that a true Army community also has civilian employees equally dedicated to the Army mission. Here in Hohenfels, I really see the Christmas spirit all around me.”

Though Santa was the star of the evening, there was plenty of other fun being enjoyed all around. A train was lighting smiles on all the smaller children’s faces as they rode until their hearts were content. The local Boy Scout troop, Troop 303, was selling Christmas trees, the local PTA group was in attendance and various vendors were selling hot chocolate, gluhwein, s’mores and other holiday goodies.

The Hohenfels Middle School/High School’s Choir entertained the crowd with wonderful seasonal songs, and one could see the tight community in full effect.

Mrs. Claus, adorned in her Christmas regalia, might have been nearly as popular as Santa was.

“I don’t get to travel with Kris on Christmas Eve,” said Mrs. Claus. “So every time there’s an opportunity like this I really enjoy tagging along. I just love visiting with all the happy children, and this community certainly has a lot of them.”

“As far as tree lighting ceremonies go, Hohenfels and the Joint Multinational Readiness Center did one heck of a job,” added Santa. “I’m not sure if I’ll see one better anywhere else this year. I’m just so proud of this community.”

Santa wanted everyone to know that though he arrived early in Hohenfels, Germany for this tree lighting ceremony, his regular deliveries will be on time.

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Personnel hold rare December prescribed burn at Fort McCoy

Post personnel oversee a prescribed burn Dec. 1, 2017, at an area along railroad tracks on South Post at Fort McCoy, Wis. Personnel with the Fort McCoy Directorate of Emergency Services Fire Department; Directorate of Public Works Environmental Division Natural Resources Branch; Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security; and the Colorado State University Center of Environmental Management of Military Lands under contract with the post help coordinate each prescribed burn at the post. Prescribed burns, generally, are done in the spring and fall seasons because weather conditions are most favorable at those times. Prescribed burns also improve wildlife habitat, control invasive plant species, restore and maintain native plant communities, and reduce wildfire potential. This was the first time in recent history where a prescribed burn was held in December. (U.S. Army Photo by Scott T. Sturkol, Public Affairs Office, Fort McCoy, Wis.)

FORT MCCOY, WI, UNITED STATES
12.07.2017
Story by Scott Sturkol     
Fort McCoy Public Affairs Office   

Fort McCoy held a rare prescribed burn in December as conditions were ideal to have it completed.

Personnel with the Fort McCoy Directorate of Emergency Services Fire Department; Directorate of Public Works Environmental Division Natural Resources Branch; Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security; and the Colorado State University Center of Environmental Management of Military Lands under contract with the post help coordinate each prescribed burn at the post.

Jim Kerkman, installation forester for the Directorate of Public Works (DPW) Environmental Division Natural Resources Branch, said completing and planning prescribed burns has to be a team approach.

"Prescribed burns, generally, are done in the spring and fall seasons because weather conditions are most favorable at those times," Kerkman said.

Charles Mentzel, Fort McCoy forestry technician who oversaw the Dec. 1 burn, said it was an ideal opportunity.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources defines prescribed burns as a way to "improve wildlife habitat, control invasive plant species, restore and maintain native plant communities and reduce wildfire potential."

"Prescribed burns help reduce wildfire potential in areas all around the post — especially in places where military training is taking place," Mentzel said.

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Spangdahlem hosts Munitions Support Squadron Fire Chiefs working group

Photo By Staff Sgt. Jonathan Snyder | Tech. Sgt. Donald Cobb, 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron fire department training NCO-in-charge, leads the discussion of best practices and issues that the geographically separated units face during a Strike Mission working group at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, Nov. 30, 2017. During the week, participants of the working group talked about initial response force responsibilities, they also had an F-16 Fighting Falcon and C-17 Globe Master III familiarization walk through, and a confined space extraction class. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jonathan Snyder)

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, RP, GERMANY
12.07.2017
Story by Staff Sgt. Jonathan Snyder
52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs 

Fire chiefs from four geographically separated units around Europe assigned to the 52nd Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem Air Base Germany came together to collaborate, discuss best practices, and future training needs during a Strike Mission Working Group from Nov. 27 to Dec. 1, 2017.

“Spangdahlem Fire Department is responsible to give training to our GSUs annually,” said Tech. Sgt. Donald Cobb, 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron fire department training NCO-in-charge. “Hosting this event gave us a good idea of what we can do to better support our GSUs.”

During the week participants of the working group talked about initial response force responsibilities, they also had an F-16 Fighting Falcon and C-17 Globe Master III familiarization walk through, and a confined space extraction class.

“Each fire department has a different understanding as well as different regulations that are imposed by their respective countries in addition to the regulations they must follow for the United States,” said Cobb. “This working group was important because they are all able to talk through the ways each of them comply and the hardships they face.”

It has been five years since the fire department leadership from 703rd Munitions Support Squadron, Volkel AB, Netherlands, 701st MUNSS, Kleine-Brogel, Belgium, 702nd MUNSS, Buchel, Germany, and 704th MUNSS, Ghedi, Italy were able to come together for this working group.

“Information and expert experience shared by other firefighters from other Munitions Support Squadrons is very valuable for everyone here,” said Tonny Janssen, 701st MUNSS fire chief. “We could compare and try to find the best solution from experienced individuals attending the working group.”

Putting Out the Flames at Patriot Warrior

U.S. Air Force firefighters with the 944th Civil Engineer Squadron, Luke AFB, Ariz., 445th Civil Engineer Squadron, Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio, 932nd Civil Engineer Squadron, Scott Air Force Base, Ill., and the 910th Civil Engineer Squadron, Youngstown, Ohio, respond to a C-130 Hercules aircraft crash training scenario, during exercise Patriot Warrior at Young Air Assault Strip, Fort McCoy, Wis., Aug. 11, 2017. Patriot Warrior is an Air Force Reserve training exercise designed to enhance wartime skills in a deployment-style environment and evaluate the ability of units to deploy mobility airlift and agile combat support capabilities in support of joint theater operations. ( U.S. Air Force Photo by Tech. Sgt. Efren Lopez )

FORT MCCOY, WI, UNITED STATES
12.06.2017
Story by Tech. Sgt. Efren Lopez
4th Combat Camera Squadron 

The call to serve, protect and cover your buddy’s back is a common theme in the military, but one group that fully embraces that motto are firefighters within the Armed Forces. When the heat comes on at Patriot Warrior 2017, firefighters are ready to put out the flames.

Patriot Warrior is the Air Force Reserve Command's four-week premier exercise at Fort McCoy, Young Air Assault Strip, and Volk Field Air National Guard Base, Wisconsin. Citizen Airmen from across the Air Force Reserve come together to sharpen their skills. It provides an opportunity for Airmen to train with joint services and is designed to test Reservists’ ability to provide combat-ready forces and operate in dynamic, contested environments.

"They put us in difficult, uncomfortable situations, but that's when we learn the most," said Senior Airman Adam Coyle, a 445th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter from Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio.
Six different squadrons of firefighters from across the country participated in this year’s Patriot Warrior, with many of the firefighters slated to deploy overseas in the next year. Besides learning to operate in a joint environment, the airmen engaged in hands-on training, not just with other USAF firefighters, but U.S. Army as well.

In Patriot Warrior, teams battle controlled burns, attend land-navigation classes, and update their proficiency with firefighting tools while learning about the structure, systems, and challenges that occur in a variety of scenarios. They also become well acquainted with the emergency procedures of the C-130 Hercules aircraft and Army HH-60M MEDEVAC helicopter.

By far, the most memorable event is the jet fuel fire-pit training. Flames leap and contort into a massive pillar of smoke as the firefighters practice attack tactics, combating the aircraft fire with the air rescue and fire fighting vehicles using line operations. "This hands-on training would not be possible back at home station, which doesn’t have those types of capabilities or funding,” said Senior Airman Alexandrina Lopez, 445th CES firefighter.

During the exercise, they practiced automobile extrication where vehicles are set up to simulate accidents with trapped passengers. The scenario is developed to train them on practical skills as well as challenging their decision-making abilities as they apply various tactics to secure the vehicles and save the victims. Their skills are tested during a night-time low water crossing Humvee Extrication scenario where they apply their land navigation skills while using night vision goggles to rescue injured victims in a hostile environment.

The experience and skills developed in these training scenarios are invaluable. As one of the firefighters, Senior Airman Jacob Conway, 445th Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio, remarked, "I joined firefighting because I think it’s the greatest job in the world. I love going to work, helping people, and doing something I always wanted to do since I was a kid."

See more photos here.